Kordon AmQuel, developed over 20 years ago, is the original product that established the state-of-the-art in water conditioning technology regarding ammonia removal. AmQuel quickly and effectively removes/detoxifies ammonia, chlorine and chloramines (three of the most toxic chemicals commonly found in tap water from public utilities) from fresh and salt water. AmQuel is the first to be a true one-step liquid ammonia and chloramine remover that is simple to use.

AmQuel is completely unlike those dechlorinators that claim to "remove" chloramines. Those products only break the chlorine-ammonia bond of chloramines by simple dechlorination, leaving the toxic ammonia in the water. Using those other products, the resulting ammonia must be removed by bacterial action which can take days or weeks, or by adsorption on granular or powdered zeolites (clinoptilolites). In addition, AmQuel functions as well in salt water as it does in fresh water; whereas zeolites do not remove ammonia in salt water. For detailed information on AmQuel's chemical structure see the Kordon Article "AmQuel - How It Works".

AmQuel was the first product developed that removes toxic pheromones released by the fish in the water.  Also this is done by AmQuel+.   This is of considerable aid to the aquarist, because pheromones in the water build up in the water and can be harmful to fishes. 


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SPECIFICATIONS
Contains 100% sodium hydroxymethanesulfonate.  See the Kordon Article "AmQuel - How It Works"

Does 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 AMQUEL PRODUCTS
The "Standard Dose" of AmQuel is one teaspoon (5 ml) per 10 gallons of fresh or salt water, or one liquid ounce (30 ml) per 60 gallons of water, or one cup (8 liquid ounces - 20 ml) per 480 gallons of water. For other measurements estimate the amounts needed, such as 2 drops per gallon or 1/4 teaspoon for 2.5 gallons of water, or 3 teaspoons for 30 gallons, etc. See the Kordon Article "Standard Dose For Liquid Treatments.

To remove chlorine and chloramines (chlorine combined with ammonia) out of the tap from public water supplies add one Standard Dose (see definition above) to the water to break the bond between the chlorine and ammonia, and to remove all the chlorine, and ammonia that may be in most public water supplies. This will remove up to 3 mg/L chloramines (as monochloramine, NH2Cl). No greater dose is needed for removing most chloramines or all chlorine from public water supplies.   For those water supplies with higher amounts of ammonia, use two doses to detoxify/remove all ammonia present.

To remove toxic ammonia compounds 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 not only removes the chlorine and chloramines described above, but will also remove (detoxify) at the same time 1.0 mg/L (= approx. 1.0 ppm) of all ammonia compounds in fresh or salt water. Use multiple doses to remove more than 1.0 mg/L ammonia from the water.  

It is suggested that for tap water where high amounts of chloramines are used by public water utilities the ammonia concentration of the water be tested prior to the addition of AmQuel to determine how much AmQuel is needed. It usually will be the need of a double dose.  Also see Contraindications for when there may be problems in the use of AmQuel. The pH of the water being treated affects the speed at which AmQuel removes ammonia. The lower the pH, the slower AmQuel works. At a pH of 7.0 (neutral) AmQuel will remove the ammonia in less than 5 minutes. Several minutes more are needed at higher pHs.

To remove toxic nitrite, nitrate and other organic compounds that build up in aquariums and ponds from the excretion of body wastes by fishes, invertebrates, bacteria, and other aquatic organisms use Kordon's AmQuel+.


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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 AmQuel. If there is the possibility of nitrites, nitrates and other organics being involved, then Amquel+ is recommended.

AQUARIUMS AND PONDS When using AmQuel with tap water, add AmQuel to water at the recommended dosage to remove ammonia, chlorine and chloramines. To fully condition tap water, add Kordon's NovAqua+ as well. Use AmQuel or AmQuel+ and NovAqua+ each time a water change is made. If the tap water contains both ammonia and nitrite (this is becoming more common in public water supplies) then AmQuel+ should be used instead of AmQuel. Also see AmQuel+ as to when it should be used.

