Yes! That’s fine.The Prime has already been used unfortunately. It's okay to just wait 24 hours before adding bacteria right?
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Yes! That’s fine.The Prime has already been used unfortunately. It's okay to just wait 24 hours before adding bacteria right?
@Byron,
Absolutely, especially floating plants (as you mentioned), which are no less than "nutrient sponges" in my experience.
Anyhow, I did cover the topic because there was demand from my reader base on this particular product comparison.
Thank you for the discussion. I'm glad that we got to clarify these things.
@Quin
Prime remains a fantastic dechlorinator nonetheless. Your only concerns with it would be during tank cycling.
The actual culprit here is not the dechlorinator but rather Chloramine.
I think, that the more appropriate angle of looking at this is what type of water you use for water changes.
You could, as I mentioned, set a bucket of water aside and dechlorinate it. After 24 hours you can add a little TSS+ to it and let the bacteria handle the residual ammonia in the bucket. This will act as your emergency supply of water for water changes during cycling.
Nevertheless floating aquarium plants are still an option if you like that approach. It's up to you, really.
Anyway, to your other question - it's ok to add TSS+ to tank 24 hours after dechlorination and proceed with the execution of the other steps. That's what I did. Since it's just the beginning of the cycle the fish you add after the bottled bacteria won't generate a whole lot of bioload to cause a spike. Do make sure you use small fish.
Anyway, in a fully cycled aquarium, the ammonia released from breaking down chloramine would be negligible for the already-established bacterial colony. Prime was my dechlorinator of choice when I used tap water for my tanks, if that matters.
Hope this helps!
Regars,
Momchil
What type is the water softener? The kind that use salt should not be used for fish tanks because they replace the hardness minerals with sodium and this is not good for fish.My current water supply is tap water from a well with a water softener
We do have a bypass tap outside! I haven't used that to fill up his tank, but I'm sure I could use a hose to maneuver it into a bucket!What type is the water softener? The kind that use salt should not be used for fish tanks because they replace the hardness minerals with sodium and this is not good for fish.
Do you have a bypass tap? That is the water which should be used for both drinking and fish tanks.
I will say this again, I don’t suggest getting test strips. They are highly inaccurate.Do you have any recommendations or warnings for brands of ammonia test strips and Tetra SafeStart online shipping wise?
I will say this again, I don’t suggest getting test strips. They are highly inaccurate.
I suggest you get this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000255NCI/?tag=ff0d01-20
The API master freshwater test kit. It has over 809 individual tests, which is great for you. It tests for ph, high ph, ammonia, nitrate, and nitrite. It is only $23, with prime. How much is in your budget? If your mom is willing to buy it for you, or help you buy it, this is great.
I know what you’re thinking, “Ugh, $23? I could spend it on so much more than jusa silly little test kit!”
And it is very common for people to think this. But, a test kit like this will last you a long time and help you our tremendously.
As for the tetra safe start, here is some in Amazon.com for a reasonable price:
Tetra Safe Start:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00N26P856/?tag=ff0d01-20
Tetra Safe Start Plus:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002DZNP3E/?tag=ff0d01-20
I was reading through the test kit and noticed that one of their pictures showed the 5 in 1 test strips. These are the ones that I purchased that don't include ammonia reading. Are they still reliable? Picture included.