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Unread 09/20/2013, 11:43 PM   #1
mindi
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NH4 levels

My fairly new mixed reef tank has measurable Ammonium NH4 of about 0.75 mg/l . It shows at that level in Seachem Total Ammonia test while the Seachem free Ammonia NH3 test consistently shows zero.
Is this level of NH4 OK..? or should I be looking for some way to reduce it.

My other parameters all seem stable and good
pH 8.10 - 8.15 Alk 3.5 meq/l Ca 410 temp 25 NO2 zero NO3 zero PO4 zero

Grateful for any advice on this NH4 question...the toxicity of it seems to depend on who you read..? The Seachem instructions say that NH3 is more toxic...and that is a long way from describing NH4 as harmless.....John


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Current Tank Info: Cade PR1500 with Seachem Kona Coast and Sanrise 120 LED
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Unread 09/21/2013, 07:31 AM   #2
tmz
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.75mg/l is not ok as total ammonia(NH3/4). The proportionate amounts of NH3 vs NH4 go back and forth varying based on pH. I would use an ammonia detoxifier ;cut back on feeding and wait for the tank to cycle.


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Tom

Current Tank Info: Tank of the Month , November 2011 : 600gal integrated system: 3 display tanks (120 g, 90g, 89g),several frag/grow out tanks, macroalgae refugia, cryptic zones. 40+ fish, seahorses, sps,lps,leathers, zoanthidae and non photosynthetic corals.
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Unread 09/21/2013, 08:42 AM   #3
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At a pH of 7.4 the proportion of NH4(ammonium) to NH3( the more toxic form of ammonia) is about 100:1. At a pH of around 8.2 that ratio shifts to about 10:1 with increased overall toxicity of total ammonia.


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Tom

Current Tank Info: Tank of the Month , November 2011 : 600gal integrated system: 3 display tanks (120 g, 90g, 89g),several frag/grow out tanks, macroalgae refugia, cryptic zones. 40+ fish, seahorses, sps,lps,leathers, zoanthidae and non photosynthetic corals.
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Unread 09/21/2013, 02:32 PM   #4
mindi
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thanks

thanks Tom...will do that


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Duncans,Briarerum,Sarcphytons,Red Lobo, Elegance,Pectinia,Scolymia,Ctenactis,Barrier Reef Clowns,Blue,Yellow,and Gold Shouldered Tangs,Coral Beauty,Banggai,Coris, Leopard and Striped Wrasse

Current Tank Info: Cade PR1500 with Seachem Kona Coast and Sanrise 120 LED
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Unread 09/23/2013, 10:28 AM   #5
tmz
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You are welcome and good luck.


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Current Tank Info: Tank of the Month , November 2011 : 600gal integrated system: 3 display tanks (120 g, 90g, 89g),several frag/grow out tanks, macroalgae refugia, cryptic zones. 40+ fish, seahorses, sps,lps,leathers, zoanthidae and non photosynthetic corals.
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