Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Can someone tell me how Ammonia, Nitrite and Nitrate affect pH in a freshwater aquarium (if at all)? I’m assuming that Ammonia NH3 would raise the pH since it is a base. But water that hasn’t been changed in a long time seems to exhibit high ammonia levels and LOW ph! So I’m confused (as usual) and what about the others? I have many boring reasons for wanting to know this which I won’t bother all of you with, lol! Thanks in advance for straightening me out!

Here's all I could find for you that would be of any use.

1) http://www.fishdoc.co.uk/water/ammonia.htm
This one talks about ammonia, and exactly what it causes when the levels are too high. It also has a table that shows a relationship between pH, ammonia level and temperature.

2) Basically this is the relevant part from what I found on about.com: "Ammonia becomes increasingly toxic as the pH rises above 7.0."

You can see how ammonia, nitrite and nitrite interact if you know about the inter-workings of the cycling process.

I hope this helps. If you want more information, please let me know and I will promote your post to draw attention to your post.

I know one thing about pH off the top of my head... as temperature decreases pH increases and as temperature increases pH decreases.
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Phishie
Site Coordinator

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

Thanks again Phishie for your time and research. The information you linked me to is very informative but I don't think it speaks to my exact question. I am printing it out though and keeping it on hand. Good Stuff!!!

Right. There wasn't much I could find out there, and that's not my specialty. Chemistry isn't my strong suit. At least it is very informative information though.
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Phishie
Site Coordinator

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."