Does Prime Have A Negative Effect On Bacteria

[CluelessAboutFish]

I read on Marineland's Bio-Spira site that although they recommend using their Bio-Safe product for a new aquarium, but they do not recommend using it continously with water changes because it could interfere with the beneficial bacteria of the biological filtration. Since Bio-Safe and Prime both detoxify ammonia, I am assuming that they would say the same of Prime. When I do a water change, I planned to add Prime directly to the tank with a dosage for the entire tank (30 gallons). This is as prescribed by Prime. I use Prime because my tap water has trace ammounts of ammonia (.5 ppm).

Does the ammount of ammonia in my tap water merit a water conditioner that detoxifies ammonia? Will using Prime really harm my biological filtration? I don't want to premix water in a bucket. I want to be able to use a Python.

 

[Tolak]

I've been using Prime for years, it doesn't harm your bio filtration. You should be fine using your python, I use a garden hose. You not only have to worry about the ammonia in your tap water, you also have the ammonia created when chloramine is split into its components, chlorine & ammonia.

 

[jollysue]

I have used Prime with no noticable ill effects. It is cheap. On the other hand the bacteria do live on ammonia. The bacteria load is greatly dependent on the ammonia available. I have had well experienced aquariasts tell me that they do not use ammonia removing conditioners regularly as the bacteria need a constant supply of it. I myself can not answer with wisdom and fact. But I do keep it in mind, when using an additive and just try to use my best judgement of the situation, If your tank is not testing for ammonia, then I can see no reason to try to remove it.

I think heavily stocked tanks (such as Malawi Cichlid Reef tanks), may need more help. A lightly stocked tank (a Betta in a planted 10 usg) would not need it. Just some reasoned considerations.