How to Dechlorinate Tap Water For Aquarium

It is the process of removing chlorine from water. Dechlorination is performed because chlorine can form deposits on the internal edges of industrial equipment and health issues. The water that runs through the taps of most households has made its way from an outdoor water source, and chlorine is present in it. When we remove chlorine from tap water or water it is known as dechlorination.

There are 3 ways we can dechlorinate tap water naturally.

Boil and Cool

It is the easiest way to dechlorinate tap water naturally. It also takes less time.

Step 1- Boil Tap water.

Step 2- Let it be for 1-2 hours if the amount of water is more.

Step 3- Wait for hours to evaporate chlorine from tap water.

Step 4- After 4-5 hours when it gets cool. You can easily transfer it into your aquarium.

UV Exposure

  • It is the best way to dechlorinate tap water with the help of sunlight.
  • You just have to leave tap water under sunlight for at least 24 hours.
  • Wait for the chlorine to evaporate naturally.
  • After some time chlorine naturally evaporates in an off-gassing process.
  • This process takes more time than Boil and Cool process.

By using an Activated Carbon Filter

Activated carbon is a special filter media that removes chlorine and other compounds from water. Some activated carbon filters can be connected to your home's water supply, or you can buy a filtered pitcher that uses an activated carbon filter.

  • Activated carbon filters remove both chlorine and chloramine.
  • Choose an activated carbon filter that has been certified by NSF International, a nonprofit that tests and certifies water filtration products. You can buy it on Amazon.
  • The precise length of time needed to dechlorinate water using this method depends on the volume of chlorine you're attempting to remove and the amount of direct sunlight the water receives.
  • Also, the wider and shallower the container, the faster the process will occur.
  • Check the water regularly using a chlorine test kit to determine how much chlorine remains in the water. You can easily buy chlorine test kits on Amazon.
  • Evaporation won't remove chloramine, chlorine which is used instead of chlorine in some water supplies.

Why do We Dechlorinate Tap Water?

  • Keeping the water in your aquarium clean is essential to keep your fish healthy, happy, and alive. As chloramine and chlorine are toxic to fish and must be removed from the water before placing fish in the tank.
  • You need to remove your fish from the tank immediately if you suspect your fish are suffering from chlorine poisoning.
  • Set up a second clean and Fully functional aquarium. Fill the new tank with water that does not contain chlorine.
  • Use treated tap water. The most important thing is to get your fish out of chlorinated water as quickly as possible.
  • Use a fish net to scoop each fish out from the toxic water and gently place them into the new tank.
  • Never use tap water in your fish tank without first treating the water with chemicals that neutralize the chlorine in the water, or by boiling it or aerating it with plenty of oxygen.

Does Boiling Tap Water help Purify it?

Yes, This is the best way to purify water without any chemicals and filters. If you don't have safe bottled water, you should boil your water to make it safe to drink.

How does Boiling make my Tap Water Safe?

Boiling water is effective in removing, disease-causing pathogens like viruses, bacteria, and other microorganisms. Boiling the water kills all the microorganisms. Boiling makes the tap water microbiologically safe. It does not guarantee 100% safe drinking water but it is safe to drink.

While boiling water ensures that no bacteria are present in the water, it does not make the tap water fully pure to drink but safe enough for your Fish tank.

Can you Boil Chemicals out of Tap Water?

Yes, boiling water for 15 min is one way to release all the chlorine from tap water. At room temperature, Chlorine gas weighs less than air and will naturally evaporate off without boiling. Heating up water to a boil will speed up the chlorine removal process.