Toxic Ammonia Problem

Breeding of fish as a hobby is on the increase and commercial breeding and raising of fish as a source of protein has become a major business. When fish are reared in self contained water systems the problem of unacceptably high levels of ammonia usually arises. Studies have shown that even ammonia concentrations of a few parts per million can be extremely toxic to many varieties of fish and result in stunted growth, gill diseases, brain damage, sterility, and ultimately death.

Ammonia can result from feces, natural life processes, overfeeding, decaying organic material, and breaking the chloramine bond in municipal water supplies. Ammonia can quickly build up to dangerous concentrations if left untreated. Even when water recycling systems are employed in fish farming to maintain water quality, problems with high ammonia levels can be encountered during transportation.

The Solution

AmmoSorb® Natural Aquarium Ammonia Removal Granules were specially developed to solve the problem of toxic ammonia levels in the aquaculture industry. AmmoSorb® will trap ammonium ions on contact and thereby reduce toxic ammonia concentrations. AmmoSorb® is capable of removing up to 99% of ammonia from water and result in a safer and healthier environment for fish. Removal of ammonia results in improved growth and appetite as well as lower stress and disease.

How AmmoSorb® Works

The AmmoSorb® Natural Aquarium Ammonia Removal Granules are a naturally occurring mineral that can be used to remove ammonia in the aquaculture industry. AmmoSorb® works primarily through a process of cation exchange. AmmoSorbs™ ability to chemically reduce ammonia levels is achieved by the adsorption of ammonium ions, NH4+, thereby shifting the NH4+------ NH3equilibrium in aqueous solution and reducing the potential for ammonia toxicity. The molecular structure of AmmoSorb® is made up of a lattice structure arranged to form a honeycomb framework of billions of interconnecting channels. This gives AmmoSorb® an enormous surface area that is larger than several football fields. The latter enables AmmoSorb® to eliminate phenomenal amounts of ammonia and work for months. The actual amount of AmmoSorb® required will depend upon the fish species, fish concentration, water flow, water temperature, water volume, and water pH.

As an added benefit, AmmoSorb® acts as an effective substrate for biological filters. It will provide a suitable habitat for bacteria that are necessary for breaking down NH4+to NO3while remaining an effective chemical filter capable of regulating fluctuations in the systems NH4+concentration. This feature makes NH4+ions available to the bacterial population at more consistent levels thus allowing them to survive periods of low NH4+availability. Another advantageous feature of AmmoSorb® is that it can be used to produce oxygen enriched air by selective adsorption of nitrogen. Oxygen aeration in closed tanks and stagnant ponds can markedly increase the number of fish that can be raised per unit volume.

Environmentally Friendly

The AmmoSorb® Natural Aquarium Ammonia Removal Granules are non-toxic, safe, non-hazardous, natural, non-scented and non-caustic. They are an ideal environmentally friendly solution for removing ammonia from aquariums without using polluting chemicals. AmmoSorb® does not contain chemical additives and is especially beneficial for those suffering from chemical sensitivity. As an added benefit, depleted AmmoSorb® granules can be regenerated with a 10% sodium chloride solution and reused.

Applications

AmmoSorb® can be effectively used to remove ammonia, provide a suitable habitat for bacterial populations and for producing oxygen enriched air. Typical applications include:

• Commercial Aquariums
• Home Aquariums
• Fish Hatcheries
• Fish Transportation Systems
• Ponds
• Shipping Containers
• Goldfish Bowls
• Water Treatment
• Any Other Fresh Water Requiring Ammonia Removal

Directions

AmmoSorb® can be used in all freshwater box and power filters to remove harmful ammonia. Rinse thoroughly under tap water before installing AmmoSorb® to remove fine particles which could cause cloudiness. To install, simply use the recommended quantity above following the filter manufacturers' directions for installation of filter media. For goldfish bowls, use 4 teaspoons AmmoSorb® for each goldfish. It can also be directly applied to aquariums, ponds, and shipping containers at a rate of 1 pound/8 gallons. Do NOT use in saltwater systems.

Product Life

The AmmoSorb® Natural Aquarium Ammonia Removal Granules should be replaced monthly or when an increase in ammonia concentration is detected. For best results, do not replace all the filters at the same time. Beneficial nitrifying bacteria colonies will remain uninterrupted if the replacement of filter media are alternated. Depleted AmmoSorb® can be regenerated by soaking in a 10% solution of sodium chloride for 24 hours, rinsing with water, and exposing to the sun for 8-10 hours or until dry. The number of times AmmoSorb® can be recycled and its actual life span will depend on the ammonia concentration, temperature, and rate of water flow it is exposed to.

Disposal

The unused AmmoSorb® Natural Aquarium Ammonia Removal Granules are non-hazardous and environmentally safe. Provided it has only been exposed to ammonia, depleted AmmoSorb® granules can be recycled and reused as a slow release nitrogen fertilizer in planting areas such as gardens, flower beds, yards, fields, potting soil, and plant beds with thorough watering. However, if AmmoSorb® has been exposed to hazardous or toxic substances it should be disposed according to all relevant local, state, and federal regulations.