• Pond AmQuel+ is a unique water conditioner providing actions needed for safe aquarium and pond keeping for fishes and invertebrates (snails, shrimp, coral reef animals, etc.) in fresh, brackish, and salt water
• Pond AmQuel+ is nontoxic and saves on the need for as many water changes as would otherwise be required
• Pond AmQuel+ removes 33 ppm (= 33 mg/L) of all chlorines including those chlorines in chloramines from the water
• Pond AmQuel+ removes/detoxifies all of the kinds of toxic nitrogen compounds in the water
• Pond AmQuel+ removes/detoxifies all forms of ammonia/ammonium/nitrites/nitrates from the water, including ammonia in chloramines
• Pond AmQuel+ because of its stability and reliability reduces the need for water quality tests for chlorine, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate
• Pond AmQuel+ removes/detoxifies toxic pheromones from the water
• Pond AmQuel+ does not affect the water's pH (acidity/basicity)
• Pond AmQuel+ does not interfere with the beneficial nitrifying bacteria or their food sources
• Pond AmQuel+ does not interfere with the beneficial sludge-removing bacteria or their food sources
• Pond AmQuel+ is completely amine-free
• Pond AmQuel+ is fully compatible with Pond NovAqua+and is recommended for use together in aquarium and pond water keeping
• Pond AmQuel+ is safe to use with other water conditioners and organic herbal fish medications
• Pond AmQuel+ is not affected by filtration or activated carbon filters
• Made in U.S.A.
  
  

POND AMQUEL+

AMQUEL+ AS THE PREMIER AMQUEL PRODUCT
To avoid confusion it should be recognized that there are two groups of products with the AmQuel®) name - the original AmQuel which Kordon has been providing since 1985, and the recently invented AmQuel+ (also referred to as AmQuel Plus) which is based on a much improved new chemical formula.  AmQuel+ with its Pond AmQuel+ version is the latest development in state-of-the-art water conditioning technology and is far beyond what the original AmQuel product does. AmQuel+ does all that AmQuel does and a significant number of additional tasks as well.  Pond AmQuel+ has the same ingredients as Amquel+, with its instructions directed towards pond keeping.

While the original Pond AmQuel detoxifies ammonia/ammonium of the nitrogen compounds, and slight amounts of other nitrogen compounds, Pond AmQuel+ goes well beyond by detoxifying all the nitrogen compounds that need to be detoxified for aquarium and pond keeping.  See the Kordon Article "How AmQuel Works" for a comparison between AmQuel and AmQuel+. 

It is recommended that Pond AmQuel+ be used with its companion product Kordon Pond NovAqua+, which does what AmQuel+ cannot do that are important in safely conditioning pond and aquarium water for fishes and aquatic invertebrates.  In particular, Pond NovAqua+ removes heavy metals, provides protective skin slime coatings on fishes that inhibits viruses and harmful bacteria, buffers pH of the water to its natural condition that has been acidified from anaerobic conditions in the water pipes, as well as supplies vitamins and organic immune aids to the fishes.

Pond AmQuel+'s natural odor
note: Pond AmQuel+ naturally has an acerbic nontoxic odor that does not affect fishes and other aquatic life.  Despite the odor,  Pond AmQuel+ is totally effective.  For some users this odor is annoying.  For others it is not even noticed.  The odor usually quickly disappears during use.  Kordon is working on eliminating or at least reducing this odor as much as possible, without in any way interfering with the beneficial actions of the product in pond keeping. 

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
The AmQuel+ products are a remarkable new discovery that is making pond and fresh and saltwater aquarium keeping much safer and simpler.  It is doing this by safely detoxifying natural nitrogen compounds in the water, including nitrites and nitrates that before could not be effectively detoxified.  Thereby, the use of Pond AmQuel+ greatly reduces the need for continual water changes, and provides far better water conditions for fishes, aquatic invertebrates, and other life in fresh and salt water.   

Pond AmQuel+ is useful for the beginners who are novices in knowing how to establish new ponds through the first months, as well as for the advanced pond keepers in their easily keeping water safe long term for fishes and other aquatic life.

Pond AmQuel+ (also referred to as Pond AmQuel Plus) is a recent chemical invention with patents pending that has the extraordinary ability to make the "nitrogen cycle" (involving ammonium/ammonia/nitrites/nitrates) totally nontoxic in  pond keeping, without interfering with the cycle's  process in any way, and without interfering with the beneficial bacteria that are involved with the cycle.  Further, Pond AmQuel+ detoxifies/removes all chlorine and chloramines added to the water by public water utilities, and detoxifies/removes all of the toxic nitrogen compounds that can appear in pond water over time, thereby making water changes less necessary, and provides a safer environment for fishes and aquatic life. 

