There are a number of products which remove chorine and chloramine. The one I have, Jungle Right Start, says it also contains Allantoin, a skin protectant. Is this kind of additive needed?

I just set up a separate tank to aerate plain water, and in 2 days, the chlorine test comes back 0! I plan on using this water to do any large water changes. Someone on this site gave me the idea. It is great because it also allows me to use cold water and let it to come up to room temperature - and I don't have to wonder whether water heated in my water heater picked up any additional metals. And, I can get the pH just right in that tank before adding it. Thanks for the idea!

However, when I use this water, do I need to add a skin protectant kind of product as well?

And... I do not have a test for chloramine. Would this be "aerated away" as well, or not?

Thanks!

good question ..I have heard that chloramine dosn't ..unless treated ,I'm not sure though I would also like to know this ..but a skin protectant is always good

Letting water sit out will remove the chlorine on its own. But have you read your dechlorinator bottle? Most say that they remove chlorine, chloramine and heavy metals. By letting the water sit out, you have only removed the chlorine.

Getting hot water from the tap is a bad idea. So many things can leach from the water heater and the pipes that can be harmful to your fish. It's best to heat some cold tap water on the stove to bring the water to the proper temperature.

If you want to let the water sit out, that's fine - but you will still need to add a dechlorinator/water treatment. This is what I use:


I used to use Stress Coat. It contains aloe vera for protection of the slime coat - but I've been reading that it can build up on the gills and can be harmful to the fish, so I stopped using it.


Debbie

I agree, there are plenty of other things in tap water that sitting out does nothing for (chloramine, heavy metals, etc). I still like to have the water sit out because it brings it to room temp, but I use a water conditioner too to ensure that the other things are taken care of and some good extras are added. The AmQuel+/NovAqua+ combo or Prime - or probably several other options - both accomplish this well.

Thanks, all, good info! I'll be looking into these products. Seems like the Jungle product does the chloramine and heavy metals as well, but I'll take a look at all the labels, and compare what each product does. Looks like I should stay away from the Aloe. Much appreciated.

I have the water report from my city and the water quality is excellent. The chloramine is virtually non-existent. I just age my water(for 2 days in gallon jugs) to get rid of the chlorine. BTW, this process does not remove chloramine. I take it one step further and use Prime. My city could one day increase the amount of chloramine in the water w/o any notice and the risk is not worth it.

Aged or aerated water will not get rid of chloramine. Usually you will know if you have chloramine in your tap as it will show up as ammonia in your tank(if it doesn't kill your fish first).

It's good to age the water but always use Prime regardless.

This is a myth that has been circulating around the GF forums for years. I have no idea how it got started but not one person have been able to validate this claim. It is virtually impossible for the stuff to build up on the gills as the stuff disperses in water instantly. Furthermore, API is a first rate company and has been selling the stuff by the barrel for years. If it was harmful, it would have been taken off the market years ago.

Here is the ultimate proof that the stuff isn't harmful to goldies, Doc Johnson the foremost authority on goldie health in his book "Fancy Goldfish" prescribes stress coat for traumas and injuries. His recipe is usually pristine water, stress coat, and whatever med is proper for that particular situation.

That beind said, as a water conditioner for healthy fish, Prime is better and cheaper so I would use that. I love the stuff because I have a 50 gallon and the quantity they specify is one capful for every 50 gallon, so to me it's a no brainer. However keep that stress coat around in case of traumas.

Debbie is 100% right on the hot water. Never ever use anything but straight cold water. The hot water heater tank contains many microscopic nasties like bacteria, rust, heavy metal, etc etc that can easily kill your fish.

And yes letting the water age or aerating it will remove chlorine but will not remove chloramine. If you can, age the water for 2 days, but always use a conditioner like Prime.

Interesting... yes, one would think Doc Johnson would know what he's talking about.

All of these products can be so confusing, I thank you all for helping me sort them out.

nobody has the corner on having all things right..not even docs...

Chloramines when they break down become ammonia. Best to make sure that you get something for chloramines if you have them in your water.