AboutRichard Hight Expertise I own several freshwater aquariums from 10 to 125 gallon. When provided with the correct information and detail, I can answer most questions about freshwater aquariums. Set up, cycling, maintenance, likely and unlikely tank mates, feeding. Moving? I've moved fish both across town and across the country and can help you get your little aquatic friends to their new home safely. I know about most freshwater tropical fish and some Cichlids including Angels, Bettas, Blood Parrots, Brichardi Cichlids, Cory Cats, Danios, Farlowella Cat, Gouramis, Green Severum, Guppies, Kribensis Cichlids, Mollies, Oscars, Platys, Swordtails, Tetras, Tiger Barbs & Uaru Cichlid to name several I currently own. If I don't know the answer to your question, I will certainly do research and find the best answer for you. If I don't know the answer and unable to find it, I'll tell you. I will not give it my best shot or an educated guess as this could potentially put your pets in danger. I am NOT an expert with Goldfish, Koi, Cod, or Frogs etc. I also cannot answer any questions about saltwater fish or aquariums.
Experience Many years of personal experience with fish and aquariums
Question QUESTION: Hello,
I have had my aquarium for about 4 weeks now. I am experiencing the cycling period right now. How often can I use PRIME to help reduce the stress on the fish and to help with the levels in the water?
Thanks so much.
Sharon
ANSWER: Hi Sharon
I've never used PRIME or any other bacteria additives. I've found over the years it's best to cycle with a few small fish and do small frequent water changes. Many of these bacteria additives or cycling agents tend to only prolong the cycle process, rather than accelerate it.
As far as using the PRIME, only advice I can give you is to follow the directions on the bottle. But at 4 weeks in, you should be able to begin discontinuing its use.
Hope this helps, good luck!
Richard
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Hey Richard,
The problem with following the directions is that they don't have any! lol Seriously they say "you can use this during cycling" but don't say how often. They do say to use every water change, but we were wondering if you could add it in between? Don't want to kill the fish by poisoning.
Thanks so much for your response. Have a wonderful day!!
Answer Hi Sharon
I'm sorry, I thought you were referring to another product called Prime by another company. The Prime you are talking about is actually a water conditioner with bacteria additives and cycling agents added to it. You can use it between water changes. The directions are below, I got from their website.
Use 1 capful (5 mL) for each 200 L (50 gallons) of new water. This removes approximately 0.8 mg/L ammonia, 1.2 mg/L chloramine, or 3.3 mg/L chlorine. For smaller doses, please note each cap thread is approx. 1 mL. May be added to aquarium directly, but better if added to new water first. If adding directly to aquarium, base dose on aquarium volume. Sulfur odor is normal. For exceptionally high chloramine concentrations, a double dose may be used safely. To detoxify nitrite in an emergency, up to 5 times normal dose may be used. If temperature is > 30 °C (86 °F) and chlorine or ammonia levels are low, use a half dose.