One of the foremost benefits of using Pond AmQuel+ in ponds is in its total detoxification of all phases of the nitrogen cycle (see Kordon article Biological Filtration), while the cycle goes through to completion without any interferences to ponds, to the nitrifying bacteria, or to the water filtration.  Thereby, Pond AmQuel+ makes pond keeping easier, greatly aiding the pond keeper. 

Pond AmQuel+ reduces the problems with "New  Pond Syndrome," which in great part are caused by the nitrifying bacteria in the water.  Pond AmQuel+ makes biological filtration much safer by detoxifying its natural processes.  Pond AmQuel+ does all this without having to be removed, once it is put into the water.  It remains totally nontoxic to aquatic life.

Pond AmQuel+ should be used for setting up ponds, for water changes, overcrowded ponds, the control of toxic nitrogen compounds commonly found in water while the nitrogen cycle is established...as well as afterwards as nitrogen compounds accumulate in the pond water.

Fresh water is a precious commodity and becoming in ever shorter supply in many areas.  By using Pond AmQuel+ fewer water changes are needed in pond keeping, thereby conserving a valuable resource. 

FURTHER PURPOSES AND BENEFITS
An immediate purpose for using Pond AmQuel+ in treating tap water when water is added or water changes are made is to detoxify quickly all chlorines, and chloramines and its components (chlorine and ammonia), and to make the water safe for aquatic life free of these lethal toxins. (See in Kordon article "About Water Conditioners" the section on "What Are The Problems When Using Water Conditioners..."

*   A primary purpose in using Pond AmQuel+ in ponds is to protect pond fishes and invertebrates by quickly eliminating (actually detoxifying) the harmful components of the biological nitrogen cycle - ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates, without slowing the nitrogen cycle (see "Biological Filtration ") , or interfering with the beneficial bacteria involved, or depriving these bacteria of their food.

*   Pond AmQuel+ rapidly detoxifies toxic organics, which is very important in overcrowded ponds where waste products from the fishes, etc., quickly collect. 

*   Another purpose of Pond AmQuel+ is to detoxify nitrogen compounds that accumulate in the pond water over time, including noxious pheromones released by fish and aquatic invertebrates to signal and "talk" to each other. This is specially important for reducing the frequency of needed water changes. Many larger freshwater and saltwater fishes release toxic pheromones to establish territoriality and repel other fishes. This is particularly true in fresh water for larger cichlids, and for larger marine plectognath fishes (triggers, filefish, puffers, boxfish) in salt water.

*   Among the benefits of Pond AmQuel+ are that it is easy to use and equally effective in fresh and salt water. Pond AmQuel+ does not affect the beneficial bacteria of the biological nitrogen cycle. Pond AmQuel+ is compatible with all water conditioners and all Kordon non-chemical medications and other non-chemical medications on which it has been tested, including organic herbal medications, and with all aquatic life - including live rock and reef tank inhabitants. Other benefits are that Pond AmQuel+ does not affect pH (acidity and alkalinity), and does not discolor the water. Pond AmQuel+ has a long indefinite shelf life at full effectiveness that is expected to be many years.

*  When groups of fish are spawning, particularly for pond fish - especially Koi - there can be higher amounts of toxic ammonia and nitrites in the water due to increased metabolism and defecation by the fish.  An indication of this increase can be when the fish have trouble breathing and need more oxygen.  They will then congregate at an aerator, or waterfall, or water source to gain more oxygen. Even small amounts of ammonia and nitrites in parts per million in the water are toxic to the fish and should be eliminated immediately by the use of AmQuel+ in the water.

AmQuel+ - how it works, compared to regular AmQuel
the complexes in the AmQuel+ products, including Pond AmQuel+ do the following:  They detoxify any chloramines, chlorines, and nitrogen compounds present in the water.  They split apart the chloramines (composed of chlorine and ammonia), detoxify the chlorines in seconds and the ammonia within five minutes.  They break the toxic nitrogen compounds in the water apart, gassing out their oxygen and hydrogen components out of the water into the air, and preventing the nitrogen compounds from recombining in toxic form.  These compounds include all the ammonia/ammonium, nitrites, nitrates, pheromones, and all other toxic organic compounds for which there are no common names -- yet are important to detoxify to be harmless to fishes and other aquatic life.  The nitrogen components are mostly detoxified within five minutes and the slight remainder is detoxified over the next 24 hours.  The compounds now broken apart are in the detritus and transparently soluble in the water. They are consumed over time by the sewage-consuming bacteria and algae.

