AmQuel ® - How It Works

AmQuel was the first product developed for controlling ammonia and chloramines in aquariums and ponds. Before AmQuel came along, aquarists had to use fairly complicated methods for controlling ammonia in fresh water, and its control in salt water remained a problem.

The active ingredient in AmQuel is known chemically as sodium hydroxymethanesulfonate, HOCH 2 SO 3 Na. The active part of the molecule can be graphically represented as:

The hydroxymethane- end of the molecule reacts with ammonia to form a non-toxic, stable water-soluble substance which is acted upon by the bacteria in biological filtration.

This reaction effectively removes the toxic ammonia from solution. Even in water of low pH (<7.0) the above reaction proceeds to completion. This is because even at pHs below 7.0 there is always some "free" ammonia (NH3) and the AmQuel will scavenge it from the water. This is why AmQuel works faster at higher pH's and in saline waters.

The substance formed is stable, and testing has shown that even in an aquarium or pond without a biological filter, the ammonia is not released back into the water. Also, unreacted AmQuel is stable, and unless removed with water changes or granular activated carbon it will be available to react with ammonia until it is exhausted in the water to which it was added. This is why AmQuel has proven so useful in shipping fishes. Excess AmQuel can be added the water to act at a later date without adverse effects on the fish or invertebrates.

The -sulfonate end of the AmQuel molecule reacts with both free-available chlorine, known properly as hypochlorites (OCl-) and combined-available chlorine (chloramines). In the first instance nothing more than harmless chloride ions (Cl- ) are produced, and in the latter instance chloride ions are formed and the freed ammonia instantly reacts with the hydroxy-methane end of the molecule.

For additional information on AmQuel, click here: AmQuel KPD-51

U.S. Patent No. 4666610 - European Patent No. 0203741 - Canadian Patent No. 1300286 - Japanese Patent 1850992

© 1998, Novalek, Inc.