Elevated ammonia is caused by a lack of beneficial bacteria in a system to process the ammonia waste produced by the fish or the breakdown of other organic matter. Ammonia is toxic to all fish and should be at zero at all times.\nLive Filter Bacteria is a unique blend of marine-adapted nitrifying bacteria. Live Filter Bacteria can be used to rapidly populate a new aquarium to resolve \u201Cnew tank syndrome\u201D and can also be used to repopulate filters after maintenance or following the use of disease treatments.\nHow to use?\n--Shake bottle thoroughly before use.\n--Use provided cup to measure required dose and slowly add dose to aquarium\n--For best results, add directly to the filter if possible.