Wanting To Switch To Prime But Have Questions

So I have been using tetra aquasafe for as long as I have been in the hobby for 4 years but only really into it about 7 months or more and I am wanting to switch to prime because I hear it's good. It's probably better than tetra aquasafe. Anyways do I just treat it has a normal water conditioner and just use it when I do my water changes? Will it have a negative affect on my tank because it's something new? Do I use it with something else when doing water changes, or just use it alone like I have been with tetra aquasafe?

 

If it ain't broke don't fix it. That's how I see it. I've been using API Stress Coat since I started.

 

I use prime as my normal water conditioner, which is probably a waste. It does work as a water conditioner, but the way it detoxifies ammonia and nitrite is the reason people use it. If your tank isn't still cycling, there shouldn't be much reason to detoxify ammonia and nitrite, except for the occasion when something happens (like an ammonia spike). Or if your tap has ammonia in it.

 

If it ain't broke don't fix it. That's how I see it. I've been using API Stress Coat since I started.

Yeah I understand what you mean but I just want to switch.

I use prime as my normal water conditioner, which is probably a waste. It does work as a water conditioner, but the way it detoxifies ammonia and nitrite is the reason people use it. If your tank isn't still cycling, there shouldn't be much reason to detoxify ammonia and nitrite, except for the occasion when something happens (like an ammonia spike). Or if your tap has ammonia in it.

So use it as a water conditioner???

 

You *can* use it as a water conditioner. I'm just saying it's probably overkill for your regular water conditioner, even though that's exactly what I do.

 

Why would it be overkill? You need a water conditioner if the tap water has chlorine, so why not get a conditioner that has added benefits? I don't really understand that thought process at all.....

 

Water conditioner in the sense of removing chlorine and chloramine.
How else (what other functions) do you want it to condition the water?

 

I thought it was used for something else. So use it as a water conditioner. Got it. Unless I am wrong... What do you guys use?

 

I use prime for my water changes. It just feels safer to me, because of the detoxifying the ammonia and stuff.

 

Prime works great for water conditioner. Simply follow the instructions on the bottle. You really only need a couple drops per gallon, so if you use it correctly, you won't need as much conditioner in the long run. You can simply start using Prime instead of Tetra Aquasafe with your next water change.

It also works well if you're having an ammonia spike because it detoxifies ammonia and nitrites.

 

I thought it was used for something else. So use it as a water conditioner. Got it. Unless I am wrong... What do you guys use?

No you are not wrong. Prime is a water conditioner. But it is a water conditioner that has added benefits. And those Benefits aren't a waste at all IMO. So I don't see any reason for people to be against it....

Have you ever tested your tap water for ammonia? A lot of people have low levels of ammonia in their tap water. Myself included. So I like knowing that while my beneficial bacteria is eating up the added ammonia (which is does in less than 24 hours) that the prime is detoxifying that low level of ammonia so the fish don't even notice.

Unless prime is much more expensive, I don't see any reason to NOT use it. Just for that extra level of security.

 

No you are not wrong. Prime is a water conditioner. But it is a water conditioner that has added benefits. And those Benefits aren't a waste at all IMO. So I don't see any reason for people to be against it....

Have you ever tested your tap water for ammonia? A lot of people have low levels of ammonia in their tap water. Myself included. So I like knowing that while my beneficial bacteria is eating up the added ammonia (which is does in less than 24 hours) that the prime is detoxifying that low level of ammonia so the fish don't even notice.

Unless prime is much more expensive, I don't see any reason to NOT use it. Just for that extra level of security.

That's what I needed to hear! Thanks.

 

I use Prime for the most part but if you're adding bacteria to speed up a cycle or minI cycle then using prime will kill it. I'd use the AquaSafe if that's the case. Also, If you're adding liquid plant fertilizer then wait at least 24 hours after using Prime.

 

I use Prime for the most part but if you're adding bacteria to speed up a cycle or minI cycle then using prime will kill it. I'd use the AquaSafe if that's the case. Also, If you're adding liquid plant fertilizer then wait at least 24 hours after using Prime.

I thought prime binds it and doesn't kill it.

 

I thought prime binds it and doesn't kill it.

This is correct. Prime does not kill ammonia or nitrite, it only binds them. And it certainly doesn't kill bacteria.

 

Seachem Prime binds ammonia, nitrite, and some nitrate for a period of roughly 24 hours, and then the chemicals will be released into the water column if the bacteria hasn't absorbed it.
Prime will not kill your cycled media, it just aids in ammonia binding while the cycle catches up.
Normally, if your cycle is established and strong, you shouldn't be having residual ammonia after 24 hours. That's how it is for my tank, ammonia doesn't stay in the water long.

 

Has anyone done a cost per gallon estimate on various conditioners and dechlors?
At 2 drops per gallon, or 1mL per 10gal, I would imagine that Prime is one of the cheaper and more cost effective conditioners, because it's so concentrated. That alone would convince most. It's like getting the bentley at the budget price!
But I haven't done the comparison. Anyone?

 

Also, If you're adding liquid plant then wait at least 24 hours after using Prime.

I've heard this also. Never seen anything from Seachem on the subject though.

 

I've heard this also. Never seen anything from Seachem on the subject though.

Seachem has a weekly fert dosing chart that shows to do a water change on day 7 using prime and no ferts, days 1 trough 6 you dose with ferts. It's at least implied with that

 

While doing my fishless cycle I used API StressCoat to detoxify chlorine and chloramine without binding the ammonia or nitrite, to allow my bacteria colonies to get started.

I use Prime as my regular water conditioner now that my tank is established. I got it mainly because it is very inexpensive comparatively, I use 2 drops per gallon (from a syringe). The bottle I got is going to last me for years~!!

 

While doing my fishless cycle I used API StressCoat to detoxify chlorine and chloramine without binding the ammonia or nitrite, to allow my bacteria colonies to get started.

I use Prime as my regular water conditioner now that my tank is established. I got it mainly because it is very inexpensive comparatively, I use 2 drops per gallon (from a syringe). The bottle I got is going to last me for years~!!

From what I understand, Prime does NOT prevent the cycling of a tank, it makes ammonia and nitrites non-toxic to fish. I cycled my tank using Prime and Stability. Followed their directions and cycling was a breeze.