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Post by abm on Aug 21, 2004 9:51:49 GMT -5
I didn't see a thread or info on this so I'm posting here, but if someone knows where it's already been answered, please just point me there!!! Thanks  . I am wondering exactly how the water conditioners work. The bottles say "instantly detoxifies", "immediately removes", etc. But how "instant" is instant? When I add the proper amount of Novaqua to my 2-gallon tank, how does it disperse itself to neutralize all of the chlorine etc.? The same for Amquel+ and the other detoxifiers - does the water right where it's added become safe, and then adjacent molecules become safe, and so on and so on, so that the whole tank becomes chlorine/ammonia free in seconds? The bottom line in this, of course, is how long should I wait after adding water conditioners to the water before it's safe to add the betta?  I'm not experiencing any problems, but I'm naturally curious and I like to understand how things work. Sorry if this seems like a useless thread, but if anyone knows, please let me know! Thanks , ~abm |
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Post by twoluvcats on Aug 21, 2004 12:05:20 GMT -5
ABM...good question. I have no idea. I've read debates on this on other boards. Some people wait minutes, some seconds, some don't even use decholr and just let the water sit for 24 hours. I add the dechlor about halfway thru filling the bucket, then i do a smell test when i'm done filling, if i smell chlorine, i wait a bit. Usually, I pull the bucket out of the sink and go right to the tank.
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Post by abm on Aug 21, 2004 17:15:46 GMT -5
I'm glad I'm not alone in being ignorant!!! I usually add the dechlor, mix a bit and wait a few minutes before sniffing myself I let my water age 24-36 hrs b/c of pH issues, so the dechlor may be an unneeded step in my case. But I'd still like to know the details on how the additives work. Anyone else? |
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Post by amanichen on Aug 22, 2004 10:51:38 GMT -5
Basically, instantly means within seconds.
However, if you add a few drops of conditioner into a five gallon bucket, you're going to need to mix it to ensure that the water is safe enough for the fish. In this case "instantly" becomes a minute or two of stirring, followed by a minute or two of letting the water sit.
Water conditioners work by two methods. The first is by bonding inert chemicals to harmful ones, and the second is by precipitating harmful chemicals out of the water (actually chemically forcing them out of solution.) I don't know the specific reactions that take place, as it's unique to each water conditioner.
Chlorine and ammonia can be bonded to using inert chemicals, while chloramine is first split up into chlorine and ammonia, and then dealt with separately.
Heavy metals can either be bonded to (chelated) or forced out of the solution (precipitated.) (In fact, chelated copper is a common antiparasitic medication (Coppersafe and Aquarisol.))
If you need more info on water conditioning, I'll give you a shamelessly plugged link to my website.
PS: smelling for chlorine isn't the way to go about doing a chlorine test. You really need a test kit. The reason is that humans can't really even detect the level of chlorine which can kill a fish, or other aquatic life. By the time you actually smell or taste it, you're long past killing the fish, and getting into chemical warfare =)
(In case you're wondering I found my way here via Starlight...the member that is.)
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Post by abm on Aug 22, 2004 11:11:09 GMT -5
amanichen, No I never wonder, I just accept gifts when they are offered but it is interesting that a brand-new member would have such detailed information for us! However you found us, we're glad you're here, and I must remember to thank Starlight for pointing you in our direction. Welcome to Healthy Betta!  What you describe makes perfect sense to me, goes along with my logical nature and fits with how I've been handling the dechlor process. Since my water sits a while before I use it in a tank I'm probably extra-safe but I like to understand what's going on. Thanks again! ~abm |
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Post by amanichen on Aug 22, 2004 11:16:41 GMT -5
However you found us, we're glad you're here, and I must remember to thank Starlight for pointing you in our direction. Actually I got an e-mail from him on something unrelated to HB, and I've been reading around here for a few days after he mentioned that he was a member here =) |
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Post by starlight on Aug 22, 2004 11:39:30 GMT -5
I guess I don't have to introduce amanichen to you after his first post.
ABM, I read your question last night. While I could have told you how I use Amquel or how others do, you wanted to know the specifics of the chemical process.
There's nobody better than amanichen to address that.
Welcome amanichen!
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