purigen
- Thread starter eh1421
- Start date
Howdy all,
I am fashionably late to this discussion, but I wanted to see what is being said by actualy users before I chime in.
All we know so far is what Seachem says: "removing nitrogenous organic waste". I completely agree with rallysman that this is too much of a black box statement. Furthermore, I think it encourages bad fishkeeping habits by creating the illusion of having clean water. There is more to pollution than nitrogen-containing compounds. The true status of water pollution in an aquarium can only be measured by monitoring conductivity. It steadily increases between water changes. Nitrogen-containing compounds are only a fraction of all there is. But they are simple to measure, play a central role in tanks with poor biofiltration and/or poor maintenance (i.e. beginner tanks) and therefore make for a nice product target, such as Purigen.
Tetra brought a comparable product on the market over 5 years ago, EasyBalance. I despise that product just like I despise any other product that promotes bad fish keeping habits. They all tend to address a single group of high-profile pollutants, pretending their product is the the silver bullet to reduce pollution (= increase maintenance intervals). The only silver bullet there is are water changes.
If you have problems with tap water (JD7.62) simply boost your biofiltration to quickly remove ammonia and rely on smaller, frequent water changes as compared to massive ones. Most importantly, remember that ammonia and ammonium are in an equlibrium. To reach chronically toxic levels (0.05 mg/L free ammonia), pH and also temperature have to be considered. For precise calculations click HERE. As a rule of thumb, once [NH3 & NH4+] hit constatly hits 1 ppm (=1 mg/L) or once your pH value rises above 8 you are in trouble (or rather your fish are in trouble). Below that: no problemo, especially since ammonia added by bad tap water during water changes will be degraded by biofiltration rapidly.
If you have extremely high nitrate levels in your tap water contact EPA. The EPA level for drinking water is 10 mg/L nitrate as nitrogen = 44 ppm = 44 mg/L. I understand that this is a level high enough for discomfort. However, well-dimensioned and sanely stocked tanks with regular water changes or drip system are fine. If anything, this is the only occasion where I understand somebody using a nitrate remover. But then, drinking water levels approach these maximum nitrate concentrations only rarely in few, mainly agricultural areas. Matter of fact, I would be surprised if even 0.1% of all MFK members ever measured 44 ppm in their tap water (not well water).
Bottom line: I consider products such as Purigen a waste of money for the experienced hobbyist (=sufficient biofiltration and smart aquarium maintenance habits). I hope that everyone of you has at least basic experience in fishkeeping, since you have progressed to the /\/\onster level. Furthermore, I consider products such as Purigen an encouragement for bad maintenance habits for the beginner, which is even worse.
It just doesn't make sense.
HarleyK
I am fashionably late to this discussion, but I wanted to see what is being said by actualy users before I chime in.
All we know so far is what Seachem says: "removing nitrogenous organic waste". I completely agree with rallysman that this is too much of a black box statement. Furthermore, I think it encourages bad fishkeeping habits by creating the illusion of having clean water. There is more to pollution than nitrogen-containing compounds. The true status of water pollution in an aquarium can only be measured by monitoring conductivity. It steadily increases between water changes. Nitrogen-containing compounds are only a fraction of all there is. But they are simple to measure, play a central role in tanks with poor biofiltration and/or poor maintenance (i.e. beginner tanks) and therefore make for a nice product target, such as Purigen.
Tetra brought a comparable product on the market over 5 years ago, EasyBalance. I despise that product just like I despise any other product that promotes bad fish keeping habits. They all tend to address a single group of high-profile pollutants, pretending their product is the the silver bullet to reduce pollution (= increase maintenance intervals). The only silver bullet there is are water changes.
If you have problems with tap water (JD7.62) simply boost your biofiltration to quickly remove ammonia and rely on smaller, frequent water changes as compared to massive ones. Most importantly, remember that ammonia and ammonium are in an equlibrium. To reach chronically toxic levels (0.05 mg/L free ammonia), pH and also temperature have to be considered. For precise calculations click HERE. As a rule of thumb, once [NH3 & NH4+] hit constatly hits 1 ppm (=1 mg/L) or once your pH value rises above 8 you are in trouble (or rather your fish are in trouble). Below that: no problemo, especially since ammonia added by bad tap water during water changes will be degraded by biofiltration rapidly.
