Re: [RML] Chloramine
LeeH920226 (LeeH920226 at aol.com)
Fri, 19 Dec 1997 16:46:56 EST
I have not had a problem with chloramine since I started using about 5 times
the amount of sodium thiosulfate as recommended. This actually is necessary to
neutralize the chlorine and also takes care of the chloramine - at least
according to y test kit. I also aerate overnight in my 20 gallon barrel that
I use to replace water in small tanks. In the larger tanks - 29 gallon to 100
gallons I just run it directly in to the tank from the faucet and then throw
in a pinch (?) of sodium thiosulfate. I probably add much more thiosulfate
than needed, but it is non-toxic and cheap by the pound. This procedure has
never caused me a problem, but has relieved many a problem caused by delayed
water changes. I have used this for killifish, rainbows, cichlids and natives.
I think I started this many years ago when I read somewhere that chloramine is
neutralized by sodium thiosulfate. The amount of thiosulfate was determined by
checking the chlorine concentration after incremental additons of chlorine
neutralizing solutions (Titration). One of the byproducts is ammonia which is
in very small concentrations and is mostly ionized at pH 7.0 and below and
therefore less toxic. I don't think I would feel as comfortable about it in an
alkaline tank - seawater, for example.
Lee Harper