How Often to Add Water Conditioner to Fish Tank

Direct tap water is not good for your aquarium fish. That is why you need to add conditioner before your use it for the fish. But how often should you use a water conditioner in the fish tank?

The best time to use a water conditioner is while the water change. Generally, it is done weekly so you can add the conditioner then.

It is the short and straight answer. You can read on to know details about it.

Why Water Conditioner is Needed for the Fish Tank?

A water conditioner is needed for the fish tank to alleviate the chlorine, chloramine, ammonia, or any heavy metal from the water and make it safe for the fish.

Direct tap water contains chlorine and chloramine which is safe for human consumption, but not for fish. Those elements disturb the water environment and can badly affect the aquatic creatures.

A water conditioner is one of the best ways to treat tap water and make it suitable for the fish tank.

How Often Should You Use Water Conditioner?

Whenever you change the fish tank water, you have to use a water conditioner.

There is no concrete rule of how often to use a water conditioner. It depends on the fish and how often you need to change the tank water.  Because some fish needs more frequent water change than other. 

The main thing here is, you need to eliminate the tap water chemicals before adding them to the tank. No matter when you do it.

How Much Conditioners Do You Need Per Gallon?

The amount of conditioner you need to use per gallon is vary on the brand you are using. If you are using a concentrated water conditioner you will need less product and vice versa.

Here is a chart for the doses you can use:

Gallons	Aqueon	Fluval	Seachem Prime	Tetra Aqua Safe	API
1	0.50ml	0.50ml	0.10ml	1.90ml	0.05ml
2	1.00ml	1.00ml	0.20ml	3.80ml	0.10ml
3	1.50ml	1.50ml	0.30ml	5.70ml	0.15ml
5	2.50ml	2.50ml	0.50ml	9.50ml	0.25ml
10	5.00ml	5.00ml	1.00ml	10.00ml	0.5ml
20	10.00ml	10.00ml	2.00ml	18.00ml	1.00ml

How to Use Water Conditioner for the Fish Tank?

You can pour the instructed amount of water conditioner directly into the tank water. You do not have to remove the fish from the tank.

You can also add it while the water change, as most of the conditioners suggest. In this case, remove the water from the tank. Add the conditioner to the tank water. Then you can add tap water into the tank.

If you are concerned about using it directly in the water. Then you can remove the fish from the tank and then add the conditioner. Wait for 15 minutes to fully dissolve with water. Then add the fish back into the tank.

But the last procedure is totally optional. Because those products are made this way so that you can add them to the aquarium anytime.

Can Fish Live without Water Conditioner?

Yes, fish can live without water conditioners.

But you cannot put them directly into the tap water. In that case, they can even die. To avoid this situation, you have to prepare water before you put them into the fish tank.

Using a water conditioner is the most convenient and easy way to make the water safe for fish.

How to Make Water Suitable for Fish without Conditioner?

There are several ways you can do this. Mentioning some of them below for you:

Rest the Water

This is the easiest way to do this. You just have to let the water sit for 1 to 2 days and let the water oxidize.

After that, you can use the water for your tank. Though it is not an instant solution, but it will do the job.

Boil the Water

Boiling the water is the fastest way to dechlorinate water. While the water is boiling, chlorine and chloramine will evaporate and make it safe for the fish tank. But make sure the temperature of the water is the same as the tank water.

The only downside is, boiling that large amount of water can be a hustle. You need to boil the water at least for one hour to purity it for the fish.

UV Light

You can dechlorinate the water by using a UV sterilizer. UV light is also effective for dissipating chlorine and chloramine.

This process will take at least 24 hours before making the water usable.

Vitamin C

You can get rid of the chemicals by using a vitamin C tablet. It has the ability to remove them from the water.

Filter

If you have decided to not use any chemicals ever, then a filter is the best choice for you. Some filters can make the water clean by filtering all the chemicals and heavy metals. Such as reverse osmosis filters, and faucet filters.

These are expensive. But if you are thinking in the long run, it may even save you some money.

Is too Much Conditioner Harmful to Your Fish?

Yes, too much water conditioner can definitely harm your fish.

You can use a little bit extra if the toxic chemicals are exceptionally high in the water. But other than that, adding too much is not recommended.

If the chemicals used in the water conditioner increase in the water, it makes it difficult for the fish to breathe. It can make them sick and in extreme cases, they can die.

So, always stick to the recommended dose.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Verdict

A water conditioner is a safest and easiest way to treat fish tank water. Though it is not absolutely necessary to use a water conditioner. Because you can treat the water manually. But that will only increase your daily hustle.

That is why a water conditioner is an easy solution for a busy life. Just be a little bit careful about when and how much you need to use and you are good to go. For that, this one article has enough information for you.

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