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In the 10 year of fish-keeping I dont find the difference of the profound effect for water conditioners or chlorine neuralizers on tap water in Sydney.

In "many" (i quote many lightly) instances i have just poured tap water in the tank, and the fish do not appear or seem stressed with or without the conditioner.

Also on a side note I live in Sydney and have at 100 gallon tank and usually do 20% change every week.

My question is, does it really matter adding the conditioner in the case of "larger" tanks?

Thanks,
Friedrice

In general chlorine will dissipate within 24 hours, but it's primary function in our water supplies is to kill bacteria, this being the case what are its impact on our biological filters when introduced into our aquariums.

I know of at least two LFS that do not treat their water at all.

I just cannot knowingly allow that stuff into my tank....but thats just me.

Just wondering do you guys still use chlorine down under or have your water suppliers gone over to chloromines as in much of the USA

I think, im not sure though so dont quote me on this one but from memory, Sydney water utility does treat its water with chlorine--- pretty much you can drink straight from the tap.

But im not a specialist in chemistry and all that other general stuff about chlorine and etc... soo.. yea it would be good if someone can inform me

Some time back I was trying to establish what was happening to our local water supply (Semi Rural Victoria)
The water board did publish a monthly statement of what the water tests were.

In NSW it is done every day and pubished every day.

Either contact your local water supply or do a Google.

There is a lot of Chlorine added into our local water. I store it for a week as well as add a dechlorinator. My local LFS is putting in large storage tanks before winter to try to stop water problems.
They would not be doing this unless it was necessary as it is not going to be a cheap process.

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Betta 11Gal Desktop & Placidity 5ft Community Tank Photos

Keith

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I havent used water conditioners either for 2 yrs with no problems. I'm in perth W.A.

They dont use chloramines in my area and the chlorine is gone with no aeration in 24hrs...I tested this.

I tested it at about 0.2ppm from the tap although it smells real strong when it comes out.. i think they treat it at about 5ppm at the treatment plants but by the time it reaches the house its a lot lower..

I age my water for 24hrs prior to water changes.

A friend of mine adds it straight into the tank from the tap with no conditioner and also has had no problems..

Before I knew very much about fish keeping (that is, I knew even less than I know now) I once had a small tank with a goldfish (I know, I know this shouldn't be done - but I didn't know that then).

I did a 100% water change with no water conditioners. My poor fish died in very short order (about half an hour later - I felt very bad about that). Whilst maybe the biggest issue was that I changed 100%, I'd just be too scared not to add conditioners again - but I'm glad it works for you.

Cheers
TW

Whilst on the topic of conditioners and tap water, does it automatically just neutralise the chlorine or does is it a slow process?

I also have this non-trust with conditioners, if i was to actually properly treat new water it would be the storage tank method.

But yea no one has quite answered my question ... does it really matter?

Yes/No/Depends?

Cheers

I also asked the same question at several LFS and got different answers yes automaticaly, no takes a small time/long time but no times given.

The only way would be to do a controlled experiment with testing equipment and see what happens. It also might depend on several factors, heat, water movement, and the strength of the chlorine in you tap water as this can vary a lot even during the day and season to season, also what tap you got it from the closest or furtherest from your meter.

As you can see there are many variables to give an accurate answer to your question.

The answer is all depends on all the above factors.

Yes, no, long and short time, or no controlled experment has ever been done and it is all guess work.

Have a look in [link=My Profile] http://www.fishprofiles.com/forums/member.aspx?id=1935[/link] for my tank info

Look here for my
Betta 11Gal Desktop & Placidity 5ft Community Tank Photos

Keith

Near enough is not good enough, therefore good enough is not near enough, and only your best will do.
I VOTE DO YOU if not WHY NOT?
VOTE NOW VOTE NOW

I'd say it neutralises the chlorine quickly the chemical mostly used is sodium thiosulphate.

A lot of people that wc on very big tanks add the conditioner to the tank first then use a python to pump in their new water. So there is hardly any reaction time.