JBL TESTLAB Bedienungsanleitung Seite 19

with the carbonate hardness or pH value measured. The point at which the lines or columns
intersect gives the value of the CO
Ammonium (NH
Special features:
The JBL Ammonium Test Set is designed for the measurement and routine control of the
ammonium/ammonia content in freshwater and saltwater as well as in garden ponds within a
range of 0.25 to 6.0 mg/l (ppm). Using the compensation method specially developed by JBL,
precise and reliable results can be obtained even in moderately discoloured aquarium water, e.g.
caused by peat filters and disease treatment.
Why test?
The following applies to freshwater and saltwater as well as to garden ponds:
The process involved in the breakdown or the mineralization of organic matter in the aquarium
(feed and plant debris, fish excretions) follows the stages proteins - ammonium - nitrite - nitrate.
Certain bacteria are responsible for this process. Measuring the intermediate stages ammonium,
nitrite and nitrate allows certain conclusions to be made about the function of the "Aquarium
system". Normally, ammonium and nitrite should not be allowed to enrich above concentrations
of 0.2 mg/l (ppm). If they do, the bacteria balance may be disturbed. Many of the mediations
used to treat fish diseases can damage beneficial cleansing bacteria, leading to an increase in
ammonium levels. As a rule, ammonium is not found in measurable amounts in a well-maintained
aquarium with an efficient biological filter or in a correctly planted garden pond. Ammonium is an
important plant nutrient and is normally non-toxic to fish. But, depending on the pH value, the
ammonium ion (NH
4
monia measurement should always be accompanied by pH measurements. The following table
shows the toxicity as factor of the pH value (at 25°C):
May be harmful to sensitive fish and small fry.
May be harmful to adult fish, very harmful to young fry.
Very harmful to adult fish, lethal for small fry.
Absolutely lethal for all species of fish.
NH
4
mg/l
0,1
ppm
pH
7,0
7,5
8,0
8,2
8,4
8,6
8,8
9,0
level.
2
):
4
) may convert into ammonia (NH
+
0,2 0,4
) which is toxic to fish. This is why any am-
3
0,8
1,2
2,0 3,0
UK
5,0