Seachem Prime During Fishless Cycle

[JDs4me]

Like an idiot used seachem prime to dechlorinate; then realised that it neutralises the ammonia. So how long is the seachem prime active before I can add ammonia without it being neutralised? Or do I have to water change and restart (no big deal really as only started yesterday but it would be nice not to have to do it) and use a non-ammonia neutralising dechlorinator like I should have done this time!!!

 

[N0body Of The Goat]

Prime does not breakdown ammonia, it simply binds to it in a form that prevents it being toxic to fish/critters for upto 24 hours, this way you can have ammonia "food" for the bacteria while protecting your fishes' short and long term health.

You were right to add Prime to the fresh water, because it dechlorinates the water, chlorine is toxic to the vital bacterial colonies we need in our tanks/filters.

 

[Mauigirl]

^^ as stated here. Prime It isn't gone just no longer as toxic.
Still totally available for cycleling and or feeding hungry bacteria .
Great stuff, my only choice!

 

[JDs4me]

Thanks people...brain has since engaged and now firing on all cylinders! I even went down to the LFS, stamped my feet and insisted on them giving me dechlorinator that doesn't neutralise ammonia....and then suddenly the penny dropped

 

[FRAP38]

My understanding is prime takes NH3 and converts it to NH4+. A less toxic form. My question is does the BB convert NH4 at all? And if so at equal rate?

 

[the_lock_man]

Yes, the A-bacs will eat the NH4+, and as far as I'm aware, the colonies grow at an equal rate. I've not read any substantiated reports that Prime has negative affects in that way.