Neutral Regulator & Bio-Spira: Compatible?

[MERLIN2oo2]

Greetings, all! :hi:
My name is Carrie and I recently purchased an Eclipse Corner 5 aquarium. A few years ago I had a 30-gal. Oceanic hexagon aquarium, so I'm somewhat familiar with fishkeeping(it was my first aquarium and it was definitely a learning experience!) Anyway, I miss having fish, but I wanted something small, hence the 5-gal. Eclipse. I bought some Bio-Spira, and along with the Bio-Safe and Bio-Coat included with the aquarium, I think I'm set as far as water conditioning goes except for the ph level. The water in my area is very hard, and in the past(referring to my 30-gal. hex) I used ph UP(can't remember brand name right now) to adjust the ph. Anyway, I also bought some stuff called Neutral Regulator by Seachem(powdered form) (http://www.seachem.com/en_products/product_pages/030_ntrl_rgltr.html), and I was wondering if I could use this in addition to the Bio-Spira(perhaps instead of, or in adddition to, the Bio-Safe?) I know on the Bio-Spira label it cautions against using chemicals other than Bio-Safe, because they may kill the good bacteria contained in the Bio-Spira. So, obviously, I'm confused. Any help would be greatly appreciate, thanks!!! :)
:bowing:

P.S. I have read that to keep guppies, you should add 1 Tablespoon of aquarium salt per 5 gallons. Is this correct? I really don't like the idea of adding salt to a freshwater tank...

[Gunnie]

I don't know anything about that neutral regulator stuff, but the more I read about ph issues, the more it seems that lowering ph is not nearly as critical as keeping it stable. I have been doing research on discus, and have read that even these delicate fish would be fine in my water with a ph of 7.6, as long as it doesn't fluctuate, and I'm not using them as breeders. If it was me, I'd return that neutral regulator stuff for now, and just slowly acclimate your new fish to your water. I don't think it would affect the bio spira, but you never know. It's not worth the risk IMO, and your tank maintenance will be so much easier not trying to change the ph if you don't have to.

[JSchmidt]

I'd be hard pressed to recommend using a neutral regulator under just about any situation, with or without BioSpira.

Jim

[kveeti]

Re your P.S. You do not need to add the salt. I never have for my guppies.

[MERLIN2oo2]

Thanks very much! I do have to add something to my tap water, though, because otherwise I have a ph level that's like 9.5 or higher. Glad I don't really need the salt, didn't really want to waste two bucks for a tablespoon of aquarium salt.
:cool:

[Aquarius0015]

The only time aquarium salt (repackaged rock salt) would be necessary is when treating a case of ich using the salt+heat method.

It also might help acclimate them if the store you bought your guppies from uses salt. Ask them. If they do, I would add a little to help them acclimate to your tank (IME guppies are more delicate than other livebearers). The just add less and less salt with each water change until they are adjusted to salt-free conditions.

[GoLdFiSh_GrL]

Hmm... just to be safe, I would JUST add Bio-Spira. I did that and my 29gal. is showing great results. :D