Hello Hive,
Good day, 
Today, I would like to share with you why ammonia builds up in a fish tank, its dangers, and how a flow-through system helps us manage it effectively.
What Is Ammonia in Fish Breeding?
Ammonia is a toxic waste product that forms in fish tanks. It mainly comes from the fish’s waste (urine and faeces), as well as uneaten food that settles and decays in the water.
Our fish fingerlings are now four weeks old and growing rapidly. Their metabolism has increased, and as a result, ammonia production has also increased. Because they are in a white tank, the discolouration caused by ammonia buildup is very visible.
Aside from waste and uneaten feed, dead fish remains can also contribute to the production of ammonia. Catfish are carnivorous, and as I shared in one of my earlier posts, bigger ones (shooters) sometimes eat smaller fish. The remains of these can decay and increase ammonia levels in the water.
Why Ammonia Is Dangerous
Ammonia can be harmful and even deadly if not controlled. It is almost a “necessary evil” because fish must eat, wee, and poo, and no matter how careful we are, some feed will always decay.
Here’s how ammonia affects the fish:
It reduces oxygen in the water.
It can block the fish's gills, making it difficult for the fish to breathe.
It stresses the fish, just as low oxygen levels stress humans.
When left unattended for an extended period, it can lead to infections and disease outbreaks in the tank.
All these factors can lead to slow growth, weakness, or even mortality, which we want to avoid, because it's about numbers. So how do wethen desl with this inevitable problem.
That’s where the flow-through system comes in.
What Is Flow-Through?
Flow-through is a process where fresh, clean water continuously enters the tank while used, dirty water carrying ammonia is drawn out.
Every fish tank, especially for fries and fingerlings, has two key water connections:
Inlet: Usually above the tank, where clean water enters.
Outlet: Located at the side or bottom, where used water exits.
During flow-through, fresh water enters through the inlet while an equal amount flows out through the outlet. The plumbing is set in such a way that the pace is controlled, ensuring a constant supply of clean water. This is one reason we needed a bigger generator: to keep water pumping even when there is no power.
Importance of Flow-Through
Maintains high oxygen levels for the fish.
Flushes out dirt and ammonia, preventing buildup.
Reduces stress and allows the fish to move freely.
Enhances growth and creates a healthy living environment.
Keeps pH balanced and stable.
Prevents infections and disease outbreaks, since harmful waste doesn’t stay long in the tank.
Flow-through dilutes and removes ammonia continuously, so even as their metabolism increases, the system keeps them safe.
You honestly can’t overemphasise the importance of flow-through as a catfish breeder. It eliminates so many dangers, and that’s the ultimate goal.
For our fish fingerlings, we supply them with constant clean water from a dedicated 2000-litre tank. Our water treatment plant also does justice to the water, ensuring that nothing harmful reaches the fish.
Thank you for passing by.
Cheers