Fish: Re: [tropical fish club] Connie/ 9-20-12/ and question/Ray

Hi Connie/Ray,
This is something that has confused me too. I'd love to have more info from the mods. I understand that it binds the nitrite/ammonia for 2 days during which time the bound stuff goes from ammonia to nitrites to nitrates. If bacteria level isn't high enough it (Prime bound nitrite/ammonia) reverts back to the free form (toxic). Presumably in a cycled tank this works but in a cycling one (not enough established bacteria) you need to add more Prime as needed which is why you need to test more frequently. What confuses me is does the Prime dissipate after 24 hours as well or keep working? If so should we add it every 2 days? There is always more waste being produced or do we assume if the tank is cycled the bacterial conversion happens quick enough that we only need to treat the tank with water changes?

Could someone help clarify this?
Suzy

----- Original Message -----
From: Connie Watson<mailto:clw51@cox.net>
To: Tropical Fish Club<mailto:tropicalfishclub@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Friday, September 21, 2012 3:19 AM
Subject: [tropical fish club] Connies tank 9-20-12 and question

Today no further loss of fish....a good thing.
The Platy is just hiding at the bottom of the tank in the corner behind a
plant.
Not eating or swimming around.
One of the guppies is not eating and stays in more or less the same spot in
the tank.
All other fish are OK, especially the neons....they seem to be doing quite
well by all appearances.

Water test before PWC: 8:30 AM
PH - 8.0
GH - 6
KH - 8
Ammonia - .50
Nitrite - .25
Nitrate - 30

PWC at Noon today - 7 gallons

Water test after PWC: 2:30 PM
PH - 8
GH - 6
KH - 8
Ammonia - .25
Nitrite - 0
Nitrate - 30

Question:
I want to make sure I understand about the Prime. I know to add it to all
new water at PWCs.
But do I treat the tank every other day or the days I don't do a PWC?
If so, why? Does the Prime effect only last a day or two? Is it because the
tank is still cycling?
Is it because new ammonia is being introduced by the fish all day long??
Just wondering if I am thinking correctly...

Thanks,
Connie

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