If you have extremely high nitrate levels in your tap water contact EPA. The EPA level for drinking water is 10 mg/L nitrate as nitrogen = 44 ppm = 44 mg/L. I understand that this is a level high enough for discomfort. However, well-dimensioned and sanely stocked tanks with regular water changes or drip system are fine. If anything, this is the only occasion where I understand somebody using a nitrate remover. But then, drinking water levels approach these maximum nitrate concentrations only rarely in few, mainly agricultural areas. Matter of fact, I would be surprised if even 0.1% of all MFK members ever measured 44 ppm in their tap water (not well water).
Bottom line: I consider products such as Purigen a waste of money for the experienced hobbyist (=sufficient biofiltration and smart aquarium maintenance habits). I hope that everyone of you has at least basic experience in fishkeeping, since you have progressed to the /\/\onster level. Furthermore, I consider products such as Purigen an encouragement for bad maintenance habits for the beginner, which is even worse.
It just doesn't make sense.
HarleyK
Hello,
Thank you for the complements. Purigen is a resin that
will remove organic waste compounds - that is, it will
focus on a broad range of organic compounds with focus
toward nitrogenous waste. Purigen can be
recharged about 7-8 times before it is exhausted, but that
is also dependent on the organic load in each individual
tank. Purigen turns a brown color when exhausted in the
tank, but again the exhaustion rate depends on the number
of livestock and how much waste is produced. Here is a
link to Purigen and at the bottom of that page there is
FAQ also;
http://www.seachem.com/products/product_pages/Purigen.html.
Seachem Support
10202
Tech Support
btw, the only biofiltration that breaks down nitrates is anaerobic and not common in fish tank (without risking the tanks health)
Also, it removes organics. Growth inhibitors are organic and even if they pull them out of the water, your fish will grow faster.
Thank you for the complements. Purigen is a resin that
will remove organic waste compounds - that is, it will
focus on a broad range of organic compounds with focus
toward nitrogenous waste. Purigen can be
recharged about 7-8 times before it is exhausted, but that
is also dependent on the organic load in each individual
tank. Purigen turns a brown color when exhausted in the
tank, but again the exhaustion rate depends on the number
of livestock and how much waste is produced. Here is a
link to Purigen and at the bottom of that page there is
FAQ also;
http://www.seachem.com/products/product_pages/Purigen.html.
Seachem Support
10202
Tech Support
btw, the only biofiltration that breaks down nitrates is anaerobic and not common in fish tank (without risking the tanks health)
Also, it removes organics. Growth inhibitors are organic and even if they pull them out of the water, your fish will grow faster.
I have to agree with Harley that some people might rely on products such as Purigen as a cure for their water problems. That could only lead to sickly or dead fish in the end. Purigen is a good product when used as a "water polisher", which is all I have ever used it for, starting 5 or 6 years ago. When used with regular water changes, it can make your water crystal clear. I don't believe in using it to lower ammonia, nitrite, nitrates, or anything else despite Seachem's claims. Harley's right, to do so would be bad fishkeeping. It's only a tool, not a cure all.
RadleyMiller;597525; said:
That's really disapointing, having learned that I highly doubt I'll replace it once can't be recharged any further.
12 bucks=2 months for me, I'll pass. I don't spend that much on filter media for 3 emp400's and two emp280's.
They say 7-8 recharges, but if it's anything like the 100ml for 100gallon=6 months rule...
hillbilly;597576; said:
I totally agree with you. Is anyone else bothered with an extra tool in the shed, you never know when you are going to need that "tool". I have recharged my one bag like 5 times already so lets see if it lasts.
5x is good news, how dark did your bag get before ya recharged it? Let me know when it quits workin for ya please.
sqratch;597684; said:
:iagree then we wil have something to refer to when people have questions. Even though it seems like me and Ewurm are the only ones still for Purigen. It's not that we won't do water changes like we usually do.
Personally, the best reason I could see for using Purigen....
Vacation, especically if no one is going to be able to do W/C on the tank. Even if they are feeding the fish, they are prolly overfeeding.
