Chemicals In Fish Tank

[noobgamers]

ive sen on a couple of webistes which sell pure tannic acid(pure) and sodium thiosulphate(water dechlorinater) would these be feasible substitutes to peat and commercial water dechlorinator respectively any advice or info will be welcome if it is safe what doses would be required

 

[DrRob]

I use sodium thiosulphate. It doesn't have some of the additives that some of the commercial dechlorinators have, but boy is it cheap, particularly for the pond.
 
Not used tannic acid, would be slightly suspicious of it being non-slow release in the format you get from biological sources, but in theory you can use acids. I know certain forum members use hydrochloric acid to get pH down.

 

[elmo666]

I think these "base" chemicals are fine if you know what concentration they are and can accurately measure what's needed for an individual set up. Most of the branded products rely on their reputation, but have a proven track record. They are seen as a safe bet......but expensive long term.

 

[noobgamers]

I use sodium thiosulphate. It doesn't have some of the additives that some of the commercial dechlorinators have, but boy is it cheap, particularly for the pond.
 
Not used tannic acid, would be slightly suspicious of it being non-slow release in the format you get from biological sources, but in theory you can use acids. I know certain forum members use hydrochloric acid to get pH down.

ive heard from soem sources that sodium thiosulpahte only removes chlorine is this true and if so how do you get around it oh wait my local wate ronly contains chlorine so im fine

 

[DrRob]

Sodium thiosulphate will remove the chlorine element of the chloramine, leaving ammonia that the filter can deal with in all but a very large water change, for smaller changes it's fine. It's also great for removing bleach residue after cleaning things or recharging purigen.