How Much Can I Trust Prime?

I’m honestly not really sure where my cycle is at right now. Right before I added 3 guppies, my ammonia was very low, I had the first trace of nitrites, and high nitrates. I changed 70% of the water so ammonia and nitrites were both zero and the nitrates were like 10 ppm added the fish. This was two days ago. Today the ammonia is going up (.25 ppm yesterday, .5ppm today) but no nitrites. Nitrates are also going up. Not sure why both ammonia and nitrates are going up? I added 1mL prime today (10 gallon). Should I do a water change, or can I trust the prime to really protect the fish from the ammonia? Will the API test kit still read as actual levels, but they’re just converted to “safer” form? Or is it a gimmick? My priority is keeping the fish healthy, of course (I should have continued trying for the fishless cycle I was going for, but the fish were for my daughter’s birthday and it still hadn’t cycled when it arrived...bad I know).

 

I trust prime... for the most part.
I’ve never actually had any problem with it and have used it for 4 cyclings both Freshwater and SW. However, it detoxifies up to 1 ppm. So, test levels and do WAter changes as needed to keep levels below that mark. Make sure to add prime to the new water. The API test kit will still read ammonia but it’s safer for the fish.
(I get the fish in cycle. As long as you test daily, you’ll be perfect.)

 

Yes, I believe the API kit will still read ammonia as Prime doesn’t actualy remove it. I think you’re fine. You’re cycled; the bacteria just needs to catch up and mature with the new addition of fish.

 

Ok, so do I not change water unless/until it reaches 1ppm? Or should I still do a change every week or so regardless? Should I vacuum the gravel? I know I can google all this but I read so much contradictory info I prefer just asking real people! I know I need to be careful since the tank is so small.

 

Prime is one if the best if not the best water conditioner there is because of its extra abilities and strength. All you have to worry about is overdosing because its very easy to with its strength. You should be more than fine. Switch!

 

Ok, so do I not change water unless/until it reaches 1ppm? Or should I still do a change every week or so regardless? Should I vacuum the gravel? I know I can google all this but I read so much contradictory info I prefer just asking real people! I know I need to be careful since the tank is so small.

I'd change the water regardless because your nitrates will will probably rise.....and I usually vacuum every other water change

 

I believe 1ml prime is dosage for 10 gallons during a normal water change. For emergency treatment of ammonia or nitrites up to 1ppm,you may dose prime up to 5x normal evwry 24-48 hours. Check the label, says it on there.