Conditioner Testing

5.5.3.5. Conditioner Testing

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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 recommended 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 subtracted from four. It was then divided by two to find the level of chlorine each conditioner would neutralize when used at the recommended level.

Results of the CHLORINE TEST

  • Prime (dithionite)  1.8, 0.9, 1.1,
  • Safe (dithionite) 1.3, 0.8, 1.1
  • AmQuel Plus (Hydroxymethansulfinate) 2.1, 1.7,  1.5
  • Aquatic Experts TankFirst (Proprietary)  1.4, 1.1,  1.3
  • API Tap Water Conditioner (Thiosulfate) 1.8, 1.1, 1.5,
  • Aqueon Water Conditioner (Thiosulfate) 1.8, 1.2, 1.4
  • Fritz Guard (Proprietary)  1.4, 1.1, 1.3
  • Tetra AquaSafe (Hydroxymethanesulfinate) 1.8, 0.8, 1.8
  • DIY solution of Sodium Dithionite 3.0, 2.4, 2.8,
  • DIY solution of Sodium Thiosulfate  3.4, 2.7, 2.9,
  • 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).

Oscura heterospila Montecristo cichlid
Oscura heterospila Montecristo cichlid

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 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) 2.2, 1.0, 2.0
  • Aqueon Water Conditioner (Thiosulfate) 2.1, 1.8, 2.0
  • Fritz Guard (Proprietary) 1.8, 1.1, 1.5,
  • Tetra AquaSafe (Hydroxymethanesulfinate) 1.6, 1.3, 1.4
  • DIY solution of Sodium Dithionite 2.8, 2.1, 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.

Labidochromis auratus
Labidochromis auratus

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

There are some aquarium hobbyists who are interested in delving deep into the science and the calculations behind all aspects of the hobby. For those who are so inclined the following is pertinent:

5.5.3. Water Conditioners

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


Startpage Aquariumscience

Source: Aquariumscience.org – David Bogert

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