AmQuel+Plus

[Sunny]

Bought an aquarium magazine and there's an ad in it about AmQuel+Plus. It says that this is a new product that removes ammonia, nitrate, etc. without interfering with Nitrogen Cycle or affecting the PH. Also says that it is safe for all aquariums. If that's the case, does this mean with this product there's no need for fishless cycle? Has anyone tried it?

[OrionGirl]

No, not really. While the product can convert some phases of the nitrogen cycle into a non-toxic version, ammonia is always being produced, so you would have to keep adding this product to your tank--not effective. Bacteria colonies, on the other hand, maintain themselves with little help from you.

[Sunny]

So buying this product would be a waste of money then? :sad

[jacblades]

no-just not for the purpose youre thinking. i add it when conditioning my water :) i use amquel plus and novaqua.

[OrionGirl]

Yes and no. If you are cycling with fish, it can be used in emergencies to detoxify the water until you can perform a water change--but it will not remove the need to develop bacteria colonies. I've used similar products in an emergency, as with an ammonia spike that I can't identify the cause, or following medications that killed off the bacteria colonies, or for transporting fish long distances,or when fish get temporarily kicked out of a tank and a cycled tank isn't available.

In other words, it's an okay short term solution, but not a long term plan to keeping fish healthy.

[mcps95]

Amquel Plus does remove chlorine and chloramine in water (so it's useful/necessary for water changes, especially if you use tap water). And it does seem to "remove" ammonia (at least to non-toxic forms). As for nitrites, I've found that it really doesn't do all that much (not without a huge dose, which is not recommended).

Prime is really the best choice for removing chlorine, chloramine, and reducing toxicity of ammonia (less money and more concentrated, so you use less product for the same volume of water). I find that many LFSs and pet superstores push Amquel Plus because it's more expensive and requires a lot more product.

I switched to Prime a while ago and it's much more cost-effective.

[m3th0d]

Eh, I better switch to Prime. I never realized that it was cheaper for its volume than Amquel.

[Rocketman]

Ha, I was just about to say...switch to Prime, it's many times more potent and does the exact same thing.