Need help with Prime

So I had to move some fish over to a new tank unexpectedly. Long story I’m not getting into. So my tank is cycling with fish. I did move over some decor from the original well established tank, but that’s it. I couldn’t move over filter media (again, long story). I would never of done things this way if I had another choice.

Anyway, it’s been so long since I’ve had to test my water because my tanks have been established for years. And I’ve never done a fish-in cycle. The only thing I have in my API liquid test kit is ammonia. Everything else is out.

With the corona virus I wasn’t able to go to the store and get it. I did order online but it’s not expected until next week.

For now, I have no ammonia and I’m doing water changes daily (since I don’t know if I have nitrite or not). It’s possible the decor was enough for a cycle but I doubt it.

The fish I have in the new tank are bumblebee catfish. So I’m worried about dosing too much prime. Especially scaleless fish. Should I add for the amount of water I replace or for the full volume like I normally do?

Since I’m doing a water change every day as a precaution until I get the test kit, I don’t know if there’s anything that needs to be detoxified. What do you suggest?

I always dose the water for the full tank volume before adding water. But doing this daily, I’m worried about prime building up in the tank. Especially since I’m only removing 1/3 of the water each day and I’m getting a 0 ammonia reading. I only feed once a day and gravel vac with each water change. So I wouldn’t expect it. But I don’t know what the nitrite is. If anything.

I would really appreciate any advice. I don’t want to hurt the fish by not adding the full tank volume before replacing water. But I also don’t want to overdose them on prime. I can’t decide what to do. Can you help? Thank you

 

Prime doesn't really build up or become toxic as far as I know. If it did, we would be hearing a lot more about deaths from it. I almost always dose more than needed when I do water changes, because my water has a lot of chlorine. Been doing this for many months, never had any issues.

 

I don't think prime builds up in the tank, but it can give false ammonia readings if you dose large amounts. I've heard people talk about doubling the dose every water change with no problems. Personally I don't think you'd need to use extra prime unless like Deku's water it is highly chlorinated water. Just doing the water changes every day regularly would be enough to keep the ammonia down in my opinion.

 

Prime doesn't really build up or become toxic as far as I know. If it did, we would be hearing a lot more about deaths from it. I almost always dose more than needed when I do water changes, because my water has a lot of chlorine. Been doing this for many months, never had any issues.

I don't think prime builds up in the tank, but it can give false ammonia readings if you dose large amounts. I've heard people talk about doubling the dose every water change with no problems. Personally I don't think you'd need to use extra prime unless like Deku's water it is highly chlorinated water. Just doing the water changes every day regularly would be enough to keep the ammonia down in my opinion.

My concern is just because it lasts for 24-48 hours and with daily water changes, it seems like too much prime. But if you think it’s ok, I will trust your experience. So in your opinions, I should dose the full tank volume everyday? Even though I’m only taking out 1/3 of the water and the prime is likely still active from the day before? Just want to make sure that’s what you are both saying. Thanks for your help!

 

If you're using buckets for the replacement water I believe you could dose each bucket the proper amount for that bucket volume, let it sit for a few minutes, and then add it to the tank. Repeat for however many buckets you need.

 

If you're using buckets for the replacement water I believe you could dose each bucket the proper amount for that bucket volume, let it sit for a few minutes, and then add it to the tank. Repeat for however many buckets you need.

I don’t have buckets. I am adding water directly from the sink to the tank with a python hose.

 

When I had ich I did 10-12 waterchanges every 24H and dosed for the full tank volume every-time. Didn't lose any fish, which was about 60 at that time many of which where scaleless loaches.

I was worried about it building up as well and started a thread but never really got any answers. Seachem just states that its safe up to 5x the recommended dosing.

Not sure how true it is but I've read that the fish will die from oxygen deprivation before you get to a toxic level of prime.

There is no need to worry about your catfish (or other scaleless fish or inverts) That advice is meant for medications which prime is not.

 

When I had ich I did 10-12 waterchanges every 24H and dosed for the full tank volume every-time. Didn't lose any fish, which was about 60 at that time many of which where scaleless loaches.

I was worried about it building up as well and started a thread but never really got any answers. Seachem just states that its safe up to 5x the recommended dosing.

Not sure how true it is but I've read that the fish will die from oxygen deprivation before you get to a toxic level of prime.

There is no need to worry about your catfish (or other scaleless fish or inverts) That advice is meant for medications which prime is not.

That was helpful. Thank you!