NAME: LUISA PABLIANA ULLOA CARRASCO 4TH SEMESTER

Why is harmful ammonia in an aquarium?

The environment of an aquarium is made up of several elements such as phytoplankton,

zooplankton, organic waste, and the physical and chemical parameters that keep the
aquarium healthy and balanced. Among the chemical parameters is ammonia, an
element that plays a crucial role in the quality of fishs life. This present essay has the
purpose to mention that the high levels of ammonia can be harmful in an aquarium.
Ammonia (NH ) is a chemical compound nitrogen, gaseous and alkaline (Fuse, 2001).
It is a base and water, is an amphoteric, ie it can act as an acid or base. With this
element water behaves as acid. Commonly high levels of ammonia generated in an
aquarium, mainly from excretions (urine and feces) in fish, food decay, they do not eat
and fall on the aquarium substrate, also the decomposition of plants and organisms and
the excessive use of drugs (Aquaculture National Taiwan Ocean University, 2014).
This chemical substance to be released into the water, can be quite toxic when very high
amounts, especially when the pH is greater than 7 (H.Egna, 1997).When there are very
high levels of ammonia is very harmful and toxic to fish health causing problems as the
following:
Altered nervous system (spasms and jumping in the water)
Decreased ability of reproduction and growth
Prevents regeneration of new tissues
Decreased defense
Excessive consumption of oxygen
Loss of color in the fins
Mortality of fish
Breathing difficulties
Stress in fish
Poisoning
Choking

Concluding, it is necessary to keep a balance in the levels of ammonia in an aquarium.

With the purpose to prevent the illness and death of the fish. In this way we can
improving the quality of life and health of the fish.

NAME: LUISA PABLIANA ULLOA CARRASCO 4TH SEMESTER

Bibliografa
Aquaculture National Taiwan Ocean University. (22 de 03 de 2014). Nitrogenous
waste management. Obtenido de
http://www.nicovita.com.pe/cdn/content/cms/archivos/documentos/doc_280_1.
pdf
Aubum University, Alabama. (23 de 3 de 2014). Obtenido de
http://www.cesasin.com.mx/CentroAmerica/1Calidad%20del%20agua.pdf
Autonomous University of Nayarit, Mexico. (24 de 3 de 2014). Obtenido de
http://fuente.uan.edu.mx/publicaciones/03-08/2.pdf
Fuse, L. (2001). Magic of chemistry.
H.Egna. (1997). Dynamics of pond Aquaculture.