Question on Seachem Prime

[tankenvy]

I've read a lot of the threads on Prime vs. other water conditioners (StressCoat, etc.) and decided to use Prime while cycling my new 38 g tank, based on lots of positive comments. But I have a question: When cycling a new tank, you need at least a small ammonia spike to get the biological filter started, correct? That way, the nitrogen cycle can convert the ammonia to nitrites, nitrates, etc. until equilibrium is reached.

But the Prime I have says that it neutralizes ammonia. Doesn't that short-circuit the nitrogen cycle? If so, should I be using a water conditioner that only neutralize chlorine and chloramine while I'm still cycling the new tank?

How about when the tank matures—still stay away from ammonia-locking products unless my tests say I have an ammonia spike?

By the way, I have been using Stress Coat as a water conditioner for years in a 20-g tank and never had any problems. Also lot easier to dose, since it's not as concentrated as Prime. In fact, I'm now using both.

As for the debate over whether the aloe in Stress Coat is harmful/adds to the organic burden of the tank, etc., from what I can see, views I've read—both pro and con—all seem to be based on subjective opinion, rather than scientific studies.

Sorry for the long post. Thanks!

 

[leeser28]

I've read a lot of the threads on Prime vs. other water conditioners (StressCoat, etc.) and decided to use Prime while cycling my new 38 g tank, based on lots of positive comments. But I have a question: When cycling a new tank, you need at least a small ammonia spike to get the biological filter started, correct? That way, the nitrogen cycle can convert the ammonia to nitrites, nitrates, etc. until equilibrium is reached.
Are you doing a fishy or fishless -- if it's fishless you don't need Prime.

But the Prime I have says that it neutralizes ammonia. Doesn't that short-circuit the nitrogen cycle? If so, should I be using a water conditioner that only neutralize chlorine and chloramine while I'm still cycling the new tank?

The Prime makes the ammonia safe for fish, but the bacteria can still utilize it, so it's fine.

How about when the tank matures—still stay away from ammonia-locking products unless my tests say I have an ammonia spike?
I use Prime with EVERY water change.

By the way, I have been using Stress Coat as a water conditioner for years in a 20-g tank and never had any problems. Also lot easier to dose, since it's not as concentrated as Prime. In fact, I'm now using both.

As for the debate over whether the aloe in Stress Coat is harmful/adds to the organic burden of the tank, etc., from what I can see, views I've read—both pro and con—all seem to be based on subjective opinion, rather than scientific studies.

Sorry for the long post. Thanks!

I was using a different Seachem product until I joined thie site, now I only use prime and have been very happy.

 

[tankenvy]

The Prime makes the ammonia safe for fish, but the bacteria can still utilize it, so it's fine.

Perfect! I am indeed cycling with critters, so all the more reason to lock up ammonia with Prime but still have it available in a form that can be used by the bacteriologic filter.

Thanks for the reply!

 

[leeser28]

Perfect! I am indeed cycling with critters, so all the more reason to lock up ammonia with Prime but still have it available in a form that can be used by the bacteriologic filter.

Thanks for the reply!

You're very welcome! Glad I could help Good luck with your cycle, show some pictures when your tanks done.

 

[Star_Rider]

FYI, NH3(ammonia) is converted to NH4(ammonium) a less toxic form of ammonia.

 

[jpappy789]

The high concentration of Prime will save you money. Don't worry about ODing though, I think you can safely add 3, maybe 5 times the recommended dose without harming your fish or bio filter.