Is it ok to put water conditioners before I add tap water? Help!

Ah yes. I’m officially addicted to fish keeping lol. I got two tanks, just a simple 10 and 5 gallon. But now I’m trying to get serious in this hobby and am really starting to consider in buying a larger tank like a 55 gallon (Or more). Of course I have to do research first. I’ve realized that water changes may be a pain carrying buckets like I do with my other tanks. Ive recently seen and heard from someone on YouTube that the way he does water changes is that he adds water conditioner directly to the tank and then the tap water. Would this be ok? I feel like the tap water will still contain those harmful metals and that the conditioner wouldn’t condition it and instead condition the water that’s already there if that makes sense and whatnot. So my question is will everything be healthy and alright if I were to add water conditioner directly to the tank right before I add tap water to the tank? Any help will be appreciated!!

 

So my question is will everything be healthy and alright if I were to add water conditioner right before I add tap water directly to the tank?

That's what the instructions say. Add conditioner for the whole tank volume before adding new water. So... your plan is doing it by the book.

 

You can dose the whole tank and just add water or treat water in buckets and wait 5 minutes for it to react if you only want to treat the waterchange water. Your choice.

 

That's what the instructions say. Add conditioner for the whole tank volume before adding new water. So... your plan is doing it by the book.

Thanks for the reply! I’ve always thought that they meant to put conditioner directly in the tap water and then add that to the tank. Was I just wrong and misread the whole thing? Oh I’ve just realized that I worded it wrong. I meant if it’s ok to add conditioner to the tank and then add tap water. Sorry. I edited the original sentence now

You can dose the whole tank and just add water or treat water in buckets and wait 5 minutes for it to react if you only want to treat the waterchange water. Your choice.

Thanks for the reply! So I can put the conditioner directly in the tank and then add tap water straight from the faucet?

 

Thanks for the reply! I’ve always thought that they meant to put conditioner directly in the tap water and then add that to the tank. Was I just wrong and misread the whole thing?

Thanks for the reply! So I can put the conditioner directly in the tank and then add tap water straight from the faucet?

Yes, use enough for the whole tank volume in that case.

 

Yes, use enough for the whole tank volume in that case.

That’s awesome! I was really worried. another step closer towards my dream tank. Thanks I really appreciate it!

 

It's just more cost efficient to add the conditioner to the water in the bucket, that's why people recommend this, especially in countries where the whole hobby is dependent on water conditioners. The manufacturers say the conditioner has to be added to the tank first (and I concurr, less chances for mistakes). Then you dose for the whole volume and not just for the volume you replace. Doesn't make a difference really, both works.

I don't have to use water conditioners with my source water and I am very sure you do not have to use it for heavy metals but for chlorine. That's the main reason to use that stuff.

 

It's just more cost efficient to add the conditioner to the water in the bucket, that's why people recommend this, especially in countries where the whole hobby is dependent on water conditioners. The manufacturers say the conditioner has to be added to the tank first (and I concurr, less chances for mistakes). Then you dose for the whole volume and not just for the volume you replace. Doesn't make a difference really, both works.

I don't have to use water conditioners with my source water and I am very sure you do not have to use it for heavy metals but for chlorine. That's the main reason to use that stuff.

Alright that’s awesome! Might be a bit more expensive in the long run but I definitely think it would be worth it. Thank you I appreciate it!

 

That’s awesome! I was really worried. another step closer towards my dream tank. Thanks I really appreciate it!

Do you have a faucet either inside or outside you should look into getting a Python water change hose . Hooks up to the faucet or a garden hose. No more buckets!

 

Do you have a faucet either inside or outside you should look into getting a Python water change hose . Hooks up to the faucet or a garden hose. No more buckets!

Yup! thats what I was thinking to do. to get a python, hook it up to the inside faucet (so the temperature can be close enough whereas the outside hose would be too cold) and put it in the tank!

Yup! thats what I was thinking to do. to get a python, hook it up to the inside faucet like a sink (so the temperature can be close enough whereas the outside hose would be too cold) and put it in the tank!

 

Yup! thats what I was thinking to do. to get a python, hook it up to the inside faucet (so the temperature can be close enough whereas the outside hose would be too cold) and put it in the tank!

I drain the old water outside in my yard, and use the kitchen faucet with the water to fill.

