Changes

'''Chlorine''' is added to '''tap water''' to kill microorganisms so that it is safe for human consumption.

'''Chlorine''' is added to '''tap water''' to kill microorganisms so that it is safe for human consumption.

Sometimes ammonia is also added, which reacts with chlorine and produces a stable disinfectant, '''chloramine'''. Chloramine is less likely to react with organic matter does not form derivatives which are toxic to humans.

Sometimes ammonia is also added, which reacts with chlorine and produces a stable disinfectant, '''chloramine'''. Chloramine is less likely to react with organic matter and does not form derivatives which are toxic to humans.

Both chlorine and chloramine are '''highly toxic to all fish''', and although toxicity depends on a variety of factors, any measurable amount is considered extremely harmful.

Both chlorine and chloramine are '''highly toxic to all fish''', and although toxicity depends on a variety of factors, any measurable amount is considered extremely harmful.

'''Commercial test kits''' for chlorine and chloramine are available to accurately determine levels in the water, and any detectable amount of chlorine or chloramine is undesirable.

'''Commercial test kits''' for chlorine and chloramine are available to accurately determine levels in the water, and any detectable amount of chlorine or chloramine is undesirable.

==Treatment and Prevention==

==Treatment==  

<u>Treatment</u>: For emergency treatment of chlorine or chloramine toxicity, fish should be immediately transferred to '''chlorine-free water'''. The water temperature should be reduced to increase the level of dissolved oxygen, and '''vigorous aeration and supersaturation''' with oxygen should be performed where possible.

For emergency treatment of chlorine or chloramine toxicity, fish should be immediately transferred to '''chlorine-free water'''. The water temperature should be reduced to increase the level of dissolved oxygen, and '''vigorous aeration and supersaturation''' with oxygen should be performed where possible.

Parenteral administration of dexamethasone may possibly improve the prognosis.

Parenteral administration of dexamethasone may possibly improve the prognosis.

<u>Prevention</u>: Chlorine is easily removed from water by '''vigorous aeration for 24 hours''' or by adding '''commercial dechlorinating agents'''. Chloramine cannot be removed by aeration and a chemical neutraliser is needed to break the chlorine-ammonia bond, which means the free ammonia then also needs to be removed.

==Prevention==

Chlorine is easily removed from water by '''vigorous aeration for 24 hours''' or by adding '''commercial dechlorinating agents'''. Chloramine cannot be removed by aeration and a chemical neutraliser is needed to break the chlorine-ammonia bond, which means the free ammonia then also needs to be removed.

'''Sodium thiosulfate''' is commonly used to dechlorinate water and is an effective and safe compound.

'''Sodium thiosulfate''' is commonly used to dechlorinate water and is an effective and safe compound.

Noga, E. (2010) '''Fish Disease: Diagnosis and Treatment''' ''John Wiley and Sons''

Noga, E. (2010) '''Fish Disease: Diagnosis and Treatment''' ''John Wiley and Sons''

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