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[Clairel]

My stats

PH 7
Ammonia 0
NitrAte 0
Nitrite 0

I have been asked by some people where is my NitrAte going?

I have been putting some Prime(red) in which my LFS sold me, heres what it says on the bottle :~

The Prime(red) that i have been putting in says this :~

Removes chorine, chloramine, and ammonia into a safe non toxic form that is readily removed by the tanks biofilter, it may be used during tank cycling to allviate ammonia/nitrite toxicity, it detoxifies nitrite and nitrate allowing the biofilter to more efficiently remove them, it also promotes the production and regeneration of the natural slime coat, is non acidic and will NOT impact PH, use at start up, and whenever adding or replacing water.

Does this answer where the Nitrate is going? Hope so.. As im not sure

Claire x

 

[Clairel]

Ive just tested my stats for today and they are as follows..

NitrAte 0
Nitrite 0
PH 6.8
Ammonia 0

I am going to my LFS today with a water sample, as some of you have been asking the question, "where are your nitrAtes going"? As i dont know the answer to this, maybe the Prime i have been putting in has neutralised it all...

I will keep you posted

Claire x

 

[Tokis-Phoenix]

You need to read up on the basic bacterial cycle in the pinned articles in the beginners section that takes place in your tank filter, you will then find out that by removing the ammonia and nitrites from the tank you prevent your beneficial tank bacteria from developing and nitrates are one of the end products of a healthy bacterial cycle. Doing things like washing you filter sponge in tap water or using nitrite/ammonia removal products will destroy your bacteria, this usually leads to ammonia spikes in your tank or causes it to cycle completely and is not good for your fish at all im afraid.

 

[dwarfgourami]

Tokis, this tank is in a bit of an emergency state (usual story, uncycled, overstocked, unsuitable fish, ammonia hitting the ceiling), so I suspect the Prime was a counsel of desperation. Other posters have already explained (in other threads) why this was a bad idea, but have been puzzling about why the nitrates should disappear. Personally, I think there must be something in that stuff that gives faulty readings; I don't see how it could take the nitrates away- do you?

Claire, you need to keep going with regular water changes, leave the Prime and wait for the tank to cycle.

You need to read up on the basic bacterial cycle in the pinned articles in the beginners section that takes place in your tank filter, you will then find out that by removing the ammonia and nitrites from the tank you prevent your beneficial tank bacteria from developing and nitrates are one of the end products of a healthy bacterial cycle. Doing things like washing you filter sponge in tap water or using nitrite/ammonia removal products will destroy your bacteria, this usually leads to ammonia spikes in your tank or causes it to cycle completely and is not good for your fish at all im afraid.

[snapback]901321[/snapback]​

 

[Clairel]

Thanx alot...

I have stopped the Prime now, ive just got back from the LFS, he says, to do a partial water change, hes checked my stats, and all appear fine !!!

Claire xx

 

[annka5]

Am totally unfamilliar with Prime, but it is possible to introduce chems which react with nitrate to give nitrogen gas instead. Dunno if Prime does this, but it could explain the lack of nitrates.
I'd keep an eye on your stats as you've now stopped removing ammonia/nitrite chemically.

 

[Tokis-Phoenix]

I'd also keep an eye on your stats too as there's still a good chance the tank is going to start showing nitrites, just keep doing those water changes in any event as its the best way to lower harmful stats and prevent them from rising too much in the first place .