Watchout: Chloramines will wipe-out your tank

[bergamer]

I just lost almost everything in my 24 ap almost overnight. I tested for everything and nothing was unusual.
It was horrible to see my clowns suffocate to death.
(Then all my corals died)
ammonia: 0ppm
nitrite: 0ppm
nitrate: 20ppm
PH: 8.2
So I was doing some research and I found out that my local area began using chloramines instead of chlorine in tap water. Initially it didn't matter to me because I run my tap through a 5 stage RO/DI unit. After some reading, I found out that most RO units will not remove the chloramines.
So today I dosed my tanks with amquil and ordered a special pre membrain filters that remove chloramines from tap.
This is just a warning to everyone else

 

[rs1831]

Thats awful. What ro filter are you using?

 

[bergamer]

GE, but it doesn't matter because the chloramines can pass through the RO membrain. The key is in the pre filters.

 

[ick]

Originally Posted by bergamer
http:///forum/post/2758864
GE, but it doesn't matter because the chloramines can pass through the RO membrain. The key is in the pre filters.

for the noobs, can you elaborate on how to mitigate this from happening?

 

[rs1831]

I'm going to look into mine. I have the air, water & ice typhoon 3 ro/di unit. Hopefully that takes out the chloramines.

 

[bergamer]

Here is an article on the subject by Randy Holmes farley:
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/20...ture/index.php
I was refered to this:
http://www.**************.com/RO/DI-...duct_info.html
and this is what I purchased: CARBON BLOCK CHLORAMINE PACKAGE
http://www.thefilterguys.biz/chloramine_filters.htm

 

[cranberry]

Originally Posted by ick
http:///forum/post/2758868

for the noobs, can you elaborate on how to mitigate this from happening?
Keep up on your RO/DI maintenance. Make sure your carbon hasn't been there forever. Test your RO/DI water weekly for chlorine and chloramines (test kits can be found at homedepot for pools if you can't find any locally).
Why do you assume it was the chloramines? Did you test you tank water?

 

[bergamer]

There is another reefer in the my area who is also having problems with his tanks.
Are you sure HD sells test kits for chloramines? The article I linked to said the test kit that is needed it about $60.
I assume it was chloramines because I am left with no other cause for the wipe-out.

 

[sepulatian]

Chloramines are not new at all. They are a reaction of chlorine and ammonia. Do a google search on chloramines. Amquel Plus removes them from tap. Your RO unit will do the same
Is this a different tank?

 

[cranberry]

Originally Posted by bergamer
http:///forum/post/2758937
There is another reefer in the my area who is also having problems with his tanks.
Are you sure HD sells test kits for chloramines? The article I linked to said the test kit that is needed it about $60.
I assume it was chloramines because I am left with no other cause for the wipe-out.
Wha? You can get the get the quick Dip Sticks from Jungle lab that test for Chlorine and Chloramine... 13.59. You need to test for it because it is not picked up on your TDS readings.
I've always lived in areas that have had chloramines in their water. I change my carbon regularily and test weekly and have been doing so for years. You don't need any special prefilter... you just need simple good quality carbon.
I honestly honestly doubt your tank crash is do to this....

 

[sepulatian]

Chloramines are almost always present in tap. Chlorine is too harsh. Chloramines mix well with ammonia which is almost always a trace in tap. Berg, if you have been using tap then this is not news at all to you. Every water conditioner that I came across for the past few years has stated that they remove chlorine and chloramines. They go hand in hand.