Splashes
Junior Bubble Nester
Posts: 140
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Post by Splashes on Oct 13, 2004 18:42:51 GMT -5
What is your favorite water conditioner for your bettas?
(Sorry if it's been discussed before, but a search didn't yield much info.)
Also, if I use one that reduces chloramines and ammonia, will that ruin my tank's cycle? I know the bacteria live off ammonia.
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Post by Rachel on Oct 13, 2004 20:44:29 GMT -5
Well I don't know if it's my favorite because I've always used it, but I prefer the NovAqua and Amquel+ combo. There are a lot of other great conditioners out there though. Someone once pointed me to thetropicaltank - www.thetropicaltank.co.uk/rev-cond.htm for a review of some of the common water conditioners. |
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Post by amanichen on Oct 13, 2004 21:23:55 GMT -5
 I think that sums up my answer. I like it better than anything else I've used. |
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Splashes
Junior Bubble Nester
Posts: 140
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Post by Splashes on Oct 13, 2004 22:00:54 GMT -5
I think that sums up my answer. I like it better than anything else I've used. Yeah, I saw that on your website!  Info from their site: "Prime™ is the complete and concentrated conditioner for both fresh and salt water. Prime™ removes chlorine, chloramine and ammonia. Prime™ converts ammonia into a safe, non-toxic form that is readily removed by the tank’s biofilter. Prime™ may be used during tank cycling to alleviate ammonia/nitrite toxicity. Prime™ detoxifies nitrite and nitrate, allowing the biofilter to more efficiently remove them. It will also detoxify any heavy metals found in the tap water at typical concentration levels.Prime™ also promotes the production and regeneration of the natural slime coat. Prime™ is non-acidic and will not impact pH. Prime™ will not overactivate skimmers. Use at start-up and whenever adding or replacing water." So it breaks down the stuff, but can the biological bacteria still use it for "food" so they won't die off and the tank remains cycled?  Based on your experience.......  Never mind, just found the answers:  www.seachem.com/support/FAQs/Prime_faq.htmlBut I see it messes with the ammonia testing.  Thanks for the link Rachel, I'll check them out. |
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Post by amanichen on Oct 14, 2004 0:00:14 GMT -5
The problem there is that most ammonia test kits use the Nesseler process. This measures total ammonia. Free ammonia is what's actually toxic to fish, but ammonia which has been bonded to is non toxic. Total ammonia is the combined measurement of these, and it does not accurately reflect how toxic the water is. Salicylate test kits measure free ammonia.
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Post by twoluvcats on Oct 14, 2004 8:06:51 GMT -5
I use AP's Stress Coat - Why...cause Walmart had it and I'm still using up the bottle. HEHE I've been planning to switch to Prime once I run out of Stress Coat.
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Post by abm on Oct 15, 2004 8:03:32 GMT -5
Is Prime only to be used in cycled tanks or is it good for the smaller uncycled ones as well?
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Post by twoluvcats on Oct 15, 2004 8:33:02 GMT -5
I don't see why you couldn't use Prime in an uncycled tank.
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Post by amanichen on Oct 15, 2004 8:33:06 GMT -5
Is Prime only to be used in cycled tanks or is it good for the smaller uncycled ones as well? Well... The primary purpose of a water conditioner is to eliminate chemicals that come in through the water. Chlorine, chloramine (which is broken down into ammonia and chloramine) and heavy metals all need to be dealt with. So, it shouldn't matter what type of tank you put it in, it'll work the same -- really it depends on your water quality. However, the line between water conditioner, and chemical waste eliminators has been blurred in recent years. As far as I know the properties of Prime which allow it to deal with ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate are mainly for the tap water supply, and aren't there to deal with the products of the nitrogen cycle. I don't know if you were looking for it to do that or not. I haven't really done extensive testing on it in this respect, so that's all I can say. |
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Post by abm on Oct 15, 2004 8:58:26 GMT -5
Well I asked the question b/c I know that you (amanichen) and twoluvcats have cycled tanks...and if both of you like Prime, then by a brilliant deduction on my part....it works in cycled tanks. But I currently have uncycled tanks, hence my question |
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Splashes
Junior Bubble Nester
Posts: 140
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Post by Splashes on Oct 22, 2004 13:55:26 GMT -5
Question: the Prime says it's concentrated. Is it possible to measure out a small enough dose for 2.5 gals? Or is it too concentrated? I need to know before I order. |
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Post by amanichen on Oct 22, 2004 17:07:53 GMT -5
The bottle I have, is two drops per gallon. It's pretty easy =)
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Splashes
Junior Bubble Nester
Posts: 140
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Post by Splashes on Oct 22, 2004 17:54:31 GMT -5
The bottle I have, is two drops per gallon. It's pretty easy =) Great! So the bottle has a drip spout, not a cap? I'm trying to work up my order from petsolutions (they have my filter replacements that have the charcoal separate so I can remove it during any treatments) Anything else I might need to order? ;D |
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Post by amanichen on Oct 22, 2004 17:56:19 GMT -5
Get a picture of it online. If it has a flip-top, then it's a dropper style dispenser.
Exotic greek pastry, shampoo, paper towels, four bicycle tires, and a pack of gum.
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Splashes
Junior Bubble Nester
Posts: 140
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Post by Splashes on Oct 22, 2004 18:23:23 GMT -5
Get a picture of it online. If it has a flip-top, then it's a dropper style dispenser. Can't tell from the picture. Maybe I'll give them a call.... Already on the list! Haha! ;D |
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Info from their site: "Prime™ is the complete and concentrated conditioner for both fresh and salt water. Prime™ removes chlorine, chloramine and ammonia. Prime™ converts ammonia into a safe, non-toxic form that is readily removed by the tank’s biofilter. Prime™ may be used during tank cycling to alleviate ammonia/nitrite toxicity. Prime™ detoxifies nitrite and nitrate, allowing the biofilter to more efficiently remove them. It will also detoxify any heavy metals found in the tap water at typical concentration levels.Prime™ also promotes the production and regeneration of the natural slime coat. Prime™ is non-acidic and will not impact pH. Prime™ will not overactivate skimmers. Use at start-up and whenever adding or replacing water."
Based on your experience....... 
