In all aquarium systems, biological activity develops in your filter, and on the surface of gravels and decorations etc. These bacteria are essential to achieve a balance in your aquarium and different types of bacteria need to be present in the right proportions to break down waste and deal with ammonia, nitrite and nitrate, which can all be harmful to your fish. Every time you change or add something in your tank, or you clean it, you potentially upset the balance because you are effectively removing some of this bacteria.
Nitrate
Nitrate ions are produced as a result of biological action occurring mainly in your aquarium filter system. It is the residue of a chain reaction by aerobic bacteria, breaking down fish waste. Nitrate accumulates in an aquarium in proportion to the stock load waste and is a good indicator of general water quality.
Permissible Nitrate Levels
As nitrate levels increase, water quality decreases. The quantity of permissible nitrate varies with the particular aquatic life being cultured.
a) For marine systems culturing fish, acceptable levels are 20ppm to 40ppm. Many species of marine fish will accept higher levels of 80ppm to 100ppm without apparent effect on their health. But it is recommended that when levels climb above 40ppm steps should be taken to lower the nitrate to avoid stress.
b) For reef systems culturing invertebrates, much lower levels of nitrate are acceptable. A level of 5ppm or less is optimum. Again, many invertebrates will accept higher levels but once these levels climb above 20ppm many of the more sensitive invertebrates will be irreparably damaged. It has been shown that small quantities of around 5ppm of nitrate are of assistance in culturing marine plants. Nitrate tests on reef systems should occur weekly and levels should be kept below 10ppm.
c) Freshwater fish. Tolerance to nitrate with freshwater fish is higher than saltwater species. Some delicate species will tolerate around 50ppm, but some species will tolerate far higher levels. It is recommended that as nitrate levels approach 50ppm steps should be taken to reduce the level.
Lowering Nitrate
The easiest method to lower nitrate is to change water. Regular water changes should ensure that the nitrate levels stay within acceptable limits. Recommended minimum water change requirements are 25% per month. If water changes do not keep the nitrate at acceptable levels, then perhaps the number of fish in the tank is too great for your aquarium system, so reduce the number of fish.
Denitrification filters can lower nitrate successfully, but this must be closely monitored to avoid dangerous gases that can harm aquarium inhabitants.
Marine plants and algae can use some nitrate as nutrients and are a definite advantage in the control of nitrate.
To Break The Ammonia - Nitrite - Nitrate Cycle:
Perform a water change
Remove anything that can cause ammonia to form (e.g., dead organic matter or excess fish waste) from amongst the substrate (e.g., gravel cleaner)
Use Aquasonic AMMO-GONE to neutralise ammonia in the system.
The manual addition of live strains of nitrifying bacteria can also aid in kick starting the biological activity in the filter system.
Directions for Use to Determine the Nitrate Level in Water:
Rinse empty test tube and cap several times in the water to be tested.
Fill the test tube to the 5ml mark and add 7 drops of Reagent A. Swirl to mix.
Add 1 level scoop of Reagent B and gently swirl the solution for a few seconds. Ensure that Reagent B is kept dry at all times.
Add 7 drops of Reagent C, mix for a few seconds and let the solution stand for 3 minutes after which time full colour development will have occurred.
Place the test tube on the white background of the colour chart, view vertically down the tube. The colour in the test tube is best viewed with natural light behind you.
On completion of the test, rinse clean the test tube. Ensure Reagent B remains dry and that the cap is firmly in place.
Note:
If the nitrate level in the test solution is more than 80ppm (use your colour chart to determine) then you can still determine the level by diluting the sample with nitrate free water (preferably distilled water). For example, to prepare a test that will measure up to 160ppm nitrate, mix a sample with half water to be tested and half water that is nitrate free. Then multiply the results of the test by 2. To read up to 320ppm nitrate, use 25% water to be tested and 75% nitrate free water, then multiply the result by 4. *Colour chart to be used as a base guide only. Colours may vary according to various water conditions.
In all aquarium systems, biological activity develops in your filter, and on the surface of gravels and decorations etc. These bacteria are essential to achieve a balance in your aquarium and different types of bacteria need to be present in the right proportions to break down waste and deal with ammonia, nitrite and nitrate, which can all be harmful to your fish. Every time you change or add something in your tank, or you clean it, you potentially upset the balance because you are effectively removing some of these bacteria.
