Prime

[maisy12345]

Hi,have just read on a thread about Prime dechlorinator being good for using during a fish in cycle ,especially since my tap water reads at 0.25 for ammonia and although i`m doing daily 60 percent water changes with Tetra and API declorinator,not at same time, my ammonia readings are sticking at 0.25-0.50 ,but mostly 0.25,what does everone else think ,and where`s the cheapest place to buy it from?
Thanks in advance.

 

[StandbySetting]

API Stress Coat shifts the ammonium - ammonia equilibrium towards the ammonium side, in the same way that Prime does, it doesn't remove ammonia, it just makes it less toxic

 

[OldMan47]

As SS said, Prime and several other dechlorinators, does not remove the ammonia, it just makes it less toxic for a short time. A couple of days after using Prime to make your water safer, any remaining ammonia will have reverted to the more toxic form anyway. In my own case, I have tap water that gives me a reading of about 1 ppm of ammonia. Since my filter is mature, it quickly drops to zero. The Prime that I use keeps the ammonia from my tap water from being in the toxic form while that process takes place.
There is no such thing as non-toxic ammonia but the bad concentration of ammonia varies from 0.25 ppm in a high pH regime to several ppm in a low pH regime. The Prime or other treatment is making the ammonia take the form that it would in water with a low pH.
I buy my own Prime on line at various locations. While it would cost me over $10 to buy 3 or 4 ounces locally, I bought a half litre delivered to my door for about $15 a couple of years ago. That half litre is still in use and not even nearing an empty container even though I do water changes on 26 tanks regularly.

 

[maisy12345]

Thanks for that Standby setting and Oldman47,much appreciated.

 

[waterdrop]

Totally agree with OM47's post. I use Prime also. Very good value bacause of how concentrated it is.

WD

 

[drobbyb]

Agree. I use Prime as well.

 

[Caprichoso]

Prime is great! But it was hard to get used to the fact that you hardly need any! I kept wanting to pour more in and had to stop myself, lol.

 

[OldMan47]

I use 1 to 2 drops per gallon when I am using a bucket for water changes. Actually I use a bucket that holds about 4 1/2 gallons and use 6 drops to treat it. The product is indeed quite concentrated. I add mine shortly after I start filling a bucket and let it mix as the bucket fills with water.

 

[hillmar77]

A new product from seachem is out that is even more concentrated then Prime but in powder form.... It's called seachem SAFE and for example 1/8 tsp treats 25 gallons of water. I'm currently using it and Its saving me some good money compared to prime!

 

[OldMan47]

Thanks for that information Hillmar. I may look into that if I ever run out of Prime. My tiny half litre bottle has a few good years left on it though.

 

[hillmar77]

Thanks for that information Hillmar. I may look into that if I ever run out of Prime. My tiny half litre bottle has a few good years left on it though.

No problem.... I go through about 120 gallons of water a week in water changes for my discus tank ( I blame it on the home made beef heart mix that messes up the water) but thanks to your advice you gave me last year I have the confidence to do massive water changes without worry!