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What is descaling
Shooting: FISH PARADISE! Editorial department
Descaling is the process of removing chlorine from tap water. Chlorine is generally added to the tap water that we normally use for sterilization and disinfection, but chlorine is not a desirable ingredient for ornamental fish.
Chlorine is taken into the body through the gills of the fish, which can cause health problems and, in the worst case, even lead to shock and death. Therefore, it is necessary to remove chlorine from tap water.
Also, chlorine is said to have a bad effect on the bacteria in the aquarium, so it is necessary to remove it.
5 methods of descaling
There are four main methods of descaling to make breeding water.
set aside
source:Photo AC
The easiest way to remove bleaching powder without using anything is to put water in a bucket and leave it in a place exposed to sunlight. Chlorine will be removed without exposure to sunlight, but it will be removed faster with exposure. Remember this is the easiest method.
boil
source:Photo AC
You can also descale by boiling tap water. This method also does not require any special tools, and can be removed relatively quickly.
use a neutralizer
Shooting: FISH PARADISE! Editorial department
It is recommended to use a neutralizing agent when making breeding water for ornamental fish. In addition to providing very fast descaling, some commercial neutralizers simultaneously remove heavy metals and adjust the pH of tap water.
Incorporating descaling into the neutralizer is a good way to broadly manage the health of ornamental fish.
use a water purifier
Shooting: FISH PARADISE! Editorial department
Descaling with a water purifier is also a very convenient method. By passing tap water through a water purifier, the water becomes dechlorinated and can be used as breeding water immediately. For those who can afford it, installing a water purifier can greatly reduce the time and effort required to remove bleaching powder.
to aerate
source:Photo AC
Descaling is also possible by aerating tap water. You can safely prepare decalcified water as it does not use chemical agents, just like when you store it in water or boil it.
Keep in mind, however, that this method can take quite some time. If you want to shorten the time even a little, you should do it while exposing it to sunlight or prepare an air pump with a sufficient discharge amount for the amount of water.
Time required for descaling
source:Photo AC
The descaling time varies considerably depending on the method. Here, we will introduce the estimated time for each method.
In the case of storage
It takes time to remove bleaching powder. A full day (24 hours) is a guidelineis. If you boil it, it will be completed in tens of minutes, but it will take time to cool to room temperature.
When boiling
As mentioned above, descaling itself takes only a few minutes. However, please be aware that it takes a lot of time to boil and cool down, as well as a lot of work.
For example, a 45cm standard water tank holds about 32L of water. Water change is usually about 1/4 to 1/3 of the amount, so you need to boil about 8 to 11 L of water and then cool it.
When using a neutralizer/water purifier
If a neutralizer is used, If you put a neutralizer in the tap water, the descaling will be finished immediately.Therefore, considering the time, effort, and ease of use, neutralizing agents are recommended.
By the way, once you have purchased a water purifier, you can simply run water through it with a hose and the descaling process will be over in no time.
Carefully selected and introduced recommended bleaching!
Here are some recommended descaling products. Neutralizers are especially recommended because they have various effects in addition to chlorine removal.
Calcium removal recommended for tropical fish in general
Tetra Contracoroline Plus
It is a descaling agent produced by Tetra, a well-known German aquarium supply manufacturer, and can be used in both seawater and freshwater.
A basic neutralizing agent that can be used for aquarium fish in general, it quickly neutralizes not only bleaching powder, but also "chloramine", which is a harmful substance produced by the reaction of chlorine and ammonia.
In addition, it contains iodine compounds, a type of mineral, which makes tap water closer to natural water and gives fish vitality.
Eheim 4 in 1
This is also a descaling agent released by Eheim, a famous German manufacturer. This product was developed based on the concept of combining four functions into one, and it is possible to create effective water for general tropical fish and aquatic plant tanks.
Specifically, in addition to removing chlorine, the effects of protecting fish mucous membranes, eliminating turbidity, detoxifying heavy metals in tap water, and adding vitamin B that contributes to fish health can be obtained. Please note that this is for freshwater only.
Recommended bleach removal for goldfish and killifish
Sudo Medaka source water
A descaling agent suitable for breeding Japanese freshwater fish such as killifish. In addition to the neutralizing agent, it contains natural minerals derived from seawater, which helps to improve the physical condition of medaka and other animals.
In addition, since coral powder is also included, it suppresses the acidification of breeding water, helping to maintain the water quality preferred by Japanese freshwater fish such as killifish, which prefers weak alkalinity.
Gex Goldfish Genki Moisturizing Water
A bleaching agent containing a mucosal protective agent that is mainly used for breeding goldfish. This product contains abundant moisturizing ingredients that contribute to the protection of goldfish's mucous membranes, so you can expect healthy growth of goldfish.
In addition, it contains a chelating agent that neutralizes heavy metals in tap water, making it possible to create water suitable for goldfish. In addition, the cap is a well-designed measuring cap, making it easy to use even in small aquariums.
A water purifier is recommended for frequent water changes
Murphy Standard Neo
Activated carbon water purifier for ornamental fish. A quick joint is used for the hose that connects to the main unit, making it possible to connect with a single touch, and the main unit comes with a lift handle that makes it easy to carry, making it more convenient than conventional products.
With a capacity of 7 L or less per minute, a large amount of purified water can be prepared in a short time, so if you are operating a lot of tanks or large tanks, it will result in less time, effort, and maintenance costs than using a descaling agent. can sometimes be reduced.
Is it okay to add too much descaling?
source:Photo AC
Chlorine neutralizer has a specified amount for each product for the amount of water. Basically, as long as you follow that amount, the fish won't be affected, but even if you put in too much by mistake, it's not a big problem and you can leave it as it is.
however, Apparently, if you continue to add an excessive amount, it will affect breeding and spawning.It is said Also, there have been reports of fins becoming tattered due to overdosing, so basically keep to the prescribed amount.
Does chlorine affect aquatic plants?
source:Photo AC
I said that fish absorb chlorine from their gills, but descaling is basically necessary for aquariums that mainly contain aquatic plants. Aquatic plants don't have as much of an immediate and visible impact as fish, but as I said, chlorine can also damage water bacteria.
Therefore, even in aquatic plant tanks, the bacterial filtration system is not stable, and as a result, harmful effects such as brown moss growing on aquatic plants can occur. Even if it is a tank that mainly uses aquatic plants, descaling should be done thoroughly.
The water that has been decalcified should be used immediately!
source:Photo AC
As you all know, bleaching powder is added to sterilize and disinfect tap water. We can safely use tap water because bleaching powder sterilizes bacteria such as E. coli.
If the bleaching powder is removed, the bactericidal action will of course be lost.
Water in which various bacteria have grown is not suitable for breeding water, and can cause diseases such as tropical fish.
Let's remove bleaching powder and grow healthy fish!
Shooting: FISH PARADISE! Editorial department
Descaling is a very important task in breeding fish. In order not to shock the fish you bought with chlorine to death, remove the bleaching powder and start raising ornamental fish in a healthy way.
If you use the products introduced this time, you can remove bleaching powder very easily, so please try using it.
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