The replacement of plants and coral or cleaning of filters, gravel or substrate, even in part, can also cause a NITRITE condition to re-occur, even in well-established aquariums. Complete sterilisation during the cleaning of an aquarium will also result in a NITRITE condition because you have removed bacteria in the sterilisation process.NITRITE is toxic to fish, even in quantities as small as 1ppm. If you are starting a new aquarium, it is recommended that you don’t put new fish into the system until a NITRITE reading of less than 1ppm is achieved (ideally zero).
Recurring Nitrite Condition
The biological activity in a filter may take as long as three months to develop fully, and in this time, due to increases in the number of fish, the NITRITE condition may re-occur. Evidence has shown, by lowering the pH to 7.5, the toxicity of NITRITE is minimised. If a system does develop nitrite on a continual basis, after it is fully conditioned, it may mean that the surface area of the biological filter is undersized, or the number of fish in the tank is too great.
Assisting Biological Establishment
To assist, ensure the temperature is steady, at or above 26 deg C, check the flow of water through the filters is well distributed and sufficient, and oxygen levels are adequate. When cleaning your filter media, use cold or lukewarm water only as hot water will kill the bacteria.
To Break The Ammonia - Nitrite - Nitrate Cycle:
Perform a water change
Remove anything that can cause ammonia to form (e.g., dead organic matter or excess fish waste) from amongst the substrate (e.g., gravel cleaner)
Use Aquasonic AMMO-GONE to neutralise ammonia in the system.
The manual addition of live strains of nitrifying bacteria can also aid in kick starting the biological activity in the filter system.
Directions for Use:
Rinse the clean test tube and cap several times in the water to be tested.
Fill the test tube to the 5ml mark with the water to be tested.
Add 3 drops of Nitrite Reagent A.
Add 3 drops of Nitrite Reagent B. Cap the test tube and invert twice.
Wait a minimum of 2 minutes, but no longer than 3 minutes, to compare the test with the colour chart.
After this time the test will continue to colour, but further colouration is irrelevant. Place the test tube on the white background of the colour chart and view vertically down the tube. The colour in the test tube is best viewed with natural light behind you. After completion of the test, wash the test tube carefully as a previous test could influence the next one.
Aquasonic Ocean Nature Sea Salt has been manufactured in Australia for more than 35 years. It is used in public aquariums, universities, aquaculture, commercial institutions and home aquariums. Ocean Nature is a safe and reliable formulation. Suitable for all marine fish and invertebrates from every sea and ocean.It contains no nitrates or phosphates, is fast dissolving and has the purest grade elements.
For aquarium use only. Keep out of reach of children.
MIXING GUIDE:- Specific gravity 1.022 at Temp 24C- 2kg of salt for 60L- 4kg of salt for 120L- 15kg of salt for 450L
DIRECTIONS FOR USE:
Fill a container with the appropriate quantity of water that you wish to mix. If using municipal supply, neutralise chlorine and/or chloramines using Aquasonic Power Water Purifier or Aquasonic Ammo-gone.
Test the pH and adjust, if necessary, to a recommended level not less than 6.5 and not more than 7.3.
Using the Mixing Guide, add the appropriate amount of Ocean Nature Sea Salt to the mixing container and immediately circulate or aerate the water thoroughly to dissolve the salt.
Test the specific gravity (salinity) and adjust if necessary. The water will then be ready for use.
To calculate approximate aquarium capacity: Multiply the length x width x water level height (in cm) and divide by 1,000 for litres.
Ingredients:
Sodium chloride, magnesium sulphate, magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, strontium chloride, lithium chloride, sodium molybdate, potassium iodide, aluminium sulphate, potassium bromide, cobaly sulphate, copper sulphate, zinc sulphate.
Aquasonic Ocean Nature Sea Salt has been manufactured in Australia for more than 35 years. It is used in public aquariums, universities, aquaculture, commercial institutions and home aquariums. Ocean Nature is a safe and reliable formulation. Suitable for all marine fish and invertebrates from every sea and ocean.It contains no nitrates or phosphates, is fast dissolving and has the purest grade elements.
For aquarium use only. Keep out of reach of children.
