When to add dechlorinate during water change

**lava** · 06-13-2009, 07:07 PM

I am kinda confused on using the dechlorinators. When I do water changes, do I add it when the water is still filling up? or when its done filling up? I have a feeling that if I add it when the water is still filling up, that it would only dechlorinate the water that just got in, but wont take any effect on the new water that will fill in at the end.

Also when ever I do my water changes, all my little fish get really scared of the water, and start to hide in corners.

**korith** · 06-13-2009, 07:11 PM

Add the dechlorinator before you add in the new water. Or you can add a bit to start then add some more as you continue adding water. You need to dose enough dechlorinator to the tank's full size not just amount of new water. Assuming you are using a python.

Most of my fish hide during water changes too. A few attack the python tube.

**MonkeyPox** · 06-13-2009, 07:12 PM

I add mine as I'm filling up the water. Something you can't really overdose on.

**lava** · 06-13-2009, 08:20 PM

Hmmm but why the full dose depending on the tank size? isnt the old water already dechlorinated? I just did a 50% water change, its a 55 gallon, so I used one cap full (prime) witch trites up to 50gallons. You would say thats not enough?

A few attack the python tube

LOL

**korith** · 06-13-2009, 08:42 PM

Originally Posted by lava

Hmmm but why the full dose depending on the tank size? isnt the old water already dechlorinated? I just did a 50% water change, its a 55 gallon, so I used one cap full (prime) witch trites up to 50gallons. You would say thats not enough?

That works fine. I was always told to dose the size of the tank, not just the water change.

**Northernguy** · 06-13-2009, 08:47 PM

I always dose to the tank size but I do large water changes (W/Cs) all the time. I use 5gal buckets and use almost a capful per bucket.If I am using the hose I add before filling.

**Crispy** · 06-13-2009, 09:35 PM

Originally Posted by Northernguy

I always dose to the tank size but I do large water changes (W/Cs) all the time. I use 5gal buckets and use almost a capful per bucket.If I am using the hose I add before filling.

similar to me NG.. I fill up the bucket, then dechlor 3/4 of capfull (8mL) and let sit for 5 minutes. The water goes into the tank crystal clear!

**MonkeyPox** · 06-13-2009, 09:37 PM

I believe the directions on Prime and Amquel both say to treat for the entire tank size.

**lava** · 06-16-2009, 05:35 AM

Hmmm, if I do it with buckets then that would take me a whole week to change 40% of my water LOL. I only got one bucket. and its messy with buckets :(

**korith** · 06-16-2009, 06:37 AM

Originally Posted by lava

Hmmm, if I do it with buckets then that would take me a whole week to change 40% of my water LOL. I only got one bucket. and its messy with buckets :(

With buckets you put in enough dechlorinator to treat the bucket.

I think we were assuming you were using a python, to fill the tank. In that case you are pouring tap water straight into the tank, that's why we said to treat enough dechlorinator for the whole tank.