Definition:
Ammonia poisoning is one of the most common dish diseases in aquariums, particularly when stocked to the full capacity in a short period. The normal amount of ammonia in a typical aquarium should be zero.
Diagnosis:
The most effective way to diagnose ammonia poisoning is to use an ammonia test and assess the history of possible causes, such as history of aquarium’s power outages and changes in filters.
Treatment:
Ammonia poisoning is untreatable. However, it can be prevented by simple tank cycling. Treatments include decreasing ammonia levels by changes in water amount.
Symptoms and Signs:
Ammonia poisoning could cause damages to the gills of fishes, making them red or purple in color and cause bleeding. The fins and body could become red, while the fins of fishes could become torn and jagged. Fishes may have difficulties in gasping for air. A noticeable sign of ammonia poisoning is fish clamping, which could turn their colors darker than normal.
Causes:
Several factors contribute to ammonia poisoning. These include changes in the tank filters, power outages, antibiotic or microbicidal agents in the aquarium and excessive feeding.
