Is it better to apply before water is put in tank or does it matter? Does the chlorine in tap water kill good bacteria when changing water? Just wondering

When I carry out water changes I always switch off my filtration, I have to do this because I run a sump filter. Just before I start replacing the water I add my water conditioner which will neutralise chlorine immediately. Once the water has been replaced by then switched my filters back on. The water conditioner will have neutralised all the chlorine so you shouldn't have any problems.

if possible treat your water an hour before hand.
Although that is impossible in my case with 500Liters going out the window and filling the tanks back up.
I empty the tank, add concitioner for the whole tank and then refill.
If your tank is smaller you could use a big container and prepare that beforehand...

thanks for the replies! yeah i am trying to get my new tank on track and i don't want to slow down the cycling process because i put the tap water before the conditioner. I read somewhere it didn't matter but it doesn't seem true.

When I first started out with a 75 gallon tank I used to put the water into a great big butt first, treat it and then pump into my tank. However, that really isn't necessary. You can take a hose straight from your tap into your tank. As long as the water conditioners are already present in your tank water as soon as the chlorine hits it will be neutralised. When you are using large aquariums it is very difficult to carry out water changes using anything but a hose straight from the tap.

I would highly recommend prime, you get a lot for your money, I think 5 mL treats around 50 gallons. Either that or you can use a pond conditioner. However, you've got to bear in mind that pond conditioner is are quite concentrated so don't actually use exactly what it states on the bottle, use a little less. One of the worst one to use is Tetra Aquasafe, you could easily use a whole bottle if you have a large aquarium, it doesn't really go very far

i have been using stress coat made by api. seems like it works

Stress coat is good but prime is a better value. It is made by seachem

x2 with OFL on that one i was using tetra and its crap, prime is the way to go!!!

I like AMQUEL PLUS...good for beginners although it stinks so just be ready for that.The reason for the stink just so you know is...

Ingredients are safe for both fresh and saltwater (when not over used).


The active ingredient in Amquel is the sodium salt of hydroxymethanesulfonic acid, it also conains NaCl and wate. Amquel converts ammonia ( NH3) to its ionized, less toxic form as the ammonium iion (NH4+) until it can be broken down by the tank's bacterial processes and/or used by plants or zooxanthellae or algae as a nitrogen source. The hydroxymethane- end of the molecule reacts with ammonia to form a relatively non-toxic, stable water-soluble substance which is acted upon by the system's biological filtration. No getting around it, this stuff stinks. but is very effective and will not slow down cycling in new systems nor prevent cycling in established systems..

This reaction effectively removes the toxic ammonia molecle from solution. Even in water of low pH (under 7.0) the above reaction proceeds to completion. According to the manufacturer, "...this is because even at pHs below 7.0 there is always some "free" ammonia (NH3) and the AmQuel will scavenge it from the water." This evidently accounts for why AmQuel works faster at higher pH's and in saline waters (where ammonia exists as the ionized NH4+ which is both less toxic (does not cross biological membranes well if at all) and is more reactive).

www.thereeftank.com/forums/f6/amquel-132127.html

It doesn't stink up the water at all though. I measure it out into my gallon jugs (and buckets), fill it halfway, shake it up, then top it off. Shake it again, then let it it sit for 1-2 full days. I also put 1-2 drops of strictly dechlorinater/chloramines from API.

DISCLAIMER: This is just what I do and it seems to work great, however most on here are far more knowledgeable and experienced than I am...(although it might help you to hear from a novice and what worked for me.)

i had never used any conditioner at all. i have a drum where i stored tap,
and use it when doing water change..... so far... i haven't had any issue yet

hey johnnyphoenix i like your comments on some of those oscar youtube videos hehe

Capt Dave wrote:


Cool. Which ones?!

Do you have a youtube channel?

Here's mine

www.youtube.com/user/johnnyphoenix74

I have a big problem with people who raise Oscars and feed them live for amusement.

Pisses me off.

The 'I fed my Oscars frogs or goldfish or whathaveyou'...that bothers me and I'm gonna let them know.