How to Add Water Conditioner to a Fish Tank

Water conditioner reduces potential damage to your fish by removing harmful chemicals from tap water. Using this solution carefully and correctly is vital to aquarium health. Add water conditioner to a fish tank using the following steps.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Water conditioner
• Fish tank
• Bucket or pitcher
• Water
• Measuring spoons or cups

Add Water Conditioner to a Fish Tank

1. Buy the correct type of water conditioner for your aquarium type: saltwater or freshwater. Some can be used in both. Be sure the conditioner is able to remove chlorine, chloramine and heavy metals from tap water.

2. Read the back of the water conditioner bottle or box to determine the correct dosage per gallon of aquarium water. Some bottles come with a measuring cup or a calibrated cap. Others require you to use your own measures. Always follow manufacturer's directions to avoid exposing the fish to too many chemicals.

3. Fill a bucket or pitcher with tap water and add the required dose of water conditioner. Stir it gently once or twice with a clean utensil to disperse the conditioner in the water. Wait a minute or two for the solution to do its job of removing harmful chemicals.

4. Add the treated water slowly to the fish tank to avoid splashing and disruption of gravel and ornaments. If fish and plants are already in the tank, consider pouring the new water over a clean plate to further disperse the force entering the water.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not add water conditioner directly to the tank.

References

• Freshwater Aquarium Fish Guide
• Fish Lore Pet Fish Resource