Also see Kordon Article "How AmQuel Works". AmQuel+ is similar to AmQuel in its basic actions, but with a different much improved formula.  AmQuel+ and Pond AmQuel+ will be described in greater detail when the patents pending are approved.

SPECIFICATIONS
Pond AmQuel+ contains complexes of nontoxic reducing agents based on patented uses of sodiumhydroxymethanesulfinate, as well as on patents pending. 

Does Pond AmQuel+ Contain Any Amines?
We have received questions about whether this product contains any amines.  It does not contain any amines in any form.  For further information see the Kordon Article "Questions About Water Conditioners That Contain Amines And Ion Exchange Resins". 

DOSAGE WITH LIQUID POND AMQUEL+ PRODUCTS
Use measurements in proportion to a Standard Dose which in regard to ponds is one liquid ounce (30 ml) per 150 gallons of water, or one cup (8 liquid ounces = 240 ml)) per 1200 gallons of water, or one pint (16 liquid ounces = 480 ml) per 2400 gallons of water. For other measurements estimate the amounts needed.  For further information see the Kordon article "Standard Dose For Liquid Treatments".  When treating the water, it is recommended that the total volume of water should be treated per dose, not just the amount of water added. 

To control the toxic organic nitrogenous compounds of ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate and other toxic organics that build up in aquariums and ponds from the excretion of body wastes by fishes, invertebrates, bacteria and other aquatic organisms, start with a standard dose (see definition above). This standard dose will remove (detoxify) at least 1.2 mg/L (= approx.1.2 ppm) of all ammonia compounds, at least 2.0 mg/L (=2.0 ppm) of nitrites, and at least 13 ppm (=13 mg/L) of nitrates.

The use of one standard dose of AmQuel+ for the amount of water involved is recommended per 24 hour period during the first days for total or major water changes, and in regular use at least once a week (or more depending upon how crowded the pond is) for the entire water volume, whether water changes are made or not. The number of treatments to be made over time depends upon how crowded the water conditions are with fish and/or other aquatic life.  The Pond AmQuel+ will penetrate throughout the water, including the water in the gravel, sand, or other bottom material.  If excess Pond AmQuel+ is put in the water, it will remain active until chorines, chloramines, or nitrogen compounds appear in the water that it can detoxify. 

Water out of the tap from public water supplies contains up to 4 ppm = parts per million (= 4 mg/L) of chlorine, as per the U.S. EPA Environmental Protection Agency, and usually less than 1 ppm ammonia/ammonium. When chloramines are present, AmQuel+ breaks the chloramines bond apart, and one standard dose of AmQuel+ removes all the chlorine (it is capable of removing up to 33 ppm chlorine, and up to 1.2 ppm or more ammonia/ammonium).  Therefore, only one dose is usually needed, and at most two doses, for removing all chloramines and their chlorine and ammonia components from all public water supplies. 

The removal of these compounds when dosing with AmQuel+ will happen mostly within five minutes, or slightly longer for ammonia in water with a higher pH above 7.5. The slight remainder, if any, of nitrogen compounds will be removed within 24 hours.  It is important to understand that the amounts of organic compounds removed may vary with differing water conditions. The amounts indicated above are the minimums that Pond AmQuel+ will detoxify, and what is removed may be up to several times to many times higher.  

For example, tests have shown that when ammonia and nitrite are negligible or absent from the water, a standard dose of Pond AmQuel+ can detoxify/remove up to 85 ppm nitrates.  In fact, when various toxic nitrogen compounds are in low amounts or absent, the Pond AmQuel+ then concentrates on removing the remainder of toxic nitrogen compounds present.  If there are not sufficient toxic nitrogen compounds present, the Pond AmQuel+ will remain dormant until they are present, and then will detoxify/remove them to the extent of its activity.  Pond AmQuel+ does not affect the pH (acidity/basicity) of the water.

THE USE OF WATER TEST KITS WITH THE AMQUEL+ PRODUCTS
Many pond keepers and aquarists are used to using water test kits to see how much ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate are in the water.  With the AmQuel+ products, including Pond AmQuel+ this is given a different perspective, because they contains ingredients that absolutely are going to take out at least 1.2 ppm ammonia/ammonium, 2.0 ppm nitrites, and 13 ppm nitrates.  With successive uses these toxic nitrogen compounds are not going to be a problem in aquarium and pond keeping.  Therefore, the need for using test kits in pond and aquarium keeping is really lessened, because the Pond AmQuel+ can be depended upon.  In fact, the AmQuel+ products can be used to check just how accurate the test kit being used really is. 

