Interpet Bioactive tapsafe

[convict360]

Hi guys, for the past couple of weeks I've been using Interpet's bioactive tapsafe water conditioner for my water changes; noticing that for the 2nd or 3rd week consecutively, that it's created a bloom the next day which is likely a mini cycle. What's more irritating is that these have been small water changes of roughly 30%, as I have a relatively small bioload.

This is without even touching the filters either, as I could sort of justify it if i was messing about with the sponges.

Anyway I'm not using their stuff again, just a heads up for fellow MFK'ers in case you are considering using that brand's conditioner; conversely I'd be interested in hearing if you like the stuff. I never had any problems with fluval or tetra conditioner, so I'll pick some of that up today.

 

[predatorkeeper87]

I refuse to use anything but seachem safe or prime lol.

 

[convict360]

I refuse to use anything but seachem safe or prime lol.

none of the stores near me stock those or i'd go with them, fluval is the next safe bet for me; used theirs recently until I ran out.

I have a small bottle of the waterlife conditioner, might try that

 

[RD.]

Bioactive Tapsafe is a unique formulation developed in conjunction with the global leaders in Biotechnology.

The advanced formulation removes chlorine, chloramine and also heavy metals, this allows even hot tap water to be used as part of a water change mix.

Bioactive Tapsafe adds an Aloe Vera protective colloid that creates a protective barrier around the fishes delicate skin and gill membranes.

Uniquely, Bioactive Tapsafe also adds a culture of bacteria and enzymes that consume any excess biological waste in the aquarium and boosts filter performance.

My guess is the "bloom" that you noticed was due to the bacteria that they use to break down and consume organics.

 

[convict360]

My guess is the "bloom" that you noticed was due to the bacteria that they use to break down and consume organics.

Never had that bloom before with other types, might be harmless; but I'll avoid regardless

 

[duanes]

All water conditioners use basically the same compounds, either sodium thiosulfate or calcium thiosulfate as active chlorine/chloramine removers. Some then add ammonia neutralizers, or other semi-useful compounds.
I googled Interpret, and found they add aloe. I agree with RD, and wouldn't worry about a slight bloom.
Being a former chemist/microbiologist, I always simply mixed my own using dried sodium sulfate salts, I see no need to pay for DI water, which is the largest portion of any commercial product.

 

[convict360]

Thanks for shedding some insight guys

 

[jamntoast]

All water conditioners use basically the same compounds, either sodium thiosulfate or calcium thiosulfate as active chlorine/chloramine removers. Some then add ammonia neutralizers, or other semi-useful compounds.
I googled Interpret, and found they add aloe. I agree with RD, and wouldn't worry about a slight bloom.
Being a former chemist/microbiologist, I always simply mixed my own using dried sodium sulfate salts, I see no need to pay for DI water, which is the largest portion of any commercial product.

that's a handy skill. is it easy to do for someone without a background in chemistry?

 

[duanes]

A 5 lb bucket of Sodium thio from the local chemistry company would usually last me a few years, and is comparatively priced very low. It's high school chemistry 101, and easy enough with a small scale to weigh out a certain amount, that would be recommended for a certain dose (say a chloramine dose of 2ppm if that's what your tap averages) for example 20 grams of dry per liter, and mix with DI water, and shake it around a little to help it dissolve. You really don't need to be a scientist. I also don't dose for the entire tank volume, if doing a 30% water change, I believe that to be overkill.

 

[RD.]

Colin, did you read the quote in my initial post? Specifically this part:

Uniquely, Bioactive Tapsafe also adds a culture of bacteria and enzymes that consume any excess biological waste in the aquarium and boosts filter performance.



There's a sticky on water conditioners;

http://monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/threads/cost-effective-water-conditioners.309623/

Sodium thiosulfate is fine for chlorine, or smaller water changes with chloramine, but not so fine on large water changes where the tap water is disinfected with chloramine, or where higher residuals of chloramine are used by the local municipality. For chloramine treated tap water I would highly recommend Seachem Safe. Read the sticky, it will make more sense.