niko

After reading this article I started to wonder how much of the problems that we often face in our planted tanks are due to residual chloramines.

The first problem would be the mixing of the tap water with whatever dechlorinator we use. Even if it neutralizes chlorine, chloramine, and the resulting ammonia how fast and how consistent that happens during a water change?

And then - how long the bacteria suffers from being "hit" with chloramines (which are long lasting).

The Ammonia resulting from the breaking of the chloramine molecule could be another problem. I'm thinking of small Ammonia peaks after a water change - a great way to induce algae - instable environment PLUS Ammonia.

Any thoughts?

--Nikolay

fish7days

Regarding fish, I think it is conceivable that a high ammonia level can be converted by Nitrosomonas to a high nitrite level which in turn can oxidize hemoglobin in the bloodstream, preventing the effective transportation of oxygen from the gills. This in turn will leave fish gasping at the surface, even with high levels of dissolved oxygen present, and may end up being fatal. Just my theory based on my prior experience.

André

fish7days

Guess I should have read the article you linked to, before I posted.......