MIXING GUIDE:- Specific gravity 1.022 at Temp 24C- 2kg of salt for 60L- 4kg of salt for 120L- 15kg of salt for 450L
DIRECTIONS FOR USE:
Fill a container with the appropriate quantity of water that you wish to mix. If using municipal supply, neutralise chlorine and/or chloramines using Aquasonic Power Water Purifier or Aquasonic Ammo-gone.
Test the pH and adjust, if necessary, to a recommended level not less than 6.5 and not more than 7.3.
Using the Mixing Guide, add the appropriate amount of Ocean Nature Sea Salt to the mixing container and immediately circulate or aerate the water thoroughly to dissolve the salt.
Test the specific gravity (salinity) and adjust if necessary. The water will then be ready for use.
To calculate approximate aquarium capacity: Multiply the length x width x water level height (in cm) and divide by 1,000 for litres.
Ingredients:
Sodium chloride, magnesium sulphate, magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, strontium chloride, lithium chloride, sodium molybdate, potassium iodide, aluminium sulphate, potassium bromide, cobaly sulphate, copper sulphate, zinc sulphate.
Aquasonic Ocean Nature Sea Salt has been manufactured in Australia for more than 35 years. It is used in public aquariums, universities, aquaculture, commercial institutions and home aquariums. Ocean Nature is a safe and reliable formulation. Suitable for all marine fish and invertebrates from every sea and ocean.
It contains no nitrates or phosphates, is fast dissolving and has the purest grade elements.
Aquasonic Ocean Nature Sea Salt has been manufactured in Australia for more than 35 years. It is used in public aquariums, universities, aquaculture, commercial institutions and home aquariums. Ocean Nature is a safe and reliable formulation. Suitable for all marine fish and invertebrates from every sea and ocean.It contains no nitrates or phosphates, is fast dissolving and has the purest grade elements.
For aquarium use only. Keep out of reach of children.
MIXING GUIDE:- Specific gravity 1.022 at Temp 24C- 2kg of salt for 60L- 4kg of salt for 120L- 15kg of salt for 450L
DIRECTIONS FOR USE:
Fill a container with the appropriate quantity of water that you wish to mix. If using municipal supply, neutralise chlorine and/or chloramines using Aquasonic Power Water Purifier or Aquasonic Ammo-gone.
Test the pH and adjust, if necessary, to a recommended level not less than 6.5 and not more than 7.3.
Using the Mixing Guide, add the appropriate amount of Ocean Nature Sea Salt to the mixing container and immediately circulate or aerate the water thoroughly to dissolve the salt.
Test the specific gravity (salinity) and adjust if necessary. The water will then be ready for use.
To calculate approximate aquarium capacity: Multiply the length x width x water level height (in cm) and divide by 1,000 for litres.
Ingredients:
Sodium chloride, magnesium sulphate, magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, strontium chloride, lithium chloride, sodium molybdate, potassium iodide, aluminium sulphate, potassium bromide, cobaly sulphate, copper sulphate, zinc sulphate.
Aquasonic Paragone tablets aid in the control of most external fish parasites including Fish lice (argulus spp), Gill Flukes (Ergasilus spp) and Anchor worms (Lernea spp).
Directions for Use:
Not to be used on fish intended for human consumption. Fish rubbing and scratching on objects is indicative of parasitic infestations. Para-Gone tablets aid in the control of most external fish parasites including: Fish lice (Argulus spp), Skin & Gill Flakes (Ergasilus spp), and Anchor Worms (Lernaea spp) in fresh and saltwater aquariums. Does not aid in the treatment of bacterial and viral infections.
Do Not Overdose:
Do not treat marine invertebrates (shellfish & anemones). Remove from aquaria and wait 5 days after last treatment before returning to aquaria. *Para-Gone treatment may adversely affect species of Plecostomus and Bristle Nose type catfish, as well as Metynnis (Silver Dollar type fish).
Dosage and Administration:
Use 1 tablet per 40 litres of aquarium water. For Fish Lice (Argulus spp) and Gill Flukes (Ergasilus spp) repeat the treatment after 7 days until all signs of parasitic infection are eradicated. During treatment it is advisable to keep the temperature of the aquarium water at 25C and to maintain the pH between 6 and 7. For Anchor Worms (Lernea spp) foloow the above treatment regime but repeat treatments at 5 day intervals until all adults are killed. A colder water 20C temperature allows treatment to be repeated at 12 day intervals.
