DIY Dechlorinator

[Melody]

If chlorine is the only factor you need to address in your water supply, you can use Sodium Thiosulfate. Mix a 1% solution and use approximately one drop (.5 millilitres)/gallon to remove chlorine (this works for a water supply that adds .5 ppm of chlorine). One molecule of Sodium Thiosulfate will remove four molecules of chlorine.

This also binds with chloramines, but there's a catch - it combines and then releases the ammonia. Watch for spikes after using if your water supply contains chloramines. Established tanks with a fully functioning bio system should handle these spikes well.

Fresh, high quality activated carbon will also help remove chloramines.

Source: Dr. John B. Gratzek, Aquariology (Tetra Press)

[Jvision]

I work at the largest pool in the country and we just switched from Sodium thiosulfate to Sodium sulfate. It's only 3/4 as effective as S. thiosulfate, but it's 1/2 the price. I know it doesn't really have much of an affect on the relatively low scale that we fish keepers use it, but it is another viable option. :)

[fishclubgirl]

Or if your water supply just contains chlorine, you can just let your water age for 24 hours. On one of my 20 gallons, I can do a one third water change with unaged water too. I am careful during the spring run off though.