Do fish swim in chlorine wate? The short answer is yes, and it is quite possibly the most depressing thing you will ever read. Believe it or not, your fish may have been in that tank for quite some time before you even noticed it was there. If you are lucky, a friendly vet may have done an autopsy and given you some closure. If not, you will forever wonder what happened to your expensive fish.
Chlorine is the most common and most effective chemical used for water disinfection. It is highly reliable and extremely efficient at killing germs that cause disease. Unfortunately, it also kills everything else in the water. Most fish die within minutes of being placed in freshwater due to the shock of chlorine exposure. This is why you must always test the water quality of your tank before you mix the chemicals! Most fish species are adversely affected by even small amounts of chlorine. Some are even known to be harmed by the smell alone. The effects of chlorine vary from fish to fish. Some are completely unaffected while others experience complete brain damage and organ failure. The best strategy is to stick as close to nature as possible and use only what is necessary to keep your fish healthy and alive. You should also make sure that the water you provide is of good quality and free of impurities. This will ensure the best possible quality of life for your finned friends.
Why Do Fish React Badly To Chlorine?
Chlorine is a toxic chemical that is extremely dangerous to all living things. It disrupts the nervous system and the endocrine system of fish, causing them to lose coordination and become sluggish. This can affect their appetite, causing them to lose weight and possibly even starve. It can also cause a drastic reduction in the reproductive system where it reacts with the DNA of fish cells, mutating them and ultimately causing birth defects. It is a known carcinogen and has been implicated in many cancers in humans. The damaging effects of chlorine are quite severe, and they last for years even after the introduction of partial substitutes into the water. Once the symptoms appear, it is usually too late to reverse the effects of chlorine on your fish. Luckily, there are ways to minimize the damage and ensure healthier fish regardless of the source of your pet’s water. It just takes a bit of research and proper precautions.