Water Conditioner Questions

[Oscar Betta]

I want to start using my tap water with conditioner for my fish instead of the freshwater from my pet store that I had previously used. I currently have Aqueon water conditioner which states to use 5ml per 10 gallons. Would that mean I should add 1/2 ml to my 1 gallon pitcher in which I add the water during water changes? How long should I let conditioner sit in it before adding the new water? Just trying to make sure I'm doing everything right before using this new method. 

 

[TwoTankAmin]

You have two choices with most water conditioner and they should tell you. one way is to add the exact amount of the conditioner for the water going back in for that specific amount of water. You add it to the new water before it goes into the tank.
 
You can also add the conditioner to the tank in which case they normally suggest you add an amount sufficient to treat the entire volume of water in the tank- both the old still in it and the new going in. In this case you can add the conditioner to the tank itself when you put in the new water.
 
Conditioners work almost instantly- as fast as it takes for them to circulate.

 

[am3ience]

I usually just add the water instantly, the conditioner should work immediately. 

 

[Mamashack]

I usually get my replacement water in a large 15 L bucket, match the temperature by hand and then add the appropriate amount of conditioner for the volume I'm replacing.

 

[Oscar Betta]

Thanks guys. I added about 8 drops per gallon and they seem to be doing fine. 

 

[KirkyArcher]

No need to add anymore water conditioner than that of the water volume you are replacing irrespective of refilling method, unless it's function is to remove ammonia nitrate and nitrites and that is usually limited to Seachem Prime in which case you dose the full tanks volume if adding water straight from the tap into the tank.