Can you put dechlorinater into tank before adding water?

Question

i had to do an emercency water change (ammonia too high) for my four little platies, so i didn't have time to let it sit out for 24 hours. I put dechloriner in the tank before i added the tap water. After i finished putting in the water (i made sure it was very close to the temperature that was already in there) i watched the fish and noticed that the fish were way more active. They were swimming all over the place, and kept coming up to the glass. I don't know if they were just happy because the ammonia was down and not burning them, or if there was chlorine in the tap water that was burning them or something. They still are very active.. and seem to be playing, but i just wanted to make sure that was okay, or what should i do next time?

uh... Joe S... i didn't do 100% water change, and i never said i did. i changed 5 gallons out of a 20 gallon tank, just enough to get the ammonia under control... so the cycle is just fine.

Answer 1

That was fine, no harm to your fish at all. It's better to add the dechlorinator to the water before adding it to the tank though. With dechlorinator, you don't have to let the water set out before hand, just do as you did, close to the same temperature and add the dechlor drops.

MM

Answer 2

Ont he bottle it should say that it needs to be put into the tank " before " you put the fish in.
I would say at least an hour. Then add the fish.

If U wish not to add the declorinator, then I would advise U to let is sit for at least a whole 24 hours before adding any fish. Make sure that the tank has no top during this time so it has a way to evaporate into the air.

But the declor is the fastest way. !

Best of luck. !!

Answer 3

Yeah, the decholrinater does work right away. Next time you need to add water use bottled water; either spring or drinking water. Then you won't have a problem with ammonia or chlorine. To help avoid diseases when changing water be sure to put in Start right or simular product. Happy fish.

Answer 4

It shouldn't matter when you put it in. Most dechlorinator works instantly. If you put the water in right before you added the tap water you are just fine. I bet ya your little guys are just happy!

Answer 5

Next time I would add the dechlorinater to the water in what ever container you have it in before you add it to the tank even if you can't let it sit very long.

Answer 6

I wouldn't worry about the dechlorinater. You just wrecked your cycle with a 100% water change, so your ammonia problem is only beginning.