The old Prime question-Revisited.

[packer43064]

Like the title says. When does everyone dose their tanks(with dechlorinator) when performing WC's. I've been reading up on this on older threads and they seem to be conflicting.

I use Prime and what I do is fill the tank up with the python and then after that I put the Prime in. It says on the bottle it's better to add to new water, but it's sort of hard when your using the python.

I hear alot of people putting Prime(or any other dechlorinator) in while they are using the python, or just before they start up the python to fill the tank back up.

1. Which is the better way, before, during, or after?

2. The reason I never did put prime in before starting the python up(refilling) is because, I thought the Prime was instantaneous. So wouldn't putting it in before just like use the Prime instantly then your adding in the water which still has the chlorine and etc., the Prime would already be gone wouldn't it?

This is mainly for python users like me. I also just checked my nitrates today and their all normal(20ppm or below even on the Oscar tank with weekly water changes for all tanks)and I have been using the prime after filling for 4 months now with no ill effects, so should I just stick with how everything is working?

 

[Dylan]

I always have used prime while im refilling the tank.

I just add one capful to the stream about every 1/4 of the way that the water fills up.

Everyone has different methods, but this seems to have worked for me for about 5+ years.

The only reason I wouldnt add it after ive already filled the tank is that the fish will be swimming in non dechlorinated water throught the process of refilling the tank, which could cause some stress.

 

[Bderick67]

With all my tanks that have a powered filter(s). I turn off filter, refill tank then add prime for the volume of the entire tank.

With tanks that have sponge filters or internal filters. I add treated water to refill the tank.

Chlorine will kill your beneficial bacteria.

 

[Dylan]

With tanks that have sponge filters or internal filters. I add treated water to refill the tank.

How do you go about doing that with a python? Or do you just lug buckets.

 

[Toby_H]

I add prime when I first start refilling...

I've dropped a whole bottle of prime in a 75 gal when my hands were full and it took me several second to get it out... nothing bad happened...

If I'm refilling 20% or less with new water I don't use any dechlorinator, although I always do with larger refills. I've never had any ill effects from doing this.

I think most problems are being inapproiately blamed on Prime. I am convinced the stuff is harmless except is extreme concentration. I am also convinced (via experience) that mild doses of Chlorine are harmless and dissipate quickly. Which is why I don't bother using dechlor when refilling 20% or less.

I think PH fluctuations are the cause of a lot of problems that Prime gets blamed for... high concentrations of waste can easily cause a PH crash, then fresh water is added and the PH immediately increases causing stress in the fish... Obviously I cannot attribute this reason to every case blamed on Prime, but all too often (I believe) people blame Prime because it's the only thing they've added... not realizing adding fresh water can cause changes...

 

[chesterthehero]

if you read the bottle of prime or prettymuch any other dechlorinator they all say to dose the tank prior to filling if pretreating is not possiable...

i also agree with nutcase... i think you have to SUPEROVERDOSE to cause any real issues.. the bottle of prime that i get says its good for like 50,000 gallons or something... i go through a bottle about every 6 months... i think my household usage of water is less than 2000 gallons a month... so even if im way off and its 3 times that (3x2000=6000 a month --- 6000x6= 36,000 every 6months) im still overdosing the hell out of my tanks.. hmm.. im wasting a lot of money on prime.. but anyway.. my fish and water are all in great shape...

 

[msjinkzd]

i would add dechlor before refilling. if you add it after, the chlorinated water is already hitting your fish and your biofilter. It doesn't dissipate instantaneously, so i would think its better to use before refilling.

 

[CJB]

Yeah I add aquasafe right before I start filling the tank.

 

[Bderick67]

With tanks that have sponge filters or internal filters. I add treated water to refill the tank.

How do you go about doing that with a python? Or do you just lug buckets.

Tanks with sponge filters are 10 or 20g, so yes they are refilled with buckets.

 

[Fry]

i add prime before refilling as well for the same reasons as stated