Q: A test kit is the fastest and most reliable way to determine if you have ammonia in your tank. There are many effective test kits that you can purchase. Ask the employees at your local pet store to help you choose the best one for your needs.  Ammonia test kits are very affordable. Most cost between $5-$10. A test kit can tell you whether you have elevated ammonia levels. Keep one on hand in case you notice any symptoms. Follow the directions on the packaging. If the test indicates any level of ammonia, that is too much. The only safe level of ammonia is zero. If your test kit detects any amount of ammonia, you need to perform a water change. This process can take several days.  Changing the water is the only safe way to lower ammonia levels. Products that promise to remove ammonia might have negative side effects, so they should be avoided. A water change means that you will remove 10-15% of the water in the tank. Use a clean bucket or jug to remove the water. Replace the water with fresh water. Use dechlorinated tap water. Continue changing the water over the next 2-3 days until there is no trace of ammonia. You do not need to remove your fish or any plants that are in your tank. The process by which you keep the water in your aquarium healthy for your fish is known as "cycling". The primary reason to cycle your aquarium is to ensure that the levels of ammonia and nitrates are at the proper level. You can cycle a new tank or an already established tank.  A full cycle will take 4-6 weeks to complete. Begin by placing all new water in your tank. With a new aquarium, start slowly. Let the aquarium run for at least a day before adding fish. Add fish slowly. Do not add more than 3 new fish per week to any tank. Purchase a cycling aid product. You can ask for these at your local pet or fish supply store. There are several brands that will contain bacteria to supplement your tank. These products will help promote healthy bacteria in your tank. Follow the instructions on the product packaging. When you are preparing and cycling an aquarium, it is important to keep a log of the components of your tank water. Closely monitor the levels of ammonia, nitrate, and pH. Keeping careful records can help you notice changes and correct the levels as fast as possible.  You can write down all of the chemical levels in your water. You can also note factors such as temperature level and population statistics. There are many websites and apps that can help you monitor your tank. Some sites offer basic memberships for free.  Other sites are more sophisticated. You can purchase memberships if you need to monitor several aquariums. A filtration system is key to lowering and regulating ammonia levels. A good filter will regulate and neutralize ammonia and nitrates. It will also remove floating debris from your tank.  Purchase the best filter for your tank. Filters come in many sizes and price ranges, so do your research. Read reviews online. You should also talk to experienced employees at your local pet store. Power filters are commonly used for tanks up to 55 gallons. They are used to increase biological filtration, which means you can keep more fish in your tank. If your tank is larger than 55 gallons, consider getting a Canister filter. They are the most powerful and effective for large tanks.
A: Purchase a test kit. Change your water. Cycle your aquarium. Keep track of water conditions. Choose the right filter.

Q: Itching, mild or more severe, can be an indication that you have an outer ear infection. You may itch inside your ear or along the outside. However, a slight itch doesn't automatically mean you have an outer ear infection. Any kind of drainage from the ear can indicate an ear infection. However, look for drainage with color--yellow or green. Also, if the drainage smells bad, that could also indicate an ear infection. If you have pain in your ear, it could indicate an ear infection. If you press on your ear and the pain worsens, that's even more likely to be an indicator of an ear infection. In severe cases, pain may begin spreading across your face, which means you need to get to a doctor immediately, as the infection is spreading. Look at your ear closely in a mirror. If you can see some redness, that may also indicate an ear infection. Hearing loss is a more advanced symptom of ear infections, so if you begin to notice your hearing going in an ear along with other symptoms, that is definitely a reason to see a doctor. At its most advanced stage, your ear canal will be blocked completely. If your ear or lymph nodes swell, that is a far progression of an ear infection. Another advanced symptom is a fever.
A: Notice itching. Look for drainage. Pay attention to pain. Check for redness. Notice hearing loss. Look for the advanced symptoms.

Q: Carefully wash the affected area with a mild cleanser and rinse with water. Pat the skin dry with a clean towel. Washing the chafed skin is especially important if you've been exercising or sweating a lot. You'll need to wash away the perspiration before treating the skin. Avoid rubbing the skin hard with a towel. You don't want to further irritate dry, peeling skin. Sprinkle powder over your skin. This should help to reduce your skin's friction. You can use talc-free baby powder, baking soda, cornstarch, or another body powder. The use of talcum powder has been brought into question since some studies show it may be a carcinogen, specifically for women if used in the genital areas. Use any kind of petroleum jelly, body balm, diaper rash cream, or product designed to prevent chafing over the skin to reduce your skin's friction. Several products are specifically designed to prevent chafing for athletes. Once you've applied an ointment, you may want to cover the area with a bandage or sterile gauze pad. If the area is very painful or bleeding, ask your doctor for a medicated ointment. You'll be able to spread it on the area much like petroleum jelly. Cool the chafed skin by applying an ice pack right after you finish exercising or begin to notice irritation. Make sure not to apply ice or an ice pack directly to your skin, since this can further damage your skin. Instead, wrap the ice pack in a towel or cloth and keep it near your skin for 20 minutes. This cooling sensation will give you immediate relief. Spread natural aloe vera gel directly from the plant onto the chafed area. You can also purchase aloe vera, but  make sure it has as few additives as possible. This will calm your skin. You may also want to drop a couple of drops of tea tree oil onto a cotton ball. Then, spread it over your skin. This can fight infection and help your skin heal faster. Create a soothing mixture of 2 cups baking soda and 10 drops of lavender essential oil. Then add this to a running bath of lukewarm water. Avoid soaking in very hot water, which can dry out or further irritate your skin. Soak for at least 20 minutes and then get out and pat yourself dry with a clean towel. You can also make a soothing tea to add to the tub. Boil 1/3 cup of green tea, 1/3 cup of dried calendula (marigold), and 1/3 cup of dried chamomile in 2 US quarts (2,000 ml) of water. Let the tea steep until the liquid cools, then strain it and pour into your tub. Chafed skin can become infected and need medical attention. If you notice an infection or scaly red rash, go see your medical practitioner. You should also see your doctor if the chafed area is incredibly painful or debilitating and sensitive.
A:
Clean the area. Apply powder. Apply an ointment. Apply ice packs. Apply soothing gels or oils. Take a soothing bath. Know when to see a doctor.