As needed, use accurate test kits to check how much of each compound is being removed when using single or multiple doses (see the section in the Kordon Article "The Truth About Water Quality Test Kits" on "The Way To Reduce The Need For Using Water Test Kits..."  Be aware that some kinds of test strips and test kits using liquid reagents may be insufficient to provide accurate readings.  Check test kit reagents to be sure that they are not out-of-date.  For further information see Contraindications below and the Kordon Articles under Water Quality Test Kits.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE
As a general rule, when using tap water in which chlorine and chloramines are present, but not nitrites, nitrates or other organics -- then it is safe to use the less expensive Pond AmQuel. If there is the possibility of nitrites, nitrates and other toxic organics being involved in the water, then Pond AmQuel+ is recommended.

Add Pond AmQuel+ to the water at the recommended dosages as described above. Since Pond AmQuel+ rapidly spreads through the water, no special agitation is needed.  Its action on chlorines will be in seconds or a few minutes.  Most of the reactions on other nitrogen compounds in the water will be over the first five minutes or so, and the slight remainder will be detoxified over the next 24 hours. 

As described in "About Water Conditioners" under the articles "Which Water Conditioner Should Be Used...." not all the conditioning needed for water is done by Pond AmQuel+ or any one other single water conditioner. When new water is added, usually Pond AmQuel+ should be used with Kordon's Pond NovAqua+, as explained in "About Water Conditioners"  It is recommended that as standard practice, both be used to condition new water fully, such as out of the tap from public water suppliers.

THE REMOVAL OF PHEROMONES FROM THE WATER
One of the most remarkable capabilities of both Pond AmQuel and Pond AmQuel+ is in their detoxification/removal of pheromones (body odors) in the water, which are nitrogen compounds excreted by fishes and aquatic invertebrates.  Fish communicate with their body odors to signal, warn, repel, and whatever else it is possible for them to communicate with their pheromones.  This is a subject that has received appreciable research, and is important in fish behavior.  In the confines of shipping containers, aquariums, and small ponds, the build up of pheromones can be harmful to fishes and other aquatic life.  The regular use of Pond AmQuel+ to keep pheromones under control is beneficial to the fishes and other aquatic life.  See Kordon Article "About Pheromones (animal body odors) Released By Fishes".

THE REMOVAL OF OXYGEN FROM THE WATER  
There have been concerns about Pond AmQuel+ taking oxygen out of the water.  In its reaction immediately after being put in the water, Pond AmQuel+ momentarily takes out of the water 0.3-0.4 ppm (parts per million, = milligrams per liter) of oxygen.  In all pond keeping with fish and other living organisms under satisfactory conditions, this will not be a factor.  It would only be of concern if the pond is way overcrowded.  This concern usually happens when the pond has no aeration or is using a "waterfall" type of filter as the only water movement in the pond.  In this case only a slight amount of oxygen is getting to the bottom of the pond.  For all pond keeping abundant aeration and water movement is important.  When only one dose of Pond AmQuel+ is used at a time, there is not a problem in having a deficiency of oxygen in the water.   Regular Pond AmQuel does not affect the oxygen in the water. 

THE EFFECT OF POND AMQUEL+ ON RO REDOX POTENTIAL AND ORP OXYDATION REDUCTION POTENTIAL
For advanced pond keepers measuring  RO and ORP, it should be mentioned that with Pond AmQuel+ temporarily removing 0.3-0.4 ppm oxygen in its initial reaction in the water in removing chlorines and detoxifying nitrogen compounds, RO and ORP is going to be temporarily lowered as well.  This is not a problem unless the water conditions are far overcrowded with fishes and/or aquatic invertebrates, for which ample aeration of the water should be accomplished.

In tests done on the reaction of AmQuel+ on RO and ORP, it was found that the main response in lowering mV was found in the reaction of Pond AmQuel+ to the chlorines in the water, and in new ponds and aquariums that lack nitrogen compounds in the water.  Therefore, the extent of the reaction of Pond AmQuel+ on RO and ORP depends on water quality, including with the acceleration of the reaction at higher water temperatures.  In the tests done, it was found that AmQuel+ returned to satisfactory RO and ORP levels within hours, at least within 24-36 hours. 
 
FISH AND INVERTEBRATE SHIPPING AND HOLDING FOR SHIPMENT
Most of the excretion by fishes and invertebrates is in the form of ammonia/ammonium.  This can build up during shipment, being highly toxic in the form of ammonia.  As soon as ammonia/ammonia is present, nitrifying bacteria in the water are turning these compounds into ever more toxic nitrites.  When nitrites are formed, nitrifying bacteria in the water are turning them into nitrates.  AmQuel+ or Pond AmQuel+ can be used during shipment to detoxify completely these compounds, and use is particularly important for shipments that are days in duration.  

