A simple test was set up. In order to get better accuracy the level of chlorine (sodium hypochlorite bleach) was taken to four times the “normal” amount in tap water. Chlorine was added to a gallon of distilled water at the level of 4 ppm. Then the following water conditioners were added to cups of this water at a level double what was recommend on the label.
Then the chlorine was tested with three different total chlorine test kits (Orthotolidine, SenSafe, LaMotte Insta-Test). The level of chlorine found was then averaged and subtracted from four. It was then divided by two to find the level of chlorine each conditioner will neutralize when used at the recommended level.
Results of CHLORINE TEST
- Prime (dithionite) 1.8, 1.1, 0.9
- Safe (dithionite) 1.3, 0.8, 1.1
- AmQuel Plus (Hydroxymethansulfinate) 1.7, 2.1, 1.5
- Aquatic Experts TankFirst (Proprietary) 1.1, 1.4, 1.1
- API Tap Water Conditioner (Thiosulfate) 1.1, 1.5, 1.8
- Aqueon Water Conditioner (Thiosulfate) 1.8, 1.2, 1.4
- Fritz Guard (Proprietary) 1.1, 1.4. 1.3
- Tetra AquaSafe (Hydroxymethanesulfinate) 1.8, 0.8, 1.8
- DIY solution of Sodium Dithionite 2.4, 2.8, 3.0
- DIY solution of Sodium Thiosulfate 3.4, 2.9, 2.7
- Control (nothing added) 0 ppm, 0 ppm, 0 ppm
These nine products ALL neutralized chlorine at roughly the same level. The DIY solutions were made up at a stronger level but that is not important.
Note this is a very easy test anyone can do. Duplicate the test if you don’t believe it. Note that Eric Lin did a similar test of water conditioners and got very similar results (private correspondence).
Test of Conditioners for Chloramine
A simple test was set up. In order to get better accuracy the level of chloramine was taken to four times the “normal” amount in tap water. Chloramine was added to a gallon of distilled water at the level of 4 ppm for the chlorine portion of the chloramine. Then the following water conditioners were added to cups of this water at a level double what was recommend on the label.
Then the chlorine was tested with three different total chlorine test kits (Orthotolidine, SenSafe, LaMotte Insta-Test). The level of chlorine found was then averaged and subtracted from four. It was then divided by two to find the level of chloramine each conditioner will neutralize when used at the recommended level.
Results of CHLORAMINE TEST:
- Prime (dithionite) 1.2, 1.5, 1.0
- Safe (dithionite) 1.5, 1.3. 1.1
- AmQuel Plus (Hydroxymethansulfinate) 2.2, 1.8, 2.4
- Aquatic Experts TankFirst (Proprietary) 1.7, 1.1. 1.4
- API Tap Water Conditioner (Thiosulfate) 1.0, 2.0, 2.2
- Aqueon Water Conditioner (Thiosulfate) 1.8, 2.0, 2.1
- Fritz Guard (Proprietary) 1.5, 1.1. 1.8
- Tetra AquaSafe (Hydroxymethanesulfinate) 1.3, 1.4, 1.6
- DIY solution of Sodium Dithionite 2.1, 2.8, 2.8
- DIY solution of Sodium Thiosulfate 3.1, 2.4, 2.7
- Control (nothing added) 0 ppm, 0 ppm, 0 ppm
These nine products ALL neutralized chloramine at roughly the same level. The same higher strength to the DIY solutions was seen but that is not important.
Note this is a very easy test anyone can do. Duplicate the test if you don’t believe it. Note that Eric Lin did a similar test of water conditioners and got very similar results (private correspondence).
Further Reading
Er zijn enkele aquarium hobbyisten die geïnteresseerd zijn om diep in de wetenschap en de berekeningen achter alle aspecten van de hobby te duiken. Voor degenen die daartoe geneigd zijn, is het volgende van belang:
5.5.3. Waterzuiveringsmiddelen
5.5.3.1. “Ammonia Detoxifying” Claims
5.5.3.2. Seachem Prime and Safe
5.5.3.3. Water Conditioner Chemistry
5.5.3.4. Water Conditioner Cost
5.5.3.6. Review Of Water Conditioners
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Aquarium Science Website
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