Parameter problems using Prime???

[sly2kusa]

Hi -

Has anyone every had any false readings on Nitrites using Prime? Long story short - I picked some up the other day because I discovered my newly installed water purifier wasn't exactly doing it's job properly.

Anyways - now 1 day after I used Prime - I have a Nitrite reading, and at a level I haven't had in over a month.

Any input would be great.

Thanks

[tks4d2]

i think it's a really good possibility because i've heard situations similar to yours on other fish forums.

[sly2kusa]

i think it's a really good possibility because i've heard situations similar to yours on other fish forums.


I know it turns Ammonia properties into a harmless property of the nasty stuff, but is the same true for Nitrites? And as it just a false reading of this less harmful form???

[plah831]

Sly, I know Prime (and other tap water conditioners that neutralize ammonia) can result in wacky ammonia test results. It's because they change toxic ammonia NH3 into the less toxic ammonium NH4+. Both exist in equilibrium, with one form favored over another depending on temp and pH. But most ammonia tests (Nessler-type) can't distinguish the two, and only give a reading of Total Ammonia.

I haven't heard anything about nitrite readings being messed up, though. I use Prime in all my tanks and have not been getting nitrite readings in a long time. The last time I did get nitrite readings was when I changed out all my gravel, and went through a mini-cycle. So it was not false reads.

Maybe your test kit is old?

[sly2kusa]

Sly, I know Prime (and other tap water conditioners that neutralize ammonia) can result in wacky ammonia test results. It's because they change toxic ammonia NH3 into the less toxic ammonium NH4+. Both exist in equilibrium, with one form favored over another depending on temp and pH. But most ammonia tests (Nessler-type) can't distinguish the two, and only give a reading of Total Ammonia.

I haven't heard anything about nitrite readings being messed up, though. I use Prime in all my tanks and have not been getting nitrite readings in a long time. The last time I did get nitrite readings was when I changed out all my gravel, and went through a mini-cycle. So it was not false reads.

Maybe your test kit is old?

I have an API Fresh Water Master Test Kit that has been doing fine (as well as I can tell) since I bought it online back at the end of July.

I'm just having a hell of a time trying to figure this one out. Is it my water purifier giving me a false positive on Chlorine all of a sudden? Or is it that the OTO and Test Strip kit I have both went bad at the same time? Is it that all of a sudden - Nitrite showed up when none was present during the bacteria bloom? I would have thought that Ammonia would have been the first to show it's ugly face, but what do I know.

Nothing! I know nothing! :mad2:

[tks4d2]

hey i found this thread, but from another forum gluck bud

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39630&highlight=prime

[sly2kusa]

Guys thank you all for the links. All 4 of my Tiger Muskies have now been sitting very still at the bottom of the tank ever since I started using Prime. In fact - my smallest one looked like he was dying, and I absolutely freaked out!

I just did another 15g water change on this 90g tank that they are in (2nd one today, and 4th one since Friday - also did about a 60g water changes yesterday). The only reason I started using Prime was do to a test that showed they were Chlorine coming from my tap (which has a water purifier on it to take Chlorine and other garbage out). Not knowing if it was/is a false test - I bought some Prime, but as of this last water change - I have not put it back in.

All 4 Muskies as of an hour after this last water change look a bit better, but I am really pissed at myself (I have not wanted to use any chems at all since raising these guys, and now more than ever I am convinced that I have a false positive on this OTO test for Chlorine).

I will keep you guys updated as the week progresses, but needless to say - I will not be using water conditioners or chems any more (all you ever need is Salt, and I don't even need that at the moment).