Question On Chlorine/ph

[BaylorPerez]

when the water has chlorine and a unstable Ph(one that changes with each water use from tap(meaning every time you use your tap water the Ph has changed)), would boiling the water or freezing the water to a certain point help remove that chlorine(s), and stabilize the Ph, without using chemicals that are bought online or in-store at a LFS(or walmart,petco/petsmart). Or is their a more natural way to remove the chlorine and also stabilize a Ph suitable for freshwater fish in a aquarium.
 
More to the question, how would i keep my Ph good between a level of 7.2-7.6 as mine when i did the water change today had changed to a Ph of 7.9 to 8.1(kinda bad for my snails as i have them swapped in a brackish water tank for the eggs on them with a Ph of 7.4 and a water tempt of 76 to about 80 F*, and a salt content of 1.003SG(specific gravity), PPT is .09,(as stated that is the stable number for brackish water based on Google/wiki Search)), 
 
ALSO--------- Tell me if i need to fix this water to salt content(PPT) and also, is the tempt good for nerite snail egg hatching?

 

[Byron]

First on chlorine in tap water.  This will dissipate out of the water over time (24 hours I believe), or with very brisk shaking.  However, many places in the US now add chloramine as well, since this does not dissipate out like the chlorine so it is more effective at killing various bacteria in the water.  To detoxify chloramine, you must use a water conditioner that says it does this (most do, but a few do not, so check the label).
 
On the pH.  First, the water at source (the reservoir) will have a pH that probably will not vary much, though it can due to weather and the source.  Second, as CO2 enters the water, which occurs along the way, it can lower the pH.  This is why when testing tap water for pH, you must let the water sit for about 24 hours to out-gas the CO2.  You can also shake it very vigorously for a few moments.  Some suggest this may have the opposite effect, but I think that generally this shaking will out-gas the CO2.  Once you do, the pH reading will likely be more accurate.  This varying level of CO2 may be why you find the pH fluctuating.
 
Also test the pH in the tank, and this can be done any time without the waiting or shaking.  It is worth knowing how the pH changes once it is inside the aquarium, if it does (may or may not).
 
Boiling water should remove chlorine, but I am not sure what if any effect it might have on pH.  I suspect none, but this is just surmise.  As for changing the pH, this can be complicated, as the pH is closely related to the GH (general hardness) and KH (carbonate hardness or Alkalinity).  If these are significant, the pH is not going to fluctuate and attempts to lower it will usually not work.  Raising it is easier.  I won't go into this now, as it may not be needed, and we do not have the GH, KH and reliable pH numbers.  The GH and KH you might be able to find out from your local water authority, on their website or call them.
 
I would not think the increased pH would harm the snails, but I will leave this and the issue of salt for hatching to others with more direct experience.
 
Byron.

 

[BaylorPerez]

i see, as well as i will start boiling my water from now on to make sure that some of the chlorine is gone as well(also we are under a boil water notice due to a pump being shut down in my area)

 

[jag51186]

I wouldn't worry about boiling it, just use an air pump and air stone...or you can just let it sit. This will air off your chlorine, but like Byron said, chloramine would need a treatment added regardless. As far as pH swings, I wouldn't worry about it. In high tech tanks that use injected co2, the pH can sometimes drop up to 1.2 points on a daily basis when co2 kicks on and off, with no ill effects.
 
I have no idea how this affects snails, and eggs.

 

[Brodeur30]

I always add stress coat after every water change just to be safe, but i also have air stones

 

[Byron]

I always add stress coat after every water change just to be safe, but i also have air stones

 
As you mention API's Stress Coat, I will mention that this product contains aloe vera, and recent studies have suggested that aloe vera (which is also present in one or two other conditioners) may be harmful to fish.  It is believed to have a detrimental effect on the gills.  Prolonged use under the study conditions did result in fish deaths.
 
A safer choice would be API's Tap Water Conditioner.  It detoxifies chlorine, chloramine and heavy metals, but contains no additives.
 
Byron.