General Care Discussion :: Is Prime safe ?

[joeybsmooth]

I am having an issue with Ammonia and I am thinking about using some prime. I have heard it was safe and it was bad . I am asking all around for different views.

Also I have been doing water changes, and the levels are still high. I was thinking about trying to take out all the sand and put new sand in . I was also thinking about adding a new filter . just to help.

[steve]

In general, I do not recommend water conditioners. However it should help with the ammonia, and Seachem Prime is one of the better ones out there.

What filters are you running and what media is in there?

[joeybsmooth]

I am running a cascade Filter rated for 200 Gals. My tank is 150 gal.

I have: Fluval External Power Filter Media ( the rings)
Petco Preferred Ammonia Remover Infused Filter Media Cubes
API Ammo-Carb Activated Filter Carbon & Ammonia Remover
Floss
And coarse pad

[steve]

A more powerful filter would be good (maybe one rated for 400-500 gallons) but the media setup sounds good. Floss can probably be skipped. What turtles are in the tank? And what kind of problems are you noticing with the ammonia? Are you doing any tests?

[joeybsmooth]

I have a Map turtle and a RES about 7 and 12 inches. I keep Fish with them. One my fish just died and another keeps coming up for air. So that is how I was keyed into something being wrong. I am doing test, I put some Prime in and got back down to safe. Like you stated I don't like putting crap in my tank. But it was really high before like 6. So I took the turtles out and let the Prime set for like a hour and half and dropped them back in . Edit to add ..

I can not afford a bigger filter would a smaller one working with that one do. I know it is goes in side but I love the Nat Geo Filters . I have on my Fish tank .

[steve]

Is there enough aeration for your tank? I'm not familiar with the Nat Geo filters, though their pet foods don't have a good reputation. Their canisters are pretty nice looking but you could probably find a better deal on other brands.

[Kansasslider]

My ammonia levels are high also. I do large water changes every week. I really don't worry about it at this point because everything in my tank is still alive! I don't think heigh levels are anything to freak out about! I think it might effect some sensitive fish but I don't have any. Guess goldfish are fine with high levels.

[joeybsmooth]

I did just put a bubbler in, and I hated to use it but I also put some prime in. So the tank is back to normal. I am going to work on cleaning up my sand to make sure I get all the trash out.

Also Goldfish do , do better with higher levels then most other fish if I remember correctly. This is one reason why they can not go with thing else.

[Jeremiah]

My ammonia levels are high also. I do large water changes every week. I really don't worry about it at this point because everything in my tank is still alive! I don't think heigh levels are anything to freak out about! I think it might effect some sensitive fish but I don't have any. Guess goldfish are fine with high levels.

Have you tried smaller PWCs?

[Kansasslider]

PWC? Sorry, its morning

[Jeremiah]

No problem! PWC means Partial Water Change.

[Kansasslider]

Got ya. No I haven't.

[Jeremiah]

In my experience, smaller ones weekly help keep the water chemistry more stable. Nitrogen-fixing bacteria have 2 big threats: Chlorine and starvation. New, clean water poses both threats--even if it's good for the turtles. Chlorine can be avoided by a carbon filter or dechlorinator if necessary, and in long-established tanks, the bacteria actually develop a film that keeps them pretty safe from chlorine's effects. However, what we can't avoid is depriving the bacteria of their food source as a result of changing the water. This usually leads to a bacterial die-off, as well. This is why I'm not a huge fan of big water changes, which I've seen many people do, only to unintentionally start mini-cycles (and end up with unexpected ammonia/nitrite readings). At least, that's my theory...

Another option, which I'm sure you've already considered, is to add more water to your tank. I know you have 4 decently sized turtles, as well as some fish--you might just be overdue for a volume increase to keep up with the extra ammonia they all produce.

[Kansasslider]

Well, I'm not really too concerned about the ammonia. Also not sure smaller water changes will do the trick. But I might try it. As far as bigger living area, I would need to build a pool

[Kansasslider]

Ha ha, Silly me! Its been so long since I tested my water I got things mixed up. My Nitrates are high not my ammonia. My apologies.