Snuffleupagus
Aquarium Advice Regular
Gryph said:I just keep gallon bottles of water around. I add dechlor when I fill them, shake them up, then stow them and let them evaporate the nasties for a day or three. Then, when I do a PWC, I use the bottles to top up.
This doesn't make any sense to me. I understand that chlorine will dissappear when water is left out, but I doubt that's the case with much else. By definition, pretty much the only thing that "evaporates" is water, so when you leave containers out the only thing that's happening is that the "nasties" are getting more concentrated, because water is evaporating from them. If you're adding dechlor from the beginning, then there's really no reason to leave them out at all, that I can think of. I think the only factor here may be some psychological consideration that insists that water is safer after being left out(which I have felt myself, at times). I think it might stem from the traditional practice of leaving water out to get rid of chlorine. If the fish have the same psychological issue, then maybe it's worth it to keep doing so.
If anyone knows why I'm wrong, please post.