Stress Coat vs. Straight Dechlorinator

[Fangirl]

I am looking for opinions on the use of "Stress Coat" vs. a straight "dechlorinator". The stress coat apparently dechlorinates but also adds in some aloe or other stuff for the fish. I have read differing opinions on the actual function or need for the extra aloe. I have been using the stress coat instead of the basic dechlorinator, as I was (probably irrationally) concerned that the decholorinator was too harsh. I did indeed get the dechlorinator the aquarium section of PetCo. Also, could the use of the stress coat be contributing to my minor algae infestation?

I do weekly water changes of about 60% with a gravel vac. I use the Lee waterchanger so the water goes directly from my faucet into my tank. I add the stress coat while the water is flowing into the tank.

Thanks for any advice. I am considering getting a 75 gallon tank soon, but I want to make sure that I really know what I am doing before I make that investment and take on that responsibility.

 

[DeputyChiefJR]

I just use prime

 

[RTR]

I use Prime as well. It is conebtrated and does the job I need to have done - that is it neutralizes chlorine or breaks the chloramine bond and neutralizes both the resulting chlorine and the freed ammonia. My fish do not need added s;ime coat or such, they produce all that they need on their own. To me, all the extras beyond the needed neutralizers are just pollution in my tanks - which I do not need.

 

[liv2padl]

The stress coat apparently dechlorinates but also adds in some aloe

nobody has ever shown that the addition of aloe benefits the fish in any way. the homeopathic 'evidence' is anecdotal for humans ... it 'may' work because it covers the 'wound' and is not washed away in water. it also 'may not' work. it's one of those ' touchy, feel good' products that believers treat themselves with.

squirting some in a fish tank on the other hand, dilutes whatever aloe is there to begin with, a thousand fold or more, and there is no evidence that the miniscule amount left after that dilution actually sticks to the fish and creates a 'slime coat'.

i wrote and e:mailed the manufacturer asking for their data and never did get a response. do you suppose that's because there is no data? crap like that is just a marketing gimick to take your money. there's no scientific evidence that it works at all and moreover, why do your fish need it. they've been producing their own slime coat since fish were created without mans' intervention.

 

[Star_Rider]

I don't see the added benefit out weighs the cost.
It has been mentioned how dilluted the aloe would be..and I tend to agree with this.

I use prime cause one cap does like 50 gallons... :idea:

with three tanks 20 , 55 and 75 plus quarantine tanks

I use a lot of dechlorinator each week.(the 75 gets and average of 80 gallons changed out each week with a high of 100.)

 

[Fangirl]

Thanks for all of the input. I shall be switching to Prime. I suspected that the aloe didn't really do much for the fish. On the human side though, it has really helped soothe my sunburn on numerous occasions.