FISH AND INVERTEBRATE SHIPPING AND HOLDING AmQuel or AmQuel+ and NovAqua or NovAqua+[hyperlink] should be added to tap water used for shipping fish and invertebrates. NovAqua and AmQuel, when used together, will reduce stress, osmotic and pH shock, probability of infection, and neutralize ammonia, chloramines, chlorine and heavy metals. Amquel+ and NovAqua+ is the more effective combination for these purposes.  If the fish are crowded or prone to bump into or abrade each other, Kordon's Fish Protector formerly PolyAqua should be added to both the shipping water and the aquarium or holding tank after shipments are received.  Fish Protector formerly PolyAqua should be used to handle abrasions, bruises, and frayed fins of fishes.

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

STABILITY
AmQuel is stable indefinitely when stored in a cool, dark area away from heat and direct sunlight. AmQuel should be kept tightly closed when not in use.

 

COMPATIBILITIES
AmQuel is harmless to plants, fishes and invertebrates. This product is safe for use in aquariums and ponds and will not interfere with normal biological filtration. AmQuel is compatible with NovAqua and PolyAqua. Use caution when adding liquid AmQuel to water that has a poor buffer reserve (as indicated by problems maintaining a stable pH). Using AmQuel in these conditions can cause a sudden lowering of pH. To prevent a pH drop, use either Kordon's AmQuel Plus Buffers (which is regular AmQuel with buffers added to stabilize the pH from fluctuating), or Amquel+.(which does not change the pH of the water).  AmQuel may affect the dyes in certain types of cotton fabrics. This happens for the same reason that Ammonia test kits using the Nessler reagents do not work with AmQuel or AmQuel+. These products reduce the coloring agents used in the Nessler reaction test kits, and apparently in a very small selection of cotton based fabrics.

 

CONTRAINDICATIONS
AmQuel should not be added to water containing active, therapeutic dosages of chemical dyes such as methylene blue, acriflavine, potassium permanganate or malachite green, since AmQuel will interfere with their proper performance. Combining AmQuel with these dyes will not result in toxic chemical by-products. AmQuel is compatible to use with all water quality test kits except for the ammonia test kit that uses Nessler reagents that read in shades of amber or yellow, and the oxygen kit that uses Winkler reagents. Residual AmQuel and its reaction products are incompatible with the Nessler and Winkler-type test reagents, resulting in false, high ammonia and low oxygen concentration readings. All other types of test kits produce accurate test results, such as ammonia test kits using salicylate-type reagents. Kordon's AquaTru Test Kit #35970 for salt water and #35980 for fresh water and the Kordon Master Test Kits are recommended for accurate test results. AmQuel will temporarily (for approximately 12 hours) lower redox. (For more information see "About Conditioners")

TOXICITY
 AmQuel is non-toxic when used as directed. Over the past twenty years thousands of species of freshwater and marine fishes, invertebrates and plants have been exposed to AmQuel with no toxic effects. It does not reach toxic levels even in cases of accidental or purposeful overdosing.  The only concern is in the situations where AmQuel lowers the pH (acidity) in the water.  AmQuel is non-toxic to humans and no special precautions are necessary in handling this product.

 

DRY AMQUEL + BUFFERS
There are two Dry AmQuel+Buffers products: no. 31643 4.5 oz, and no. 31648 10 oz. These products provide AmQuel with the buffers needed to keep the pH from becoming more acidic due to the acidity of the AmQuel formulation. (See also AmQuel+, which does not require buffering in its use).

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


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CLAIMS BY ADVERTISERS AND OTHER PROVIDERS OF WATER CONDITIONERS IN REGARD TO AMQUEL PRODUCTS.
There is the claim by a company in their ads in U.S. aquarium magazine 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 sites product patent numbers in their ads, which then and now are no longer valid. 

A company in aquarium products is warning that one of its products should not be used with those that contain amines.  All of the Kordon products, including AmQuel are compatible with all water conditioners with which they have been tested.  So far as known, Kordon's products are not involved in the company's claims.