If plastic bags are being used for shipping in which oxygen is added, the fact that the AmQuel+ products take out 0.3-0.4 ppm in their reactions is not a factor.  If Kordon Breathing Bags™ are used, it is best that shipping procedures are tested ahead of time to be sure that there is enough transfer of oxygen into the bags that will handle the breathing of the bags and the AmQuel+ product reaction.  If the shipping time is short, such as 48 hours or less, regular AmQuel or Pond AmQuel can be used (the use of either product takes out the ammonia, but only slightly the nitrites and other nitrogen compounds). 

Pheromones are particularly important when shipping fishes, because build up of  the pheromones in the water caused by those fishes secreting toxic odors can and do kill fishes, including the ones releasing them into the water.  The use of AmQuel or AmQuel+ or their pond versions in shipping has the added importance of detoxifying pheromones and making shipment of fishes possible that otherwise would not be practical.  AmQuel+ products are stronger than the AmQuel products in removing pheromones (see Kordon Article "About Pheromones (animal body odors) Released by Fishes"). 

The AmQuel or AmQuel+ and NovAqua+ products should be added to tap water used for short-term shipping fish and invertebrates. For long-term shipping of more than several days one of the AmQuel+ products should be used with one of the NovAqua+ products, because of the build up of toxic organics from excretion. The NovAqua+ and AmQuel+ products, when used together in shipping, will reduce stress, osmotic and pH shock, probability of infection, and neutralize ammonia, chloramines, chlorine and heavy metals. When AmQuel+ is used with NovAqua+ it increases the protection by neutralizing ammonia/ammonium, nitrites, nitrates, and other organics.  If the fish are crowded or prone to bump into or abrade each other, Kordon's Fish Protector (=PolyAqua) should be used in place of NovAqua+ in both the shipping water and the pond or holding tank after shipments are received.  Fish Protector (=PolyAqua) should be used to handle abrasions, bruises, and frayed fins of fishes.

FISH AND INVERTEBRATE FIELD COLLECTING
When using water from natural conditions for field collecting, the use of AmQuel+ or AmQuel in holding water and shipping water will reduce stress in fishes and invertebrates due to nitrogen compounds and pheromones intoxication. If fish will be held for days in containers, AmQuel+ should be used, because it will remove (detoxify) nitrites and nitrates as well ammonia. In addition, Fish Protector (=PolyAqua) should be used in holding and shipping water for optimum protection against abrasions, bruises, and frayed fins in fishes

STABILITY
so far as is known for this new formulation, Pond AmQuel+ is stable indefinitely when stored in a cool, dark area away from heat and direct sunlight. Pond AmQuel+ should be kept tightly closed when not in use.  None have been found to go out of date.  The odor that is in Pond AmQuel+ does not interfere with the product's stability, nor is it in any way toxic to fishes and other aquatic life.

COMPATIBILITIES
Pond AmQuel+ is harmless to plants, fishes, invertebrates (including corals and sea anemones), and other aquatic life forms. This product is safe for use in ponds and aquariums and will not interfere with biological filtration or its bacteria. When Pond AmQuel+ detoxifies ammonia, nitrites, nitrates, and other organic compounds, it breaks the links of molecules apart. The nitrifying bacteria do not know the difference and eat the parts, just as they would the whole original compounds.

Where Pond AmQuel+ is particularly useful is in its detoxification of all nitrates in the water. There are not sufficient bacteria in the pond water to do this. In the past the only way to get rid of nitrates from ponds and aquariums was by water changes.  Now this can be done in a few minutes with Pond AmQuel+. This leaves the main reason for making water changes (now needed less frequently)  to replacing trace elements in the water.  For this, Kordon's fresh or saltwater VitaTace can be used that replenishes both the trace elements and vitamins needed in the water.

Pond AmQuel+ is recommended to be used with Kordon's Pond NovAqua+, because they mainly do different functions that collectively are needed in aquarium and pond keeping.  Pond NovAqua+ is most important for treating tap water that comes from public water utilities that has accumulated toxic metals from water pipes, and in providing health aids to the fishes and aquatic invertebrates.  See Pond NovAqua+ for further information.  Pond AmQuel+ and Pond NovAqua+ are provided as separate products because they cannot be combined and stored together, without loss of efficacy.

Pond AmQuel+ is compatible with all Kordon water conditioners (such as Kordon Fish Protector (=Polyaqua), EZ4U™ products, Instant Water Conditioners and Tabs, Zym-Bac™, Tidy-Tank™, Tidy Turtle™, organic preventatives and treatments (including Kordon organic treatments Ich-Attack™, Prevent-Ich™, Rid-Fungus™), and water clarifiers (Trans-Clear™, Sea-Clear™).  Pond AmQuel+ is compatible with the Kordon chemical treatments Formalin-3™, and Trifon™ (trichlorfon).

