Chlorine reacts with the amines from proteins to form chloramines. When people swim in a chlorinated pool and their eyes become iritated they think there is too much chlorine but actually there is not enough. Initially monochloramine is formed ,then dichloramine then trichloramine (provided there is free available chlorine present). The monochloramine is what iritates. Chloramines are not added as a water treatment but will always be present so long as chlorine and proteins are.

Thanks

Caryl, do you have chlorine in the water?

Chloramines are not added as a water treatment but will always be present so long as chlorine and proteins are

So than I would have to keep adding the water conditioner to remove the chloramine, right?

It depends on the water supply Caper. Ours is usually fine in Hamilton without the conditioner. I only do 10 - 20 percent water changes at a time and I don't notice any problems just healthier looking tank and fish. If I can smell the chlorine out of the tap I don't do a water change that day. This could be in my head tho I am a smoker :roll: so my sensors are a bit shot.

I should get a vessel that can hold all the water I need to change at once and fill it a few days in advance. Then I could heat it and airate to be more secure in what I do. It would make it easier to as at the moment I have to muck around getting the temp up in the sump. It's not to bad in summer but in winter the water out of the tap is cooler.

I live in Godzone. Christchurch has a completely untreated artesian water supply. One problem could be that the Council is required to chlorinate the mains after they have done any maintenance work (to kill any bugs that might have got in while working.) They should flush it all out again before putting it back into service but problems could arise. I have always done water changes straight out of the tap and never had any problems.

Caper we have artesian water here so no chlorine added 8)

Not everyone elsewhere in NZ is so lucky.