Do You Use Dechlorinator When Cycling A Tank?

[Cheffi]

Basically just wanted to know if I need to dechlorinate the water if I'm going to cycle it? Logically I'm thinking yes..but what do I know?

 

[vix]

well i don't really know if you HAVE to, but i did dechlorinate before i did my fishless cycle, logic would tell me yes as cycling will not remove the chlorine.

 

[catxx]

chlorine kills the bacteria you're trying to grow
so yes, always use dechlorinator for any water going in your tank.

 

[anvil63]

Interestingly I have never thought about this. I guess catxx is right, but I have never dechlored my water on my initial fill and have never had a problem with cycling.

If you are running a filter and your water supply is treated with chlorine (rather than chloramine) simple aeration should drive the vast majority of the chlorine out in a couple of hours. If its chloramine its abit of a different story. Chloramine is much more stable and off-gases less easily and as such, may stick around for a few days.

Carl