Chlorine and Chloramines in Marine Aquarium

Chlorine and Chloramines in Marine Aquarium

Mostly, regular tap water contains chlorine or chloramines. Chlorine and chloramines are two water-disinfecting compounds, water companies or municipalities often use to treat water. These elements help eliminate all bad bacteria from the water and make it fit for drinking. Using tap water directly in your marine aquarium however, is not a very good idea. It needs to be treated first. Tap water containing chlorine or chloramines is extremely dangerous for your tropical fish, as it may damage their gills and even prove fatal sometimes. It is essential that you check the water with a water testing kit before using it for your marine aquarium.

To make your tap water fit for your marine aquarium you can choose one of the following methods.

Water Filters: A basic water filter should suffice to remove chlorine and chloramines from your tap water, but it might not be able to remove ammonia and nitrates from it. It is recommended that you do proper research on your water filter well in advance before using its water in your marine aquarium.

Carbon Filter: A high carbon filter is a good and convenient option to purify tap water. It will help get rid of most contaminants (like phenols, odors, ammonia, nitrates etc) present in tap water. However, the carbon needs to be changed on a monthly basis. To make sure that the carbon filter is the most effective, the water must remain in contact with the carbon for a maximum period.

Tap Water Conditioner: One of the most inexpensive ways to treat your tap water is a water conditioner. Choose a three in one water conditioner or dechlorinator that helps decontaminate the water from chlorine, chloramines, and ammonia. Some water conditioners are especially designed to not just purify the water, but also improve its quality for your marine aquarium.

Reverse Osmosis Purifier: A reverse osmosis system is the best way to purify tap water and make it suitable for use in your marine aquarium. The RO process helps eliminate all phosphates, nitrates, silicates, and bad bacteria that may contribute to the growth of bad algae in your saltwater aquarium. It is highly recommended for reef type aquariums.

Some people prefer to use distilled water for their marine aquariums. This may not be a bad option, but distilled water needs to be treated with appropriate salts to replenish important trace elements. Whatever option you choose, it is most important to take a well-informed decision to maintain a healthy marine aquarium.

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