Chlorine removal

[CaptnDan]

In order to make it as easy as possible for my wife to do water changes while I am out of town at work (for 4 weeks at a time), I was considering a Python, or a home brew equivalent.

Here's the question : If I set it up for her to fill from the tap, the temp is fine, and of course adjustable. There is no chloramine used here, just chlorine. Is it best to filter the water inline with charcoal to remove the chlorine, or would I be beter off having her use Stress Coat?

If Stress Coat, should she add enough to dechlorinate the entire capacity of the aquarium, or just enough for the amount of water being replaced?

 

[SuperD]

Using any kind of dechloronator is fine as long as it's done immediatly after adding water. Do you have sufficiate aeration? If so this will also help get rid of chlorine.

Hope this helps.

 

[OrionGirl]

I'd use stress coat--the charcoal will quickly be 'filled' and no longer effective. She could add either enough for the entire tank or just enough for the water being replaced with no harm to the system

 

[ArkyLady]

When I use my Python, I just add enough to dechlorinate about half the tank (usually do 30-50% water changes). I add the dechlorinator right as I'm starting to refill so that the chlorine is neutralized as the water is added to the tank.

 

[TKOS]

It does take some time for the chlorine to harm the fish. So adding it before, during or after a water change will be fine. Try to get temps close (if they are delicate fish then as close as possible) and you should be fine.

 

[CaptnDan]

Thanks! I didn't know how fast chlorine caused harm, so if she forgets to add the Stress Coat before, it should be no problem.

Temperature should be no problem, this time of year especially - the cold water is coming out of the tap at 78F. When I refilled the tank the other day it was just right. Even in the winter, it isn't cold enough here to really get the water cold on its way to the faucet.

 

[anonapersona]

Good habits

It would be wise to get her in the habit of adding the full amount of dechlorinator as the water starts going into the tank and also to frequently test the water temp with her hand as it fills in case the water starts out one temp and changes. Also, if you can get her to carry a towel in her hand as long as the water is running, so she doesn't get distracted and start doing something only to look up after she notices that sound of splashing water... for not only will the floor be wet, but the tank will have gotten more tap water than dechlorinator and the fish may be in distress.