Any way to quickly reduce ammonia?

[Frigideus]

I am looking for a way to temporarily reduce my ammonia quickly. I cannot do a water change today as I do not have enough water from my RODI, so I am planning to do it tomorrow when I produce enough water. I bought a fish today and didn't realize I had a random small ammonia spike until I put it in. The fish is fine but it rubs on the sand sometimes which I know can be indicative of ammonia and nitrate problems, which the water change should fix. But right now I really need a bandaid solution so my fish dont suffer. Any help is appreciated.

 

[Fish Fan]

First, what is your ammonia concentraion, and what did you use to measure it? Ammonia isn't really as dangerous as many people think.

The ideal way to lower it (if it's even high) is with a water change. If you have no corals and just a fish, you can safely use dechlorinated tap water. You can also use distilled water that's pure like RODI, and can be bought by the gallon from any local grocery store, pharmacy, or your local Mega-Lo-Mart for about $1.40/gallon.

I hope that helps!

 

[Frigideus]

First, what is your ammonia concentraion, and what did you use to measure it? Ammonia isn't really as dangerous as many people think.

The ideal way to lower it (if it's even high) is with a water change. If you have no corals and just a fish, you can safely use dechlorinated tap water. You can also use distilled water that's pure like RODI, and can be bought by the gallon from any local grocery store, pharmacy, or your local Mega-Lo-Mart for about $1.40/gallon:

I hope that helps!

I used a Salifert ammonia test to check my ammonia. My ammonia is still very low, anywhere from 0-0.15 range. The fish in question is a Quoyi Parrotfish, but he wasn't rubbing on the sand at the store. Maybe he's just stressed? Or what else could cause this issue?

Can I use Seachem Prime to try and lower ammonia anyways?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

That ammonia level is zero concern, and Prime does not reduce ammonia, despite the claim.

I’d look for other causes of the fish scratching.

 

[Gregory Stephens]

That ammonia level is zero concern, and Prime does not reduce ammonia, despite the claim.

I’d look for other causes of the fish scratching.

Sometimes they just do that.

 

[Frigideus]

That ammonia level is zero concern, and Prime does not reduce ammonia, despite the claim.

I’d look for other causes of the fish scratching.

what other causes might there be?

 

[Frigideus]

Sometimes they just do that.

'they' as in quoyi parrotfish specifically or just fish in general? just curious

 

[Gregory Stephens]

what other causes might there be?

If you actually have high ammonia levels then water changes are the safe bet until you figure out the problem

 

[Fish Fan]

Can I use Seachem Prime to try and lower ammonia anyways?

No, it does not lower ammonia like it says on the bottle, this has been researched here:
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/does-prime-actually-detoxify-free-ammonia-nh3.849985/
Prime is a fine dechlorinator, so if you have some Prime on hand and have to use tap water in an emergency, that's a good option.

I used a Salifert ammonia test to check my ammonia. My ammonia is still very low, anywhere from 0-0.15 range. The fish in question is a Quoyi Parrotfish, but he wasn't rubbing on the sand at the store. Maybe he's just stressed? Or what else could cause this issue?

As Randy mentioned above, your ammonia is not at a dangerous level, and even if it was I'm not sure ammonia (or nitrate for sure) causes scratching. If your fish is scratching, that's a sign of illness, often brought on from the stress of being moved.

I would try to take some clear pics and a short video of your fish in distress under the brightest white lights you have, turning off all your blues for clarity. It's best if you can post your video first to YouTube and then link that back here so all R2R members will be able to view your video. Then, we can ask one of the R2R #fishmedic team to take a look, and offer and a diagnosis and treatment plan going forward.

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

I used a Salifert ammonia test to check my ammonia. My ammonia is still very low, anywhere from 0-0.15 range. The fish in question is a Quoyi Parrotfish, but he wasn't rubbing on the sand at the store. Maybe he's just stressed? Or what else could cause this issue?

Can I use Seachem Prime to try and lower ammonia anyways?

As said, that ammonia level is of no concern, just watch for a rise over time. My action level is 0.50 if it is climbing.

I’ve never know scratching to be a symptom of ammonia. It can be caused by too much floating detritus in the tank (you would see that though, as floating dust).

If the fish is scratching more than a few times in a day, there is likely some parasite issue - flukes being the most common.