Fusion Fish

I started my tank on 4/21/09 and put fish in right away LFS told me I could as long as I used Neutral Regulator. Today I did my first 50% water change and put more Neutral Regulator in the tank. I did not realize that I need to be doing daily changes. And how long do i have to do daily changes?

- Do I also need to be using stress coat?
- Is Prime the same thing as Neutral Regulator?

The NR says it adjusts high or low pH to 7.0
Removes chlorine, chloramine and ammonia. And soften and conditions.

Right now I only have the test stripes 5-n-1 from Wally World. My hubby is picking up the API master test kit for me today after work.

My water was cloudy white before the change, but, it's looking better now.

Like lots have said...I've been reading so much info that my head is swirling...but, I hope to get it figured out soon.

aquarist48

Hello and welcome to Fish Lore. Sadly it seems you've been given really bad information from your local fish store (LFS). Check out this link and learn about the nitrogen cycle.
http://www.fishlore.com/NitrogenCycle.htm Since you have fish in the tank....I suggest you do daily 50% water changes until you have water chemistry that reads
Ammonia 0
Nitrites 0
Nitrates 5-10...Use Prime with every water change (or Nova Aqua).
The API test kit is exactly what you need Test strips are not reliable.

Please don't use th NR to adjust your pH levels. It will cause more harm than good. Hang in there and have patience. It will get better

Fusion Fish

Okay after reading more info...

Do Neutral Regulator, Stress Coat and Prime all do the same thing? Just different brands?!?

aquarist48

No...Neutral Regulator adjusts pH levels and I suggest you never use it.
Stress Coat and Prime, Nova Aqua all pretty much do the same. (I'd have to read the bottle to be certain) But I've seen many posts with all 3 of these used by different people. (Nova Aqua is my choice) Prime is used by many and so is stress coat.

Fusion Fish

Thank you!

So, I should get the Prime and put it in right away? Or wait until the next water change tomorrow?

aquarist48

If at all possible that you can get it today...I would.

aquarist48

Too, the reason I say don't use the neutral regulator...It will only bring your pH levels to 7.0 or neutral for a short period of time. Then it can cause your pH to bounce around...be harmful and stressful for your fish, and can even cause your pH to crash and then you'd lose all of your fish. It is best that your fish adapt to the pH you have.

Fusion Fish

Okay, thank you. I know my LFS has Prime. I'll go get some....I want happy fish

aquarist48

Let us know if we can help you more. Good luck!

Fusion Fish

Well, my LFS didn't have Prime, but, they had Stress Coat+.

So, I bought that and added to the tank.

Got a notepad to record my levels, wrote everything down. Now just waiting on dh to get home with the new test kit

Thanks for all the help!

aquarist48

Keep us posted. You have very nice tanks! Stress Coat should be fine