29 Gallon Tank Seachem Pristine & API Prevent Algae

[justinleeldn]

Around a week ago I added Seachem Pristine to my freshwater tank. From what i understand it should eat away at fish detritus pretty well, but I am yet to see the results I was expecting. On the other hand, I've used Aquavitro Remediation (basically the same thing as Seachem Pristine) in my saltwater tank and saw results pretty quickly.

Today I had a thought! I've also been using API Prevent Algae, which claims to lower Phosphate in the tank, thus reducing algae growth, and it''s been working pretty well.

Could there be a conflict between the two products? I.e. Could API Prevent Algae be stopping Seachem Pristine from doing its job?

Interested to hear people's thoughts on this.

 

[JustAFishServant]

Sure, there's always a chance of interference in chemicals. But to be honest, I don't think you need Pristine. The best way to get rid of detritus is by doing water changes. In my opinion, and I'm sure I'm not the only one to share this thought, the less additives, the better.

 

[justinleeldn]

Sure, there's always a chance of interference in chemicals. But to be honest, I don't think you need Pristine. The best way to get rid of detritus is by doing water changes. In my opinion, and I'm sure I'm not the only one to share this thought, the less additives, the better.

This is true and I do water changes weekly. The reason I started using Pristine is because there is an area of my tank which gets a build up of fish poop, and I just find it a little annoying to look at. If Pristine can get rid of this, or even help lower the amount then it will be worth its money.

 

[86 ssinit]

Maybe use a turkey baster to pull the waste out of there. Last thing I’d do is add chemicals.

 

[justinleeldn]

For anyone who is interested here is the response I received from API...

Thank you for contacting API Technical Services.

It is an adsorption process. The Prevent Algae molecules circulate and when they hit a phosphate molecule, the two stick together. This bigger molecule generally then falls out of suspension in the fuild – so if you have a lot of phosphate you will notice some cloudiness occurring after use of the product. This is generally collected by the filter, but you can assure this by using a flocculent such as the API Accu-Clear product. Rinsing your filter after use and potentially some light gravel vaccuuming will both assure that the phosphate is removed completely from the system.


Algea needs phosphate and nitrate to thrive – when phoshate is removed, growth is hampered. Keeping up with regular water exchanges (and/or use of API Aqua Essential) would remove nitrate as well and is additionally helpful.


The Prevent Algae does not kill bacteria, in fact bacteria are still able to utilize adsorbed phosphate if the particulate is not removed to & from the filter – so another good reason to keep up on the gravel vaccuuming. Your aquarium cycle will not be impacted from use of this product.

Hopefully this will be useful information for someone else.

 

[86 ssinit]

Lol and OMG! They added 2 more of their products to use!! Only thing they forgot was the API net to scoop out all th3 dead fish .