View Full Version : Best Chemicals for stabilizing nitrates, Ph, Nitrites ect.
angel626
04-30-2007, 10:02 PM
My 55 gallon tank is currently cycling with 50lbs of uncured live rock. I am testing using Aquarium Pharm. They mention using certain chemicals to stabilize ph and fix other things. I am wondering what are the best things to have on hand to fix problems that may occur and to help balance my aquarium once it is finished cycling? There are so many choices and I would like to buy the right ones based off of others success rather than learning from my failure to buy the right ones.
Thanks.
darthgoby
04-30-2007, 11:31 PM
I personally don't think you should put any chemical supplements in your tank. If you do consistent water changes with a good salt mix/water source you should add all of the chemicals that your water needs.
These water changes also make sure that the water parameters stay within acceptable ranges. If your PH is out of whack, then the way to fix it should be the water.
Some of these additives might be helpful, others don't do anything, and others can even be harmful.
The only exception might be adding chemicals to a reef tank. I don't have a reef so I can't comment on that.
Weezer
04-30-2007, 11:35 PM
I agree, water changes......:clap:
Germanman
04-30-2007, 11:46 PM
water changes are the best way but the proper chemicals never hurt i use chemipure in all my tanks and love it.
noskimmer
05-01-2007, 6:25 AM
The most natural and efficient way to control ph is with aragonite sand, the finer the better. This will act as a buffer. The other way if not in addition is remote dsb with macro algae and reverse photo period.
Reefscape
05-01-2007, 8:10 AM
I personally don't think you should put any chemical supplements in your tank. If you do consistent water changes with a good salt mix/water source you should add all of the chemicals that your water needs.
These water changes also make sure that the water parameters stay within acceptable ranges. If your PH is out of whack, then the way to fix it should be the water.
Some of these additives might be helpful, others don't do anything, and others can even be harmful.
The only exception might be adding chemicals to a reef tank. I don't have a reef so I can't comment on that.
I will second that. In my opinion, the only time a suppliment or chemical should be used in a tank is if there is a deffeicency or an issue that shows through regular testing of your water parameters..
If it aint broke, dont fix it
Niko
angel626
05-01-2007, 9:56 AM
Great!! It's good to know that I won't need chemicals. I'm using chemipure and I have heard a lot of good things about it.
txaggies07
05-01-2007, 1:50 PM
What is the best place to get chemipure?
Germanman
05-01-2007, 1:52 PM
these guys will price match and have great service...cant beat that.
http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/prod/196393/product.web
darthgoby
05-01-2007, 2:20 PM
When I was discussing chemicals, I did not include activated carbon in my discussion. I do run carbon in my canister filter as do many others. I have no problem using something like that. Chemi-pure might even be a replacement for carbon.
Germanman
05-01-2007, 2:40 PM
Renew is better than carbon, due to the fact that it is less "aggressive" on reef set ups, it leave behind some things u need and tends not to suck up any supplement u add in there.
http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/prod/198653/product.web
I've thought of using Renew in the past. How does it compare to Chemi-pure?
Germanman
05-01-2007, 4:50 PM
i use both together, renew replaces the carbon