Pond AmQuel® Plus

Pond Water Conditioner

  • Removes  all chlorine and chloramines
  • Detoxifies all forms of ammonia
  • Detoxifies nitrites & nitrates
  • Detoxifies toxic pheromones
  • Detoxifies organic by-products
  • Does not interfere with biological cycles
  • Suitable for fresh and saltwater
  • Safe for invertebrates
  • Made in U.S.A.

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

Pond AmQuel Plus 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 Plus fewer water changes are needed in pond keeping, thereby conserving a valuable resource.


Item No. 30016 POND AMQUEL® PLUS - 16 fl.oz. (473mL) - treats 1,920 gallons
Item No. 30021 POND AMQUEL® PLUS - 1 gallon (3.78 L) - treats 15,360 gallons
Item No. 30025 POND AMQUEL® PLUS - 5 gallons (18.9 L) - treats 76,800 gallons

Benefits & Purposes

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 Plus which is based on a much improved new chemical formula.  AmQuel Plus with its Pond AmQuel Plus version is the latest development in state-of-the-art water conditioning technology and is far beyond what the original AmQuel product does. AmQuel Plus does all that AmQuel does and a significant number of additional tasks as well.  Pond AmQuel Plus has the same ingredients as Amquel Plus, 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 Plus goes well beyond by detoxifying all the nitrogen compounds that need to be detoxified for aquarium and pond keeping. 

It is recommended that Pond AmQuel Plus be used with its companion product Kordon Pond NovAqua Plus, which does what AmQuel Plus cannot do that are important in safely conditioning pond and aquarium water for fishes and aquatic invertebrates.  In particular, Pond NovAqua Plus 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.
 
FURTHER PURPOSES AND BENEFITS
An immediate purpose for using Pond  AmQuel Plus 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.
A primary purpose in using Pond  AmQuel  Plus in ponds is to protect pond fishes and invertebrates by quickly  detoxifying the harmful components of the biological  nitrogen cycle -  ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates, without slowing the nitrogen  cycle, or interfering with the beneficial bacteria involved, or depriving  these  bacteria of their food. 

Pond AmQuel Plus 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 Plus 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 Plus  are that it is easy to use and  equally effective in fresh and salt  water. Pond AmQuel Plus does not affect the  beneficial bacteria of the  biological nitrogen cycle. Pond AmQuel Plus 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 Plus does  not affect pH  (acidity and alkalinity), and does not discolor the  water. Pond AmQuel Plus 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 Plus in the water.

AmQuel Plus - how it works, compared to regular AmQuel
the complexes in the AmQuel Plus  products, including Pond AmQuel Plus 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.



Compatabilities & Contraindications

Pond AmQuel Plus 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 Plus 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 Plus 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 Plus. This leaves the main reason for making water changes (now needed less frequently)  to replacing trace elements in the water. 

Pond AmQuel Plus is recommended to be used with Kordon's Pond NovAqua Plus, because they mainly do different functions that collectively are needed in aquarium and pond keeping.  Pond NovAqua Plusis 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 Plus for further information.  Pond AmQuel Plus and Pond NovAqua Plus are provided as separate products because they cannot be combined and stored together, without loss of efficacy.

Pond AmQuel Plus is compatible with all Kordon water conditioners.
 
Compatibility of Pond AmQuel Plus with chemical medications in the water: 
Since  Pond AmQuel Plus 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 Plus  can dilute or eliminate the staining by the  dyes of silicone glass  sealants, submerged objects, and water.

Compatibility of Pond AmQuel Plus with water test kits:       
Pond AmQuel Plus is compatible to use with  those water quality test kits on the  market that are fully effective,  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 Plus 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. 
 
 
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Pond AmQuel Plus 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 Plus will interfere with   their proper performance. Combining Pond AmQuel Plus with these dyes  will not  result in toxic chemical by-products. Pond AmQuel Plus 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 because Pond  AmQuel Plus (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 Plus and AmQuel may affect  the dyes in a small number of  certain types of cotton based fabrics.  

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


Directions for Use

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 60 gallons of water, or one cup (8 liquid ounces = 240 ml)) per 480 gallons of water, or one pint (16 liquid ounces = 480 ml) per 960 gallons of water. For other measurements estimate the amounts needed.  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).

The use of one standard dose of AmQuel Plus 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 Plus will penetrate throughout the water, including the water in the gravel, sand, or other bottom material.  If excess Pond AmQuel Plus 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 Plus breaks the chloramines bond apart, and one standard dose of AmQuel Plus 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 Plus will happen mostly within five minutes, or slightly longer for ammonia in water with a higher pH above 7.5.  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 Plus will detoxify, and what is removed may be up to several times to many times higher.  

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 Plus is recommended.

Add Pond AmQuel Plus to the water at the recommended dosages as described above. Since Pond AmQuel Plus 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. 

 

THE REMOVAL OF PHEROMONES FROM THE WATER
One of the most remarkable capabilities of both Pond AmQuel and Pond AmQuel Plus is in their detoxification 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 Plus to keep pheromones under control is beneficial to the fishes and other aquatic life. 


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 Plus or Pond AmQuel Plus 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 Plus 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 Plus 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 Plus 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 Plus products are stronger than the AmQuel products in removing pheromones. 

The AmQuel or AmQuel Plus and NovAqua Plus 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 Plus products should be used with one of the NovAqua Plus products, because of the build up of toxic organics from excretion. The NovAqua Plus and AmQuel Plus 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 Plus is used with NovAqua Plus 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 Plus 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 Plus or AmQuel in holding water and shipping water will reduce stress in fishes and invertebrates due to nitrogen compounds and pheromones intoxication. 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 & Toxicity

 

STABILITY
So far as is known for this new formulation, Pond AmQuel Plus is stable indefinitely when stored in a cool, dark area away from heat and direct sunlight. Pond AmQuel Plus should be kept tightly closed when not in use. 
 
 
TOXICITY
Pond AmQuel Plus 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 Plus during extended test periods and general use with no toxic effects. Pond AmQuel Plus does not reach toxic levels even in cases of accidental or purposeful overdosing. Pond AmQuel Plus is non-toxic to humans and no special precautions are necessary in handling this product.

The main potential interference that Pond AmQuel Plus 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 Plus 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 Plus 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 Plus 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 Plus 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.