AquaSafe vs Bio-Safe & EasyBalance vs Bio-Coat

gritscwgrl22 said:

Which product does a better job? I've been using TetraAqua products (AquaSafe and EasyBalance) and they have worked really well. I've heard that Marineland Lab's Life Science System (Bio-Safe, Bio-Spira, Bio-Coat) are also really great products for conditioning aquarium water. I was just wondering how they compare and if I should stick with what I'm using or if i should switch to the "Bio stuff".
Thanks
Steph

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Well, a lot depends on what is in your source water. My source is my tap and our Municipal Water Treatment plant treats with chloramines, which is bonded ammonia and chlorine. I can't use any old dechlorinator, as that leaves harmful ammonia in the tank. So, I use Seachem's Prime to dechlorinate/dechloriminate my water. It does an excellent job and I've no complaints. I don't buy into these "systems" companies promote either. I use Prime and that's it to condition. Then I use Flourish and Flourish Excel for plant fertilization and additional useable carbon for my plants.

If I were you, I call the local water lab and ask what is in your water. If they add ammonia or chloramines, traditional dechlorinators won't cut it.

I use aging only when the water has chlorine-only, Prime when there are chloramines present.

I also do not see any need for the "systems" offered these days. Why are these products needed? If someone is setting their first tank, they might well use Bio-Spira, but beyond that they are means of enriching the company without IMHO an benefit to the aquarium.

How good is Amquel plus, by Kordon? Ive been using that and it seems like a good product.. removes "nitrate, nitrite, ammonia, chlorine and chloramines. Id imagine its pretty much the same as prime, although ive noticed prime is mroe concentrated (doses are less).

Bio-spira is supposed to work, but for some reason, both times ive baught it from a place in town (and i made SURE i kept it cold in the car) it hasnt done anything. Although, at the same time i was doing water changes with water that had about .8 mg/l of nitrites in it. I assume the people at the pet store let it sit out for a while when they got the shipment or something. Kinda dissapointing.

I second the Prime. I used to use Aquasafe when changing water but it seemed like the aquarium always became unstable after water changes. I have had much better success with the Prime.

I believe that Easybalance is sold as some kind of supplement that eliminates Nitrates and makes it so you only need to change water every 6 months......or something like that. If it sounds too good to be true...............

There is also the issue of how much material you are willing to add to your tank, versus what is required.

re

Clean water is the best (and cheapest) additive for your tank. Anything else increases costs (even if it doesn't increase risks).

F.