CONTRAINDICATIONS
Pond AmQuel+ should not be added to water containing active ingredients of chemical dyes such as methylene blue, acriflavine, malachite green, potassium permanganate, iodine, and acriflavine, since Pond AmQuel+ will interfere with their proper performance. Combining Pond AmQuel+ with these dyes will not result in toxic chemical by-products. Pond AmQuel+ can be useful in those instances when it is desirable to terminate a treatment with a chemical dye. This is especially useful with potassium permanganate (see Kordon's Permoxyn) because Pond AmQuel+ (and Pond AmQuel) remove instantly the activity of this dye and its coloring of the water. 

Care should be taken when using the AmQuel products in the presence of cotton.  AmQuel+ and AmQuel may affect the dyes in a small number of certain types of cotton based fabrics. 

Use of Pond AmQuel+ with organic herbal treatments:  responding to inquiries about the use of Pond AmQuel+ with Kordon naphthoquinone treatments Ich-Attack, Rid-Fungus, and Prevent-Ich, it is safe to use all organic herbal treatments with Pond AmQuel+ without interference with each other.  Also see above under Compatibilities.

Compatibility of Pond AmQuel+ with chemical medications in the water:  Since Pond AmQuel+ diminishes or removes certain dyes, it can be used to end treatments that use chemical dyes in medications, such as those using potassium permanganate (Kordon's Permoxyn), malachite green, methylene blue, acriflavine, and iodine.  It may take multiple doses for this to be accomplished.  The advantage is that Pond AmQuel+ can dilute or eliminate the staining by the dyes of silicone glass sealants, submerged objects, and water.

Compatibility of Pond AmQuel+ with water test kits:  Since a significant number of water test kits for aquarium and pond keeping are inaccurate, this is an important issue for those trying to make water tests.  See Kordon Article "The Truth About Water Test Kits...", as well as other Kordon Articles on this subject listed on Kordon's home page.  Pond AmQuel+ is completely compatible with all Kordon Aqua-Tru™ test kits (see the Kordon Articles on Water Quality Test Kits on Kordon's home page), because their reagents are full strength and scientific grade.
  
Pond AmQuel+ is compatible to use with those water quality test kits on the market that are fully effective (see note below), except for the ammonia test kits that use Nessler reagents that read in shades of amber or yellow, and the oxygen test kits that use Winkler reagents. Residual Pond AmQuel+ and its reaction products are incompatible with the Nessler and Winkler type reagents, resulting in false, high ammonia and low oxygen concentration readings.

Ammonia test kits using Salicylate-type reagents (reading on a colorimetric scale from yellow to green to blue green) are appropriate for accurate test results.  A notable exception for what appears to be a Salicylate-type test kit that should not be used with Pond AmQuel+ is the API (Aquarium Pharmaceuticals) ammonia test kit.  For reasons unknown to us, it is incompatible with Pond AmQuel+ or regular AmQuel+.  Also it is important to read the Kordon Article "The Truth About Water Test Kits..." to have a basic understanding of the quality differences in test kits. 

Excellent examples of high quality Salicylate-type test kits with technical grade reagents are Kordon's AquaTru Ammonia Test Kit #35970 for salt water and #35980 for fresh water, as well as the AquaTru Master Test Kits. Any oxygen test kit other than those using Winkler's method is compatible with AmQuel+. For further information on the effects on medications and test kits see in the Kordon Article "About Water Conditioners. "

CAUTION
It has been reported by several users that if AmQuel+ or Pond AmQuel+ is accidentally spilled on certain types of clothing that they will
produce bleached spots.  It is recommended that care be taken in this regard.

There are users of AmQuel+ and Pond AmQuel+ who have been disturbed by the chemical's odor.  The reaction by different people smelling
the same bottle can vary greatly.  The odor is completely harmless, including in the water to fishes and other aquatic life.  the extent
of the odor does not indicate any deterioration in the product.

TOXICITY
Pond AmQuel+ is non-toxic when used as directed. Many hundreds of kinds of freshwater and marine fishes, aquatic invertebrates and plants have been exposed to multiple full doses of AmQuel+ during extended test periods and general use with no toxic effects. Pond AmQuel+ does not reach toxic levels even in cases of accidental or purposeful overdosing. Pond AmQuel+ is non-toxic to humans and no special precautions are necessary in handling this product.

