What, If Any Api Tests Work With Seachem Prime?

[locust267]

I've heard they give false readings for nh3 and was wondering if any other tests like pH, GH, KH, Nitrite and Nitrate are effected?

Just switched to Prime thinking it'll be cheaper, not if I need to buy another test kit...

Cheers

Vicki

 

[Xraymark]

#8   OldMan47 Posted 07 October 2011 - 03:03 AM

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The issue with Prime, an any decent dechlorinator, is that it breaks the bond between chlorine and ammonia in chloramine giving a "false positive" reading. In reality, it better represents what the fish are being exposed to. You use the dechlorinator before adding water to the tank so the fish do see that ammonia. The other side of the coin is the affect it has on ammonia. It converts ammonia to the less toxic ammonium temporarily but the test still detects that as ammonia. The bacteria we are trying to grow also will use ammonium just as well as ammonia so it does not reduce the rate your filter is maturing and becoming cycled. The end result is as you would want. Ammonia toxicity is reduced, chloramine's contribution to total ammonia is properly represented in test results and the filter and fish see no ill effects from its use.

This is from a previous post titled "prime". Quote By oldMan47.

 

[locust267]

Thanks, I'm still not sure on what tests will work?

Ideally I need to test nitrate today as I done 80% w/c yesterday and no2 read over 40 (the big change before adding fish) so I done another 50% w/c and it still read over 20.

The fish were added yesterday so I want to make sure the tests are accurate.

 

[CezzaXV]

I think the point Xraymark was trying to make was that the ammonia test doesn't give false positives with Prime, it just measures ammonia AND ammonium, and ammonium will be present if there is chloramine in your tap water. It's not detecting things that aren't there.

All the other tests should be fine.

 

[eaglesaquarium]

Thanks, I'm still not sure on what tests will work?

Ideally I need to test nitrate today as I done 80% w/c yesterday and no2 read over 40 (the big change before adding fish) so I done another 50% w/c and it still read over 20.

The fish were added yesterday so I want to make sure the tests are accurate.

Cezza is exactly right.

Also, Nitrate is NO3, while nitrite is NO2. NO2 is extremely toxic to fish and you would need to do a water change to lower to zero! Nitrate (NO3) on the other hand is far less toxic and should be kept under 100ppm (lower is generally considered better) at all times.

 

[locust267]

Yep sorry meant no3 but typing on my phone and have fat fingers, lol.

Thanks, so all other tests should be fine that's great. I have no idea if chloramine in tap water, i've tried to view local reports but doesn't say much. Shall I dechlor some tap water and do a test on that so I can compare?

 

[eaglesaquarium]

It's always a good idea to know exactly what you are dealing with in regards to your tap water.