Why Is There Ammonia In My Koi Pond?

Ammonia comes from various sources and can harm aquatic life. Fish produce ammonia naturally as part of their metabolism. They release it through their gills when they breathe and when they urinate or defecate. The decay of organic matter and leftover fish food also adds to ammonia levels. This chemical can build up in a koi pond. Even small amounts of ammonia can be very dangerous for all the living creatures in the pond. In water, ammonia appears in two forms. The first is called free ammonia, which is especially toxic to fish. The second form is called ionized ammonia, which is less harmful. Ammonia can seriously affect fish in ponds. For example, it can make fish skin turn red and disrupt their ability to control water and salt levels. It can also harm delicate gill tissue, causing swelling that reduces oxygen intake. If ammonia contaminates your koi pond, act quickly. Do partial water changes right away to reduce pollutant levels. Always test the water first using a water test kit like the Colombo Pond Test Lab Professional.