The main potential interference that Pond AmQuel+ has in pond keeping is that in the first several minutes of use the chemical reactions involved absorb 0.3-0.4 ppm = parts per million (which is about the same as 0.3-0.4 mg/L milligrams per liter) oxygen from the water.  Therefore, when using Pond AmQuel+ be sure that there is plenty of aeration in the water.   In way overcrowded ponds this can be an adverse factor.  However, under most conditions, this would only be a 5% or so temporary decrease in oxygen in the water for a few minutes, and would not be a factor.

It is recommended in the instructions for the AmQuel+ products, including on the bottles, "always allow a 24 hour period between single dose applications."  The reason for this is that in overcrowded conditions where oxygen is in very short supply, there may be a problem with the AmQuel+ products removing 0.3-0.4 ppm oxygen from the water per standard dose and suffocating the fishes.  This is a rare occurrence, but when it happens it is a real loss in fish keeping. 

Under most pond and aquarium conditions this is not a problem, even when fairly crowded with fishes.  The few times that we have learned that the AmQuel+ products were of concern in removing oxygen was from aquarists who had considerably overcrowded tanks and were using a "waterfall" type filter as their sole aeration.  Waterfall filters spill the water on the surface of the water.  Such filters only aerate the top water layer and are not getting enough oxygen throughout the water. Waterfall filters do not circulate the water through the whole aquarium.  The same is true for ponds with fishes, which can have a similar problem when water is distributed entirely by waterfall(s) into the pond. 

What is needed is additional aeration, such as from an air pump and air stone(s) (see Kordon Mist-Air™ air stones) situated near the bottom that move the water upwards from the bottom of the pond or aquarium towards the surface, carrying out carbon dioxide and bringing in oxygen.  Or in ponds and larger aquariums a water pump can be used to circulate the water.  Either of these will add needed circulation of the oxygen in the water throughout the pond and aquarium. 

Pond AmQuel+ does not affect pH. (Regular Pond AmQuel may during use temporarily  lower pH moderately in water with a high pH, while Pond AmQuel+ does not).  Nor do Pond AmQuel or Pond AmQuel+ alter elements in the water such as minerals or hardness.

Pure dry AmQuel+ and AmQuel is available in bulk pure dry form for commercial and professional use. See the section on AquaVet for listings and further information. 

What the Similarities and Differences Are Between Pond AmQuel and Pond AmQuel Plus
Similarities:
Both Pond AmQuels break the chloramines apart that are put in the tap water by public water utilities, exposing the chlorines and ammonium/ammonia for removal.  Both Pond AmQuels remove all the chlorines from the water that would be added by municipal water utilities, with Pond AmQuel+ removing far more -- 33 ppm chlorines if they are present.  Both Pond AmQuels remove ammonia/ammonium from the water, with Pond AmQuel+ removing at least 1.2 ppm or more ammonia/ammonium per dose.

Differences:
While Pond AmQuel removes a slight to moderate amount of some of the the toxic nitrogen compounds other than ammonia/ammonium, including amounts of nitrites and pheromones, Pond AmQuel+ will per dose detoxify essentially most or all of the toxic nitrogen compounds naturally in the tap water and other water supplies as well as those being formed biologically.  Subsequent doses will detoxify them all.  Regular use of Pond AmQuel+, such as in weekly doses, will control all the toxic nitrogen compounds in normal pond keeping, including nitrates and pheromones.

What the similarities and differences are between Pond NovAqua+ and Pond AmQuel+:
Because of the nature of Pond AmQuel+, the ingredients of Pond NovAqua+ and Pond AmQuel+ need to be kept separate in order to work right.  When the ingredients of Pond NovAqua+ and Pond AmQuel+ are mixed and stored in the same bottle, there are interactions that interfere with their effectiveness.  When the ingredients are stored separately, they have a long shelf life, for Pond NovAqua+ exceeding five years, and for Pond AmQuel+ indefinitely.  When Pond NovAqua+ and Pond AmQuel+ are then put in the water from their separate bottles, their action is immediate and thorough.

The purpose of Pond AmQuel+ is to remove from the water the chlorines, break apart the chloramines, and detoxify all of the toxic nitrogen compounds, including ammonia/ammonium, nitrites, nitrates, pheromones, and other nitrogen compounds which have no common names.  The nitrogen compounds come from tap water, other water sources, and excretion of fishes and other aquatic organisms.  It is recommended to use Pond AmQuel+ when adding new water,  and weekly in normal ponds to remove the toxic nitrogen compounds that are continually building up in the water.  If there is an excess of Pond AmQuel+ in the water, it will remain dormant until the compounds that it removes enter the water, acting immediately to detoxify them.  

