TO SEAMAIDEN: I have a few large aquariums in my house and feeder fish tanks. Cities treat their water to kill the germs. They make conditioners in a bottle for plants, fish and reptiles that nutralizes what they put in it. If you let tap water sit out for at least 2 days it nutralizes that. I never treat the water I add to my aquariums or water my plants
Yes, thank you. You're quite right!
![Smile :) :)](/styles/smilies/icon_smile.gif)
I have a good repertoire of knowledge regarding water chemistry, quality, and how municipalities treat their water (depending on its origin). I also used to work the aquatics import/export industry for several years and in a public aquarium.
The question first is this -- What is the individual dealing with? If they're dealing with municipal water supply, then they need to determine, accurately, what is being used to treat. If it's simple chlorine (becoming less and less common due to its nature) then it will dissipate into the atmosphere naturally. Of course, sodium thiosulfate will do a right quick job of breaking it down and it can be had from chemistry supply VERY cheaply, in dry concentrated form at that. That is the active ingredient in the products such as Novaqua or Stresscoat that you're talking about.
However, if chloramine is what's being used, then one MUST use sodium thiosulfate in order to break the bond between the chlorine and ammonia that comprises chloramine. Chloramine does what chlorine alone will do, however, it does not break down or dissipate on quickly, which is why it's becoming the preferred method for municipalities (and why one should use an agent to break those bonds).
For aquatics I would also be quite concerned with allowable nitrate levels, although I'm sure freshie planted setups appreciate a boost of nitrate. Some munies allow UP TO 40ppm NO3!
![Shocked :shock: :shock:](/styles/smilies/icon_eek.gif)
(Anyone familiar with reefkeeping knows how problematic THAT is.)
Best to assume that chloramine is what's being used and act accordingly.