Are Water Supplements Necessary?

So obviously a tap water conditioner is necessary. Right now I have Tetra AquaSafe Plus, however, once that runs out, I think I will be switching to prime. I also have API StressZyme and StressCoat. I know that the StressCoat is also a tap water conditioner, so it seems like a waste. I figured that out after I had already ordered it. So besides a water conditioner is there anything that you guys thing that my fish will benefit from?

 

Maybe some meds at some point. I just use my water conditioner, otherwise.

 

Not unless you're using rainwater or RO water in which case you would need to add minerals. If you're using tap water you don't normally need to add anything other than a conditioner to remove chlorine unless there's something unusual with your tap water, or if you're keeping sensitive fish with special requirements for very soft or very hard water.

 

Probably depends on the stocking.
I use tap water and add Prime. In the big community tank that is it.
The Betta gets some Tannins, I always have an IAL in his tank, others use alder cones or rooibos Tea. Fish are happy with just plain fresh water.

 

So once you guys have a completely cycled tank, all you add is prime? If the rest of that stuff is a waste, I just won't buy it again once I run out.

 

StressZyme is a product that helps consume sludge in your tank. StressCoat is good for bagging or netting fish because it have aloe vera in it to help a fish’s slime coat. I would just start using your stress coat when your tetra aquasafe runs out.

You normally don’t need to add anything else to your tank if you’re using tap water. It really depends on your parameters though. If you have a low GH for example, but you keep a lot of inverts it could be beneficial to add cuttlebone to your tank.

 

StressZyme is a product that helps consume sludge in your tank. StressCoat is good for bagging or netting fish because it have aloe vera in it to help a fish’s slime coat. I would just start using your stress coat when your tetra aquasafe runs out.

You normally don’t need to add anything else to your tank if you’re using tap water. It really depends on your parameters though. If you have a low GH for example, but you keep a lot of inverts it could be beneficial to add cuttlebone to your tank.

So after the aquasafe and stress coat runs out, would you only use prime then? I will probably just finish the stress zyme out as well, and if it isn't recommended/necessary, I won't buy another bottle.

 

any reason why nobody ever mentions API Quick Start? you can virtually add fish immediataly and your tanks basically cycled you just do your water changes. the only thing is it dont do anything for chlorine you have to buy a.99 cent dechlorinator.

 

any reason why nobody ever mentions API Quick Start? you can virtually add fish immediataly and your tanks basically cycled you just do your water changes. the only thing is it dont do anything for chlorine you have to buy a.99 cent dechlorinator.

Because that is NOT an instant cycle. Instant cycling is a marketing thing. Quick start and other bacteria products may help cycling faster, but not instant. Any product that claims this is designed to be used over a longer period of time, so you have to buy more. Adding some of it during cycling will also only safe you a week at best and make sure the right type of bacteria settles in your tank.

Stress Coat, according to the manufacturers fact sheet is probably cancerogenous, and Aloe is likely useless for Fish and Amphibians alike because of their skin structure.

If there's chlorines and/or chloramines in your tap, use a conditioner that includes a dechlodinator, that's all that's needed.

Everything else that might be added from a bottle is either only necessary in specific circumstances or not necessary at all.

 

Yeah only conditioner the things I have on hand are aquarium salt, Epsom salt, and some medications. Honestly most aquarium products are a waste of money haha

 

quick start has two ingredients both that your cycle will grow nitro bachter and nitro somas forgive spelling. but you are right it says add every water change.

 

quick start has two ingredients both that your cycle will grow nitro bachter and nitro somas forgive spelling. but you are right it says add every water change.

I bought one of the bottles of quick start, and I don't really think it did a single thing for mine. At this point, I have used so much of the bottle. I think I would of been better off saving the $20 I spent on it

 

Dechlorinator, ferts, and blackwater extract (absolutely no other reason for this one, other than I just like the look of blackwater tanks).

 

Dechlorinator, ferts, and blackwater extract (absolutely no other reason for this one, other than I just like the look of blackwater tanks).

Ferts? as in fertilizers?

 

Yep, all my tanks are planted.

 

I bought one of the bottles of quick start, and I don't really think it did a single thing for mine. At this point, I have used so much of the bottle. I think I would of been better off saving the $20 I spent on it

did you do 50% water changes then add enough for the whole aquarium at same time sorry it didnt work for you its done wonders for me i wait 4 hrs add fish and my numbers ar .0 and .0

 

did you do 50% water changes then add enough for the whole aquarium at same time sorry it didnt work for you its done wonders for me i wait 4 hrs add fish and my numbers ar .0 and .0

Yup. I've tried everything with the quick start. That's why I don't have much left. I added tetra safe start and I think that one is actually doing something.