So I need to get the chlorine out of my water and I am wondering if a pump is entirely necessary. In the organics for beginners thread, someone stated that almost all of the chlorine in water dissipates in the time it takes for the water to drop from the spigot to the bath. In light of that, would it be enough aeration to dissipate the chlorine by just pouring the water back and forth (maybe 30-40 times?) between two 5gal buckets? Its a workout, but it's cheap and low-tech. Thanks to my fellow heads
Bubbling vs Agitation?
- Thread starter TreAndKat
- Start date
As a long-time aquarium keeper, I can tell you that oxygen enters the water wherever air and water come into contact. Whatever you can do to get more water into contact with the air will help oxygenate it. It's all about surface area. Air pumps blowing bubbles are not very effective at oxygenation because the surface area of the bubbles is relatively small, and they don't cause much water movement at the surface. In a fish tank, they are essentially just decoration. The best method of getting oxygen into water is to have a pump at or just below the surface that constantly keeps the water at the surface moving. A waterfall would accomplish the same thing.
As far as pouring vs. stirring, I would guess that it makes little difference. Two minutes of either is not going to put too much oxygen into the water.
As far as getting chlorine out, putting it in a bucket with a pump for 24 hours should do it. You can also use a dechlorinator, available at any pet store, that will work instantly.
Really? Why?
I realize there are different kinds, some of which have additional ingredients, which I wouldn't recommend. But what's the problem with a straight dechlorinator?
What sort of pump do you recommend and how much money am I looking at?
Aquarium dechlorinator chemical is mostly sodium based, bad news for plants.
Much better off vigorously aerating the water thoroughly to de-gass the chlorine away.
Ageing the water has further added benefits, which is why I recommend having a large drum or plastic garbage can dedicated to having an aged water supply available.
If you just want to move water around in a bucket, all you need is a small powerhead (that's what I use for my organic teas). Something like this. Probably $12-$15 at your local pet store.
But if all you want to do is get chlorine out, as others have said, just leaving it set out will evaporate the chlorine. I don't know how long it takes without water movement, but I'd guess it takes longer than the time it takes for the water to drop from the spigot. Just get a 5-gal bucket or 2, fill them up ahead of time, and let them sit for a few days before using the water.
