poisoned my stock

[JMorris271]

Hi RC

I am currently doing the TTM on new stock. After getting the salinity and temp right I made the move while going through a mental checklist of things that needed to be done and at the same time,I could see that the fish were agitated beyond what is expected during a move. It slapped me that I forgot to add Prime to the tap water I used for the new tank water.
They were in chlorinated water for about 5 or so mins. before I realized what I had done and added the Prime.
I am sure that they have been injured in some horrible way but they are very active, eating ok and have no red stress fins or hazy eyes.
I feel you awful about my error. Thankfully there are no losses yet.
Is there anything I can do to mitigate things for them?
Thanks

 

[heathlindner25]

No, ride it out,they should be fine. You screwed up ,learn from it and don't do it again.

 

[Sk8r]

THe primary problem with chlorinated water is gill and membrane irritation. They will probably be ok. It's like you getting a heavy dose of smoke, but be REAL careful of the alkalinity of the water (8.3) and salinity (a steady 1.024) for the rest of their qt and they may be ok.

 

[Cancun]

Hi there! Just curious. ..have you thought about investing in a RO/DI unit? One of the best investments I have made for me reef tank...besides good LED lighting and a ATO.....worth the money for sure! 8)

 

[Grkgod36]

Indeed I can't believe that in this day and age people still use tap water and not a rodi system especially since they are so cheap these days

 

[ScienceRulez]

Indeed I can't believe that in this day and age people still use tap water and not a rodi system especially since they are so cheap these days

Even these days not everyone can afford a RODI unit. Even if one could afford the unit, there are all the filters that need replaced on top of the Resin, Even filling your own cartridges one is still looking at ~$5 USD per pound for resin.

The OP made a mistake and asked if his fish were going to be ok (yes they should be). He didn't ask to be judged because he doesn't have a RODI unit.

 

[sde1500]

In reality, we mostly use RO/DI water to avoid build up of undesirables in our tank. Using conditioned tap water for QT really shouldn't be that much of a problem. As long as there isn't a ton of nasty stuff in the water.

 

[NAClFiSHy]

I use TAP for QT tanks never had a problem.

 

[jayball]

I see no problem with using treated tap water for TTM. I use RO/DI for my reef though.

 

[Cancun]

Good points about the QT...but RODI for your DT...it is worth saving for though....especially in a reef tank...

 

[ReefEco]

Hey JMorris - I think the suggestion about getting an RO/DI unit is a good one. The tone of Cancun's suggestion was gentle - hopefully you didn't take it as being judged. True it wasn't what you were inquiring about, but I think people are just trying to be helpful. I think the point we might be trying to make is that in the long term, an RO/DI unit is perhaps the thing that will save you the most money - in lost critters, time, and anguish - as it gives you a good starting point in terms of water quality. I'm sure people have success without it, but it is a lot easier long term with it. As some in this hobby say, it is less about maintaining animals than it is about maintaining water quality. An RO/DI unit gives you a leg up.

Good luck with the fish - keeping your water oxygen levels saturated will help with any gill damage that might have occured, but if they fish are behaving normally, you will probably be fine. The fact that you care enough to do the TTM and feel guilty for harming your fish, are all good signs for you my friend : )

 

[MiataRacer]

You might want to check if any LFS near you sells RODI water. Mine sells it for $0.25 per gallon, along with premixed saltwater for $1.00 per gallon. It's much less of a hassle to simply buy it rather than dealing with any filters or salt mixes. If you get premixed saltwater, be sure to check the salinity before adding it to your tank, as I have gotten hyper-saline batches sometimes before.

 

[Dkuhlmann]

When I was previously in the hobby I used nothing but treated tap water for my 200 gal FOWLR and my 40 gal long reef tanks. There is still nothing wrong with using treated tap water. I do now have a RODI and use it exclusively.

I bought a portable 50 gal per day RODI for $60 on Ebay and it costs $35 a year for cartridge replacements. This does all that I need for my 40b and 20 gal sump.