Posted by missy_ann on March 14, 2003 at 10:06:29:
In Reply to: PH, nitrite, nitrate, ammonia???? posted by gfat2007 on March 13, 2003 at 16:07:49:
:Okay, if you haven't figured out by now, I'm new to guppies. In fact, I'm new to fish. I haven't quite understood all the factors that go into an aquarium. What are PH, nitrite, nitrate, and ammonia? What are good levels to keep them at for my guppies? How can I make sure my levels stay where I want them? Am I leaving anything out??? And yes I do understand temperature. :)
:Thanks to all who respond,
:Joe
Ammonia is the level of ammonia in your tank. Ammonia is caused by excess leftover food being in your tank and waste products produced by fish. This too can cause death is the levels get too high. It should be kept at zero.
Nitrites are the result of ammonia being oxidized by bacteria. Nitrites break down the red blood cells and oxidize the iron. They cause several diseases that could kill your guppies as well as ammonia.
Nitrates must also be kept in check. Water changes are the only way to remove them, however most plants utilize nitrates and reduce them as well. When nitrates climb to 100 mg/litre, a water change is in order.
visit the link at the bottom of this page and read more about it. It also give helpful information on setting up a tank.
hope it helps! and good luck with your fisies!
-*missy*
