NH4+/NH3 Causing Algae Bloom

[bennyss]

Hi,
Do we know why NH4+/NH3 cause algae bloom?
I read in few articles that some aquatic plants prefer Ammonia over NO3 as Nitrogen source, so why even traces of Ammonia is causing algae bloom?


Regards,
Benny

 

[Tom Barr]

Re: NH4+/NH3 Causing Algae Bloom

Yes, NH4 does cause algae blooms.

And no, a blanket statement that NH4 is preferred over NO3 is just wrong.

The issue is trace NH4 amounts, do plants prefer that over high levels of NO3?
I think not.
I can support that arguement as well.

The other issue is practical in nature, how do you dose trace amounts of NH4 without causing algae? Fish waste mainly...........add too many fish/food etc=> algae.

Yuo will want to read the Nitrogen articel on the BarrReport.
It answers some of these questions you might have.

Also, NH4 at high levels is very toxic to both plants and critters.
NO3? No, not until you get around 100ppm + will you see fish/shrimp death.

Regards,
Tom Barr