Controlling the Ammonia and Ammonium Ion Concentrations Is One of the Biggest

Essay

Controlling the ammonia and ammonium ion concentrations is one of the biggest problems in maintaining a healthy fish aquarium. Ammonia, which is highly toxic to fish because it interferes with their uptake of oxygen, is formed from wastes excreted by the fish, uneaten food, and decaying plants. Beneficial bacteria oxidize the ammonia and ammonium to nitrate, which is not highly toxic to fish in low to moderate levels. Complete and balance the following reaction equation describing the oxidation of ammonium to nitrate ions in acidic solution.
NH₄⁺(aq) + O₂(aq) $\rightarrow$ NO₃^-