There is more and more information starting to appear about long term effects of Chloramine. Chloramine is a binded chemical compound, so it does not dissipate like chlorine does, If fact it's been in some reports that it could be several days for the chlorine to break down and still there is the left over ammonia to deal with. From what I have read and there is some controversy on this but some say that this ammonia is not broken down the same as excreted ammonia does. I personally thought ammonia was ammonia, but apparently there is some type of difference? fact or fiction from information on the internet. LOL Anyway if it is or not it still needs to be removed or locked with a ammonia binder like ammo-lock by aquarium pharmaceuticals. I drip feed one of my ponds right next to the skimmer and there is a constant overflow all the time, again, only a drip but it's constant. I have not seen a noticeable problem as far as bio conversion with the drip feed system. Never saw ammonia above .15ppm all year last year, really never saw nitrite readings of any color to read past the first month after starting the pond, and just had my highest nitrate reading this past week at 20ppm, That I expected considering the ups and downs of temperatures and I am feeding almost daily. I'm planning on installing a under sink purifying system that has some type of refillable filter cartridge and tying it in to my drip feed system before it enters the faucet . My thinking is I would like to install something I can fill with ammo-carb so I can clean the water by carbon and ammonia removing chips to hopefully remove the chloramine before it ever enters the pond. I have noticed something going on of concern though and I suspect possible chloramine poisoning. I have read that residual Chloramine can effect some fish by damaging weak gills, adding stress, immunities are lower, internal problems, and possibly can cause issues with the fluid behind the eyes. Got me to thinking and I may be over thinking but I have a few koi that while once were growing very well and were fat and healthy now look somewhat mal-nutritioned. I have seen no other signs of anything wrong, haven't lost a fish all year except to a predator. Is this caused by the residual chlorinehloramine? I don't know and I'm looking for answers myself. Simply speaking I can't answer that. I don't know. What I do know is I have moved three fish that have been effected to the pond that is not drip fed. This pond is the koi only pond so the food will be a better quality and more regular. If it continues my next choice of action is to take a fish that is affected and put it down and have scoped internally. Fortunately for me and unfortunately for the koi I have one that looks pretty bad both with this issue, and not anything special and would be rehomed anyway. Not something I want to do but for the sake of the rest of the fish I have to find out what is going on, if it is a internal parasite or bacteria then I can take action, if not, my next guess is something coming in with the new water. I know this post is long, and it's probably putting more questions out there than answers. Honestly at this point in time if it is a drip feed I would continue until you find something more efficient. But, keep a eye on all aspects of the pond. not just the filter. One last thing, the rain barrel has it's pro's and cons as well. rain water is very acidic in most areas. Tap water is usually hard water in many areas. Good idea to request a analysis from the water company for a base line and knowing what they treat with Chlorine/Chloramine. Just adding rain water only can drop KH and PH to dangerously low levels. So you'll have to adjust if needed if going that route. 1/2 and 1/2 rain water to tap water ponds don't usually have a big problem with adjusting KH or PH except in heavily stocked older ponds with little or no water changes.
