unionized ammonia vs toxic unionized ammonia

[Harpo]

Good afternoon R2R

When using my Hanna ammonia checker do I use the reading as displayed on my Master Marine checker or do I have to calculate for toxic unionized ammonia PH x (NH3/NH4)?

Thanks

David

 

[Dan_P]

Good afternoon R2R

When using my Hanna ammonia checker do I use the reading as displayed on my Master Marine checker or do I have to calculate for toxic unionized ammonia PH x (NH3/NH4)?

Thanks

David

The Checker tells you the total ammonia and the table in the instructions tells you the expected amount of the unionized ammonia for a given temperature and pH

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

In most instances, calculating free ammonia is not a worthwhile effort. Only time I’d do it is if you are outside the normal pH range, such as in a closed shipping bag for 24 h.

Otherwise, just think about and talk about total ammonia.