Remember:
High standards of aquarium management must be maintained to prevent disease, as fish diseases are often management related. Consult your veterinarian or aquarium dealer for accurate diagnosis and advice.To calculate approximate tank capacity multiply length x width x water level height (in cm) and divide by 1,000 for litres.Pre-dissolve tablets in a disposable cup before addition to aquarium water. Refer to disposal statemetn for cup after use. NOTE: A small residue of insoluble matter will be eveident after dissolving tablets. This residue is harmless to fish.
Aquasonic Paragone tablets aid in the control of most external fish parasites including Fish lice (argulus spp), Gill Flukes (Ergasilus spp) and Anchor worms (Lernea spp).
Directions for Use:
Not to be used on fish intended for human consumption. Fish rubbing and scratching on objects is indicative of parasitic infestations. Para-Gone tablets aid in the control of most external fish parasites including: Fish lice (Argulus spp), Skin & Gill Flakes (Ergasilus spp), and Anchor Worms (Lernaea spp) in fresh and saltwater aquariums. Does not aid in the treatment of bacterial and viral infections.
Do Not Overdose:
Do not treat marine invertebrates (shellfish & anemones). Remove from aquaria and wait 5 days after last treatment before returning to aquaria.*Para-Gone treatment may adversely affect species of Plecostomus and Bristle Nose type catfish, as well as Metynnis (Silver Dollar type fish).
Dosage and Administration:
Use 1 tablet per 40 litres of aquarium water. For Fish Lice (Argulus spp) and Gill Flukes (Ergasilus spp) repeat the treatment after 7 days until all signs of parasitic infection are eradicated. During treatment it is advisable to keep the temperature of the aquarium water at 25C and to maintain the pH between 6 and 7. For Anchor Worms (Lernea spp) foloow the above treatment regime but repeat treatments at 5 day intervals until all adults are killed. A colder water 20C temperature allows treatment to be repeated at 12 day intervals.
Remember:
High standards of aquarium management must be maintained to prevent disease, as fish diseases are often management related. Consult your veterinarian or aquarium dealer for accurate diagnosis and advice.To calculate approximate tank capacity multiply length x width x water level height (in cm) and divide by 1,000 for litres.Pre-dissolve tablets in a disposable cup before addition to aquarium water. Refer to disposal statemetn for cup after use. NOTE: A small residue of insoluble matter will be eveident after dissolving tablets. This residue is harmless to fish.
Aquasonic Paragone tablets aid in the control of most external fish parasites including Fish lice (argulus spp), Gill Flukes (Ergasilus spp) and Anchor worms (Lernea spp).
Directions for Use:
Not to be used on fish intended for human consumption. Fish rubbing and scratching on objects is indicative of parasitic infestations. Para-Gone tablets aid in the control of most external fish parasites including: Fish lice (Argulus spp), Skin & Gill Flakes (Ergasilus spp), and Anchor Worms (Lernaea spp) in fresh and saltwater aquariums. Does not aid in the treatment of bacterial and viral infections.
Do Not Overdose:
Do not treat marine invertebrates (shellfish & anemones). Remove from aquaria and wait 5 days after last treatment before returning to aquaria.*Para-Gone treatment may adversely affect species of Plecostomus and Bristle Nose type catfish, as well as Metynnis (Silver Dollar type fish).
Dosage and Administration:
Use 1 tablet per 40 litres of aquarium water. For Fish Lice (Argulus spp) and Gill Flukes (Ergasilus spp) repeat the treatment after 7 days until all signs of parasitic infection are eradicated. During treatment it is advisable to keep the temperature of the aquarium water at 25C and to maintain the pH between 6 and 7. For Anchor Worms (Lernea spp) foloow the above treatment regime but repeat treatments at 5 day intervals until all adults are killed. A colder water 20C temperature allows treatment to be repeated at 12 day intervals.
Remember:
High standards of aquarium management must be maintained to prevent disease, as fish diseases are often management related. Consult your veterinarian or aquarium dealer for accurate diagnosis and advice.To calculate approximate tank capacity multiply length x width x water level height (in cm) and divide by 1,000 for litres.Pre-dissolve tablets in a disposable cup before addition to aquarium water. Refer to disposal statemetn for cup after use. NOTE: A small residue of insoluble matter will be eveident after dissolving tablets. This residue is harmless to fish.
