How long should tap water sit before it can be used without dechlorinator chemicals?

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
Good question I am wondering the same. I need water like this to clean out the live blackworms I keep. Plus I also culture things like fairy shrimp and daphnia. I left out some water for about 2 days and rinsed the blackworms in it, they seem to be doing fine. I once cleaned blackworms with straight tap and they all died and rotted the next day. I also hear it's not a good idea to use dechlorinator because this might be worse and actually kill sensitive micro species.
 
glad to know im not the only one with this question. its a bit late but ill investigate this further this weekend. i will double check the water report but im pretty sure it says that all chemicals used other than chlorine and fluoride are removed before being allowed for use by the public. so chloromine might be used but if it is it's taken out before it gets to me. however, there is wisdom in what that one person said about not risking all my fish on an assumption :) also, i might end up going with a good filtration system instead of using standing water. like i said, ill get more into this this weekend.
 
Some people use carbon filtration as the only method of dechlorination. One person I talked to had a PVC pipe plumbed into the tubing he filled the tank with. It was thick pipe (maybe 3-4" diameter and something like 12" long) and full of carbon. If I remember right he changed the carbon about once every six months. Carbon is also what is used to dechlorinate the water in RO systems. This is a nonchemical method that will remove both chlorine and chloramine.
 
I would say a day in the sun is enough. But if you want to use it sooner put a powerhead in the water or a air stone and the bubbles will accelerate the evaporation into the atmosphere.
 
reptileguy2727 said:
This is a nonchemical method that will remove both chlorine and chloramine.
Click to expand...

i wondered about that. i take it from your signature that you are a biologist and can attest to this with confidence? :) yes? that's fantastic that i can just use carbon in a filter on the tank! thanks!
 
Not in a filter on the tank, it has to happen before the water gets to the tank. The person I talked to who did this had it as a section hooked in to his Python so 100% of the watr going into the tank was guaranteed to go through the carbon.

I think it is safe and as effective to use something like Prime. Why are you trying to avoid chemicals, even dechlorinators?
 
reptileguy2727 said:
Not in a filter on the tank, it has to happen before the water gets to the tank. The person I talked to who did this had it as a section hooked in to his Python so 100% of the watr going into the tank was guaranteed to go through the carbon.

I think it is safe and as effective to use something like Prime. Why are you trying to avoid chemicals, even dechlorinators?
Click to expand...

to stop burning a hole in his pocket- i myself spend £45-£60 a month on tap safe!
 
Surface area of your holding tank will make a big difference in the time it takes. The more surface area exposed to the air, the faster it will go. A large tub would be WAY better than a 5 gallon bucket.
 
Use prime, most cost effective hobbyist dechlor I am aware of.

The question is not how to do this but if it is even an option. If his tap water ever has chloramine evaporation is not an option.
 
if you are on a public water supply, your water will have a chlorine residual. it is required by the safe drinking water act and mandated by the EPA.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom