Safe Vs Prime

[tarheel96]

This is what O2 depletion looks like in a planted community tank I was treating for ick and mistakenly overdosed with Paraguard. Overdosing with Prime/Safe or a number of other products would look the same.

Per instructions on the label (Prime), up to 4x the regular dose may be used in an emergency situation (high ammonia or nitrite) so there is a 'safety margin'. However, as RD. mentioned, how much of a margin depends mainly on surface agitation/oxygenation of water, temperature, and whether other reducing agents are being used.

 

[white specter crayfish]

Ok thanks, I think I should be fine, with what I'm doing I would need 1/40th of a teaspoon, so I would just use a small pinch of it then

 

[FreshyFresh]

Like said above, I ordered a cheap set of "micro" measuring spoons off eBay for cheap and I use Seachem Safe for my 75 and 55g tanks where I dose the full volume of the tank, then fill it. For my bucket refills of smaller tanks, I use Seachem Prime and measure the drops I drip in the refill 5gal bucket. I'm sure based on the amount of disinfectant in my tap water, I overdose both products some, but it's not harmful to the fish unless you dumped the whole jar or bottle in.

 

[white specter crayfish]

Like said above, I ordered a cheap set of "micro" measuring spoons off eBay for cheap and I use Seachem Safe for my 75 and 55g tanks where I dose the full volume of the tank, then fill it. For my bucket refills of smaller tanks, I use Seachem Prime and measure the drops I drip in the refill 5gal bucket. I'm sure based on the amount of disinfectant in my tap water, I overdose both products some, but it's not harmful to the fish unless you dumped the whole jar or bottle in.

yeah, that's what I assumed and what many others have told me too

 

[RD.]

but it's not harmful to the fish unless you dumped the whole jar or bottle in.

Incorrect - see above.


Plenty of people have overdosed tanks over the years using Seachem water conditioners, hence the reason why they changed the labels back in 2015.
​

 

[RD.]

Sometimes I get the feeling that I'm using invisible ink ……..

 

[Lepisosteus]

Sometimes I get the feeling that I'm using invisible ink ……..

The background for most of our phones is black on this site. Try changing your typing color from black to white.

 

[RD.]

LOL, my background on my PC is black too.

 

[FINWIN]

Info on chloramine/chlorine in my area:

Chlorine Provides your Water with Protection from Contamination | DC Water

The drinking water delivered by DC Water contains chloramines, chemical compounds made from ammonia and chlorine. Chloramine is added to drinking water to kill bacteria and microorganisms in the treatment plant and the distribution system.

www.dcwater.com

also, there will be a temporary switch to chlorine only

2026 Chlorine Switch | DC Water

From March 23 through May 4, 2026, the disinfectant in drinking water will temporarily switch from chloramine to chlorine. During this time, you may notice a slight change in the taste and smell of your drinking water.

www.dcwater.com

Lol, I need to find a personal chemist if I'm gonna get the 'powder Prime". 2.7 ml this week, no wait, 4.3 ml next week, no, try 6.1 ml per gallon yesterday, or is it 1.8....

 

[RD.]

No need for a chemist, you just have to do some math, which will be the case no matter the brand or type of water conditioner that you use.