Will using prime or amquel harm my beneficial bacteria ?

[tcarswell]

I was reading something recently about not using ammonia removing chemicals during cycling because it will starve the bacteria bed (lack of ammonia and or nitrites). Is this true ? My tank is fresh cycled but id like for it to have a good amount of bacteria as well obviously. As far as I know the prime bottle says removes nitrites and ammonia.

 

[brianp]

This is valid and obvious question. I can tell you that I have had members of both Kordon and Seachem on the phone (more than once) and have been vigorously reassured that complexing either Amquel Plus or Prime does not inhibit the further oxidation of the starting ammonia and nitrite. Furthermore, I have seen no tangible example of suppression in my own use. I could go into a bit more detail regarding the technical explanations I was given, but I'm not sure I buy it so I'll leave it at that. One of these days, when I'm feeling more ambitious, I'm going to investigate the chemistry behind their claims, just so it makes sense to me, but for the time being...all seems to be well.

 

[Noto]

What Brian said. Basically the Amquel or Prime binds to the ammonia or nitrite to form a larger molecule which is non-toxic to fish, but still 'edible' to the bacteria.

 

[tcarswell]

This is valid and obvious question. I can tell you that I have had members of both Kordon and Seachem on the phone (more than once) and have been vigorously reassured that complexing either Amquel Plus or Prime does not inhibit the further oxidation of the starting ammonia and nitrite. Furthermore, I have seen no tangible example of suppression in my own use. I could go into a bit more detail regarding the technical explanations I was given, but I'm not sure I buy it so I'll leave it at that. One of these days, when I'm feeling more ambitious, I'm going to investigate the chemistry behind their claims, just so it makes sense to me, but for the time being...all seems to be well.

Thanks i am glad you both answered was a little worried about that

 

[tcarswell]

This is valid and obvious question. I can tell you that I have had members of both Kordon and Seachem on the phone (more than once) and have been vigorously reassured that complexing either Amquel Plus or Prime does not inhibit the further oxidation of the starting ammonia and nitrite. Furthermore, I have seen no tangible example of suppression in my own use. I could go into a bit more detail regarding the technical explanations I was given, but I'm not sure I buy it so I'll leave it at that. One of these days, when I'm feeling more ambitious, I'm going to investigate the chemistry behind their claims, just so it makes sense to me, but for the time being...all seems to be well.

Oh and let me know your findings Brian! Thanks

 

[ewurm]

I would guess that Prime turns ammonia into a form that is not harmful to fish, but the bacteria can still utilize it. Otherwise, your biofilter would die every time you do a waterchange.