dechlorinator

A dechlorinator is a chemical additive used to remove or neutralize chlorine and chloramines from water. It is commonly used in aquariums, ponds, and laboratory settings to make municipal tap water safe for aquatic life by reducing disinfectants that can harm fish and invertebrates. In many public water supplies, chlorine is added to disinfect the water, and some systems also use chloramines, which are compounds of chlorine and ammonia.

Dechlorinators work by chemically reacting with chlorine and chloramines to render them harmless. Sodium thiosulfate converts chlorine to chloride, while products designed for chloramines often contain both a chlorine neutralizer and an ammonia detoxifier, or a sulfur-based compound that disrupts chloramines. Some products are formulated specifically to detoxify ammonia, which can accompany chloramines in treated water.

Usage involves adding the product according to its instructions, typically when treating tap water before adding it to an aquarium or pond. Dosing is usually based on water volume and the measured levels of chlorine or chloramines. After treatment, it is advisable to test water parameters and ensure compatibility with the inhabitants. Dechlorinators address disinfectants, not nutrients or general pollution, and should not be relied on to correct high ammonia, nitrite, or nitrate levels on their own.

Limitations include that some formulations may not fully neutralize all chloramines, and results can vary by product and water chemistry. Always follow the label and choose a product appropriate for chloramines if the source water contains them. In addition to using dechlorinators, allowing for appropriate mixing time and water aging can help ensure safer water changes.