Will chlorine interfere with nitrogen cycle on start up?

[genEus]

Hello everyone,

I didn't use a dechlorinator but just filled up my 20 gal tank with tap water and want to start the cycle. A friend of mine offered a filter from his current tank, so I figure that'll be good to start up my tank.

My question is this. Since the water is not dechlorinated, should I wait for the chlorine to dissipate before throwing in his filter in the tank or will I be okay doing it now? I'd like to know soon as I'd like to start the cycle before I leave for the three day weekend.

Thanks!

 

[sabotage]

yes chlorine kills Beneficial bacteria..use a chlor killer or wait 24-hours to die off

And Welcome to MFK!!!!

 

[Lupin]

Chlorine is a gas so it should dissipate if you leave it for a long period. Use your dechlorinator if you have it as the effect is instantaneous. If your water company is using chloramine, then this would be your bigger worry as it is not a gas at all therefore it cannot be removed except by dechlorinator which will bind it to a harmless form thereby allowing the bacteria to safely thrive.

 

[ewurm]

Chlorine is a gas so it should dissipate if you leave it for a long period. Use your dechlorinator if you have it as the effect is instantaneous. If your water company is using chloramine, then this would be your bigger worry as it is not a gas at all therefore it cannot be removed except by dechlorinator which will bind it to a harmless form thereby allowing the bacteria to safely thrive.

And quite a few municipalities are using chloramine, so it's a definite possibilty.