Ammonia and Plant Health

[Monee]

Does a consistent high ammonia in your tank cause your plants to die or just not do well?

 

[Blueberrybetta]

Having any high level of Ammomia would cause any living thing to die... I would look into why you have such toxic ammonia levels in your water to begin with. Is your tank not fully cycled? Having any level of ammonia is very very dangerous and concerning. It basically means you have no beneficial bacteria built up to eat away any toxic waste any fish produce.

 

[AmnScott]

If it's high enough, yes. Too much ammonia can melt or kill your plants. There are a lot of variables that come into play in terms of "how much" is needed to start harming the plants. Anything 2ppm and under of Ammonia is a safe amount, though (for your plants if you are starting a fishless cycle). Any more and I would do water changes to lower it down to 2ppm or less. Again, this is all assuming you are doing a fishless cycle and just have plants.

 

[-Mak-]

Plants use ammonia as a nutrient source of nitrogen. I don't know the exact number, but I would expect a higher level to be toxic.

 

[Monee]

Thanks guys. It’s not my tank. My friend only changes her water once a month and her plants look bad. Fish are living but I think they act ......slow. I suggested changing her water more often but she thinks the plants need the ammonia. I didn’t think that sounded right so I’m checking with you guys.