Why Tap Water Needs Treatment
When using tap water to mix saltwater or replace evaporation in shellfish systems, it’s important to know what’s in it. In the UK, tap water is treated with chlorine or chloramine to kill bacteria. While this makes it safe for people, it can cause problems in aquaculture systems if left untreated.
Chlorine: Quick to Evaporate
Chlorine is added as a gas at the treatment works. If water containing chlorine is left to stand, the gas naturally evaporates within 24 to 36 hours. This makes chlorine easier to deal with, but it still requires planning if you’re preparing water for your shellfish system.
Chloramine: A More Persistent Challenge
Chloramine is a mix of chlorine and ammonia, and unlike chlorine, it does not evaporate. It can stay in water for weeks and is sometimes formed naturally when agricultural runoff enters the supply after heavy rain. For this reason, it’s often best to assume that your tap water contains chloramine.
How to Neutralise Chlorine and Chloramine
The most effective approach is to use water treatment products such as Optimus, Seachem Prime, or Seachem Safe. These chemically neutralise chlorine, chloramine, and other toxins, making the water safe to use for shellfish systems.
The Role of Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal is another useful tool. It absorbs chlorine and also helps break the bond between chlorine and ammonia. Once the bond is broken, ammonia is released and processed by the system’s biological filtration. This is why we use activated charcoal in the filter socks of both our Lobster Pod and Crab Pod systems.
Keep Your Systems Safe and Efficient
If you’re relying on tap water in your system, always treat it before use. Using the right products and filtration ensures your shellfish remain safe, healthy and stress-free. If you’d like advice on water treatment or need support with your shellfish system, please get in touch by Tel No 01383 820685 or email hello@toddfishtech.com
