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Re: KH and ammonia
Steve Dixon writes:
> I'm missing something here. Why would a rise in KH release ammonia and
> kill your fish? KH and pH should rise together, right? Changing the
> water should reduce any concentrations of ammonia, unless the new water
> contains ammonia. What am I missing?
Ammonia (NH3) at pH levels below 7.0 will pick up a hydrion ion and become
ammonium (NH4+), which is much less toxic. So a rise in KH would drive the
pH back up over to the base side, causing the NH3/NH4 equilibrium to swing
back, releasing the h+ ions, and becoming the nastier form. But what I am
missing is why water changes into a tank that is becoming more alkaline from
its substrate would cause the ammonia release. Should be the other way
around in this case.
Bob Dixon