Water Quality

[LongNY]

Chlorine in water evaporates in about 24 hours, but I read that Chloramine (sp?) must be removed with a water treatment.... is this true? I am in NYC, USA so I'm sure there are both chemicals in the water.
I've also been told that as long as the Chlorine is allowed to evaporate, I can add the water w/o any treatment.
Others have said that during a water change, they, most of the time, just refill the tank directly from the tap without waiting..... What to do?.... Thanks, John NYC

 

[gadazobe]

It's true that chlorine will dissipate within 24 hours in water left standing, and it's also true that chloramine won't. The only way to get rid of the chloramine is to use a water conditioner that will neutralize both chloramine and other base metals that are harmful to your fish. One way to find out exactly what is in your water is to phone your water supplier and ask them.

You can add water from the straight from the tap providing that it's the same temperature as the tank and that you add the water conditioner as required. Most people find it easier to use buckets so that they can calculate how much water is added.

 

[freddyk]

Water conditioners are proven to be safe, effective, and instantaneous. Aging water gets rid of chlorine, but not chlorine in the form of chloromine, and it doesn't do a thing for the unhealthy metals that exist in most tap water. You might be amazed at the number of hobbiests, including myself, who fill the tank straight from the tap, adding conditioner beforehand or as it fills.

Water changes are much less of a chore if you don't make it a science. The water does not have to be the exact same temperature, we're only changing a portion of the water. Water does not have to be aged, conditioners work well. There is no exact amount of conditioner to add, an estimate is fine. It is easy enough to estimate how much water is removed by looking at how much is gone from the tank.

 

[LongNY]

Thanks Freddy.... always refreshing when someone knows from experience and is able to keep it smart, safe and simple.... thanks John NYC