How are fish, amphibians and reptiles affected?

Chloraminated water passes through gills, directly entering the fish, amphibian and aquatic reptile bloodstream. Chloramine must be removed as it binds to iron in red blood cell hemoglobin, causing reduced cell capacity to carry oxygen. However, chloraminated water is safe for people and animals to drink as it is neutralized by the digestive process. It is also safe to cook with, bathe in, and for other general uses. 

What are the treatment options?

Just like chlorine, chloramine needs to be removed from water for fish, amphibian and aquatic reptile use. The products listed below are available at fish and pet supply stores. Aquarium or pond supply professionals, published materials and pet owners recommend the following:

• Treatment products (drops or tablets) that remove both ammonia and chlorine, or 
• Biological filter (for ammonia) and chemical agent (for chlorine).

How can I test my water?

Aquarium owners need to test their water for ammonia concentrations in addition to chlorine. A test kit with the correct active agent for ammonia can be helpful for monitoring. Two basic kits are available, and should be selectively used:

Nessler reagent. This kit will give a faster reading, but will also give a
  false reading if ammonia binders have been used.

Salicylate reagent. This kit provides an accurate reading when ammonia have been used.

Any tips for aquarium owners?

Chloramine is toxic to both fresh and salt water fish. Drinking water used with artificial sea salts for makeup water in salt water fish tanks must have the ammonia and chlorine removed first.

How does chloramine affect ponds?

Chloramine should ideally be removed from water before being added to a pond. The San Diego Koi Club suggests the following guidelines from their experience:

• If less than one percent of the total water volume of your system is replaced at any one time, the pond should absorb new chloraminated water with little to no impact on fish.
• If one to ten percent of pond water volume is replaced, sodium thiosulfate and a biological filter effectively remove chloramine.
• If more than ten percent pond water volume is replaced, an ammonia binder is needed.

Need more information?

The following resources may be helpful to you...

www.sfaquarium.org
www.sfbakc.org or www.vcnet.com/koi_net/
www.koiclubsandiego.org
www.aquariacentral.com



Content Updated 4/9/07