Tropic Marin Ammonia/Ammonium Test for Seawater/Freshwater

Measuring range: 0.02 - 3.0 mg/l

Resolution: 0.03 mg/l


Ammonium is a byproduct of nitrogen mineralization, in which bound nitrogen from leftover food and excrement is converted into NH4+ by bacteria. Depending on the pH value, an equilibrium exists in the water between ammonium ions (NH4+) and ammonia (NH3). At pH values ​​below 7, the largely harmless ammonium ions predominate, while at pH values ​​above 7, ammonia increasingly predominates. Ammonia is very dangerous because it impairs the respiration of living organisms. It easily penetrates cells, causing the pH value to rise and blocking vital functions. In a healthy, established aquarium, ammonium ions are quickly oxidized to nitrate via nitrite by nitrifying bacteria. If this process is disrupted, a sudden increase in the ammonium concentration can occur. Therefore, the ammonium/ammonia concentration should be checked, especially in new aquariums.

This test measures the total ammonium/ammonia concentration. For freshwater, a total ammonium/ammonia concentration of 0.1 mg/l is considered normal under typical conditions, with an upper limit of 0.5 mg/l not to be exceeded. In seawater, the total ammonium/ammonia concentration should be less than 0.05 mg/l. However, the crucial factor is the pure ammonia concentration, which varies depending on the temperature and pH value and is derived from the total ammonium/ammonia concentration.

Safety instructions:

Danger Danger

H319 H314

P102 P305+P351+P338 P301+P330+P331 P303+P361+P353