The purpose of Pond NovAqua+ is to add multiple protective skin coatings to the fish to reduce stress and repel infectious viruses and bacteria, remove toxic heavy metals from the water that particularly come in from tap water passing through metal pipes, to act as a pH buffer for water coming from water pipes that has become acidic, and to add electrolytes to the water essential for fishes and other aquatic organisms. 

What Pond NovAqua+ also does similar to Pond AmQuel+ is remove all chlorines and break the chloramines bond holding chlorine and ammonia, and subsequently removing the chlorine that is in the chloramines.  However, these functions are more effectively done by Pond AmQuel+ by detoxifying the ammonia in chloramines, and in taking out up to 33 parts per million chlorines from the water, while Pond NovAqua+ takes out up to 6 parts per million chlorines.  Therefore, for the most part Pond NovAqua+ and Pond AmQuel+ have separate functions that together provide essential actions needed in aquarium and pond keeping.

Using Pond NovAqua+ and Pond AmQuel+ together in aquarium and pond keeping provides the basic necessities for water conditioning that is continually needed for treating tap water and water from other sources, including bottled water.   

CLAIMS BY COMPETITORS AND CONSUMERS REGARDING AMQUEL PRODUCTS

Claims By Competitors
There is the claim by a company in their ads in U.S. aquarium magazines that "AmQuel" is made by the same company as makes their product. This is not true.  There are no relations between Novalek or any of its divisions or associates with the companies involved in the ad claims.  Nor is anyone associated with Novalek or its divisions or associates making any AmQuel-like products for others.  The company making the claims in their ads cites product patent numbers for their products, which according to the government patent offices of the respective countries, -- then and now those patents are no longer valid. 

Another company in aquarium products is warning that one of their products should not be used with those water conditioners that contain amines.  All of the Kordon products, including Pond AmQuel+ are compatible with all water conditioners with which they have been tested.  So far as is known, Kordon's products are not involved in the company's claims.  No AmQuel or AmQuel+ product (or any other Kordon product) contains amines.  See Kordon Article "Questions About Aquarium Water Conditioners That Contain Amines And Ion Exchange Resins".

Claims By Consumers On The Internet
There are a substantial number of references to AmQuel+ in forums and articles on the Internet.  But even those that are praising the product, often get tangled up in just what AmQuel+ is accomplishing.  Whatever -- hopefully the above description of Pond AmQuel+ helps in explaining the truth about what the AmQuel+ products fulfill, as well as what they do not do.  If there are further questions or comments, send them to info@novalek.com for our response.

The biggest problem that the AmQuel+ products have is that so many of the colorimetric water quality test kits on the market are low grade and useless.  This did not matter as much before when there were not products that removed toxic nitrogen compounds (ammonia, nitrites, nitrates) from the water, as is now being done by Pond AmQuel+.  So there was no indication before, when test kits were not working properly.  For most users, the assumption was that these tests were accurate, when in many instances they were not.

But now, there are the comments from test-kit users who are not seeing their test kits recording what AmQuel+ is irreversibly detoxifying.  Their first reaction is to blame the AmQuel+ product for not working, rather than realizing that its scientific-grade chemical reaction has to happen, no matter what the water conditions.  The problem is in the quality of their test kits (see Kordon Article "The Truth About Water Test Kits...".  Pond AmQuel+ is a professional product for which all production batches since the first one made years ago are still fully active in detoxifying chlorines and the toxic nitrogen compounds ammonia/ammonium, nitrites, nitrates, pheromones, etc., to at least the extent indicated on its labels and descriptions.  

There is the claim on an aquarium product manufacturer's Internet web site that laboratory tests proved that AmQuel+ does not work.  Numerous tests outside of Kordon's control have been done on AmQuel+ by various independent scientific laboratories and U.S. Government Agencies.  The only test that indicated that AmQuel+ was inactive was under complete anaerobic conditions in the water.  Since these conditions are not going to exist in aquarium and pond conditions, this is not a factor as to the effectiveness of AmQuel+ or Pond AmQuel+.  

With 0.3-0.4 ppm (= 0.3-0.4 mg/L) or more oxygen in the water, Pond AmQuel+ is going to remove at least the amounts of nitrogen compounds as indicated on the product labels and in the above account for Pond AmQuel+.  Usually it is going to be even more.  Since such a low level of oxygen in the water is completely suffocating to fish and many aquatic invertebrates, it means that under all normal water conditions --which by necessity will have appreciably more oxygen in the water -- there will be ample oxygen in the water for the fish and other aquatic life, as well as for Pond AmQuel+ to fulfill its obligations in detoxifying nitrogen compounds in the water.

Aquarium AmQuel+ Products

Other Kordon Products Containing AmQuel+