To successfully keep an aquarium, you will need to know how to keep the beneficial bacteria alive. In this article, we will talk about chlorine and chloramine in our water source and how to prevent significant die-offs of beneficial bacteria. After all, our inhabitants’ lives depend on it.

Chlorine and chloramine are added to our water source to reduce pathological bacteria, specifically E.Coli and other parasites. If you live in a major city such as Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Chicago, or New York City, you are more likely to have chlorine and chloramine in your water source. Unfortunately, beneficial bacteria in the aquarium are also susceptible to the chlorine in the water, which is needed to promote a healthy aquarium.  Two major types of bacteria complete the nitrogen cycle and convert ammonia to nitrite and then nitrate. If any one of those types of bacteria dies off, there will be a sudden spike of ammonia or nitrite in the water. Here are three tips that you can use right away to reduce the amount of chlorine in your water,

1. Add a de-chlorinator before every water change.

The de-chlorinator plays a vital role in the management of a successful aquarium. There are many de-chlorinator on the market, and I have no preference in choosing a specific product. They all perform the same function- bind to chlorine immediately and minimize the toxic effect on the beneficial bacteria on the substrates and filter media. There is no optimal time to put the de-chlorinator into the aquarium. I tend to put them into the aquarium as I start to perform a water change. Follow the instruction on the dechlorinator bottle and add the appropriate amount. If you are interested in a product that everyone in the hobby endorses, Seachem Prime and Fritz water conditioner is everyone’s favorite. Remember, beneficial bacteria reside on top of surfaces, so do not put chlorinated tap water on those surfaces.

Here are the best de-chlorinators in the market,

Seachem prime: https://amzn.to/3MWMqJB

Fritz water conditioner: https://amzn.to/3kSrY0B

2. Use activated carbon in your aquarium.

Activated carbon does the same thing as the de-chlorinator. It simply removes the charged particle on the chlorine and binds it to the charcoal. It is a slightly more expensive way than the de-chlorinator option above. But it works! You can either buy the nylon bags and fill up the activated carbon yourself or buy the pre-made ones. I do not use activated carbon as I have an RO unit with carbon blocks that reduce my chlorine level to zero. Another advantage of carbon is that it can reduce the smell of your fish tank if it is still undergoing the nitrogen cycle. (as ammonia and sulfur give off this unique rotten egg and raw meat smell). It can also absorb other toxic metals and fertilizers present in your water.

Buy activated carbon here: https://amzn.to/3kQxd0B

3. Use reverse osmosis water in your aquarium.

Before purchasing my RODI unit, I always used my tap water. However, at least one to two carbon blocks are in the RO system. Be aware that your water will become more neutral as it strips away all the hardness and minerals in the water. You will need to re-mineralize your water- either by mixing tap water or buying commercial salt products. It will not only filter your water for you, but it will also get rid of sediments that come from your piping system.

Aquaticlife RODI unit: https://amzn.to/3P6uMoA

Remember! Please do not put your tap water directly into your aquarium without putting in some sort of de-chlorinator, as it most likely contains chlorine and chloramine. It will damage your ecosystem in the aquarium and kill off the beneficial bacteria. I have heard many horror stories when owners take apart their filters and start washing them under the sink using the tap water. It quickly crashes the cycle, and it will become a disaster.