Ammonia Poisoning
Healthy gills are a rich, deep red. A fish with ammonia poisoning may have bright red/purple, inflamed gills, frayed fins, black smudge marks, bottom sit or gasp at the surface, display laboured breathing and have clamped fins. Red streaks through the fins is also a symptom of ammonia poisoning.
Treatment
☆ Test parameters, including tank and tap pH.
☆ If tank and tap pH match, perform an immediate, large water change. As big as you can possibly go.
☆ If your tank and tap pH differ by more than 0.5, perform a 50% water changes so as not to shock the fish with fluctuating pH.
☆ Double Dose Prime and monitor ammonia levels closely.
☆ A methylene Blue dip can be used at a dosage of 1 teaspoon per 5USG for 30minutes daily to help repair damage caused by ammonia poisoning. Dechlorinator can remove MB, so if you have dechlorinated the water, wait 30+minutes before adding MB. Do not add MB directly to your tank as it destroys beneficial bacteria and you will lose your cycle.
☆ Prevention is key. Cycle your tank before adding fish and stock slowly so your nitrifying bacteria can catch up.
☆ If tank and tap pH match, perform an immediate, large water change. As big as you can possibly go.
☆ If your tank and tap pH differ by more than 0.5, perform a 50% water changes so as not to shock the fish with fluctuating pH.
☆ Double Dose Prime and monitor ammonia levels closely.
☆ A methylene Blue dip can be used at a dosage of 1 teaspoon per 5USG for 30minutes daily to help repair damage caused by ammonia poisoning. Dechlorinator can remove MB, so if you have dechlorinated the water, wait 30+minutes before adding MB. Do not add MB directly to your tank as it destroys beneficial bacteria and you will lose your cycle.
☆ Prevention is key. Cycle your tank before adding fish and stock slowly so your nitrifying bacteria can catch up.