Question please help

[Frickmiester]

Ok so can some one explain to me the cycle I mostly get it but why is ammonia in water with a ph below 7 less toxic then ammonia Ina tank with a ph above 7? I guess NH4 is In a tank when the ph level is below 7 but NH3 is in the tank when the ph level is above 7? Why is that and what makes it more toxic? Any and all help would be amazing!

 

[Scottyhorse]

You know, I am not sure, but I have wondered that myself. I will be curious to see what people say.

 

[Fresh2o]

From what I understand, ammonia can be present in two forms: ammonia (NH3) and ammonium (NH4+), the latter being less toxic than the former.
pH is a measurement of the concentration of Hydrogen ions. I believe pH lower than 7 has a greater concentration of hydrogen ions than a pH greater than 7. Assuming this is true, then in solution with a pH less than 7, the excess Hydrogen ions can bond with the ammonia molecule causing NH3 to become NH4+.
Please someone correct me on this. My wife is a chemist so I guess I could ask her. We don't usually talk fish stuff but this might be an exception.

Also, temperature influences the toxicity of ammonia (higher temp, more toxic). Not sure why.

 

[Frickmiester]

Thanks a lot that's exactly what I was looking for Imust have been misreading earlier but what you say makes perfect sence to me thanks a ton for clarifying for me

 

[Fishanatic]

Assuming this is true, then in solution with a pH less than 7, the excess Hydrogen ions can bond with the ammonia molecule causing NH3 to become NH4+.

Technically, the Ammonia doesn't bond, it's the element N(nitrogen) that will merge with the element H+(Hydrogen Ion).

 

[Fresh2o]

Technically, the Ammonia doesn't bond, it's the element N(nitrogen) that will merge with the element H+(Hydrogen Ion).

I slept thru Chemistry. Was not one of my favorites!

 

[aqua_chem]

Technically, the Ammonia doesn't bond, it's the element N(nitrogen) that will merge with the element H+(Hydrogen Ion).

Sounds like fishtank fusion! Bring sunglasses.


I'm not seeing what the distinction is here. Ammonia gains an additional bonded hydrogen to become ammonium.

 

[Frickmiester]

I wish I payed more attention in Chem class