 

I agree with everyone. When using a python type system to refill add enough for the full tank right before you start refilling. Water conditioners work almost instantly so your fish will not be harmed. I also recommend you turn your filter(s) off before you start refilling. This will prevent any chlorine being pulled through the media and possibly killing off any bacteria.

Keep in mind I always use buckets even in my 55 gallon tank and add conditioner to the water in each bucket. Those that do use a python may let us know whether or not turning off the filter is necessary. I do know if I ever reach the point to where buckets are too difficult for me and have to get a python I will turn my filters off just to be safe.

 

Since I started I do minimum 50% water changes per week. Started with buckets but now use a python. Of course try to temp match within a degree of so and add the conditioner for the full tank volume right before refilling. I only turn off the filters if the level will be below the intake.
Works for me.
Different strokes for different folks.

Good Luck!

 

Since I started I do minimum 50% water changes per week. Started with buckets but now use a python. Of course try to temp match within a degree of so and add the conditioner for the full tank volume right before refilling. I only turn off the filters if the level will be below the intake.
Works for me.
Different strokes for different folks.

Good Luck!

I was hoping a few folks that use this system to refill would stop by. Thank you. Once I really stopped and thought about it filters really don't have to be turned off. The full tank vloume of water conditioner added to the tank will be pulled through the filter so should remove the chlorine quick enough not to affect the bacteria.

 

I agree with everyone. When using a python type system to refill add enough for the full tank right before you start refilling. Water conditioners work almost instantly so your fish will not be harmed. I also recommend you turn your filter(s) off before you start refilling. This will prevent any chlorine being pulled through the media and possibly killing off any bacteria.

Keep in mind I always use buckets even in my 55 gallon tank and add conditioner to the water in each bucket. Those that do use a python may let us know whether or not turning off the filter is necessary. I do know if I ever reach the point to where buckets are too difficult for me and have to get a python I will turn my filters off just to be safe.

I know thousands of people do it by putting conditioner right in the tank. My son does it this way.
This scares me a bit so I use a 20 gallon trash can to treat the water first. I add dechlor to the can, add water from a faucet with the Python, then pump it in from the trash can to the aquarium with a fountain pump.
I also put a sign on the Python right where it connects to the faucet that says "PRIME!?" just to remind me not to forget. (that's what I use for dechlor, Prime)
If the conditioner is working in tank then there should be no need to turn off the filter.

 

I use a Python and dose Prime to the tank before adding new water. I also turn off the filters.

Thanks to StarGirl, I use a meat thermometer to temperature match the water being added.
https://www.amazon.com/Escali-DH1-B...i+meat+thermometer&qid=1635643319&sr=8-5&th=1

AND as an added bonus, I’ll know the bird is cooked for Thanksgiving.

 

Or you could go down the rabbit hole and install a RO/DI system. Then add the minerals needed.

The systems range from small units at the sink to systems like what I built. In the long run if you plan to develop a case of MTS (multi tank syndrome) RO/DI is the way to go. It gives you compleat control over the water. Add plants to the mix and you have a winning combo.

I Finally Got Around To Doing A Writeup On My System. | Reverse Osmosis - Deionization Forum | 367737

 

I use a Python and dose Prime to the tank before adding new water. I also turn off the filters.

Thanks to StarGirl, I use a meat thermometer to temperature match the water being added.
https://www.amazon.com/Escali-DH1-B-Thermometer-Measurements-Temperatures/dp/B01BRU3Y7M/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=Escali+meat+thermometer&qid=1635643319&sr=8-5&th=1

AND as an added bonus, I’ll know the bird is cooked for Thanksgiving.

What about when I first add water to the tank. put conditioner after i put the water in? I feel as that may still have some effect on the water with the chlorine like in the substrate maybe. Or am i wrong?

 

What about when I first add water to the tank. put conditioner after i put the water in? I feel as that may still have some effect on the water with the chlorine like in the substrate maybe. Or am i wrong?

If you are putting water in with chlorine put the conditioner (dechlore) in first in the tank!
Chlorine is the worst for anything living in the tank.

 

What about when I first add water to the tank. put conditioner after i put the water in? I feel as that may still have some effect on the water with the chlorine like in the substrate maybe. Or am i wrong?

When you fill the tank up for the first time it really doesn't matter when you add the conditioner. If refilling with a hose just add it after a bit of water is in there. The act of filling will disburse the conditioner throughout the tank. I don't think chlorine is going to get trapped in the substrate since the conditioner is going to get everywhere.