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[mepiscool]

I have just set my tank up 3 days ago and was advised not to buy dechlorinator and bacteria what are your veiws on this ive been told its a waste of money??

 

[zuulan]

I have just set my tank up 3 days ago and was advised not to buy dechlorinator and bacteria what are your veiws on this ive been told its a waste of money??

Dechlorinator won't make any difference to chlorine now, as it would've evaporated naturally by now.

I only used bottled bacteria because it came free with my Aquarium but I've also heard it's not necessary and there will be enough bacteria in the water naturally. However do you need some ammonia to build up the bacteria and keep it alive.

 

[Rediahs]

Dechlorinator won't make any difference to chlorine now, as it would've evaporated naturally by now.

True but not true. The chlorine has evaporated. But that isn't what we're worried about - we're more worried about the chloramine, which is more stable and does NOT evaporate! As well as heavy metals. The dechlorinator is mainly for these last 2. If it was just chlorine we could let the water "air out" overnight and it'd be fine.

 

[mepiscool]

Thanks for the advice guys i think im going to let the tank do its job. My power heads are second hand so i hope that will help my tanks also

 

[Curiosity101]

Dechlorinator - You do need it as many water companies don't only add chlorine, but they add chloramine aswell. Chlorine gases off over time, but chloramine remains in the water and can damage the fish. So you may have some in your tank now, and you'll certainly need some in the future for when you are doing water changes.

Bottled Bacteria - A waste of money in my experience. Most of the bacteria in such products are dead and/or the incorrect type.

See our Beginners Section for lots of helpful information.
Particularly on 'Cycling' which is the next thing you will need to do after setting up your tank.