Salifert Ammonium Test

The Salifert Ammonium Test is a simple and easy-to-use droplet test.

Information about the water test:

• Measuring range: 0 - 2 mg/l ammonium/ammonia
• Graduations: 0, 0.15, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 mg/l
• sufficient for 50 tests

Where does the ammonium/ammonia in my aquarium come from?

Nitrogen (N ₂ ) is a fundamental component of many biomolecules and occurs, for example, in proteins and amino acids. Whether dry or frozen food, algae or fish - nitrogen is found in abundance in everything.

If food is put into the aquarium or an organism dies, the N compounds contained in them are broken down and the excess nitrogen is released into the environment in the form of ammonia (NH ₃ ), ammonium (NH ₄ ⁺ ), urea (CH ₄ N ₂ O) or uric acid (C ₅ H ₄ N ₄ O ₃ ). These are therefore the temporary end products or waste materials that cannot be further utilized by some organisms.

Why is the determination of ammonium/ammonia important?

While corals prefer to absorb ammonium as a source of nitrogen, ammonia will be toxic to almost all organisms in your reef aquarium. The ratio of ammonium to ammonia depends on the pH value and can be determined precisely using tables. Ideally, no ammonium/ammonia should be detectable in your aquarium, because in "established" systems, bacteria ensure rapid conversion via nitrite to non-toxic nitrate (= nitrogen cycle). Determining ammonium/ammonia is therefore particularly important when starting a new aquarium or filter and helps you find the right time to add hermit crabs, fish, etc.