15 replies to this topic

[emmz-cichlids]

Hey guys now I am well aware how basic this question is but I'm wanting to know when you do your water change what products do you use to condition the water. I no everyone has their own way in doing this and I would love to expand my knowledge within this area, I have an 8x2x2 with mostly African cichlids but do have 3 Americans in there as well which are very placid fish, my peacocks are actually running the tank atm.... So please share info if you can, I would appreciate it sooo much

[malawiman85]

Prime as per the instructions. Thats it. Any decent water conditioner is really all ive ever used for malawi's, tangs, a few americans, the usual community fish and a wide variety of native fish.

There was a point where I didnt use water conditioner for africans just used to leave water over night but I think it was Ollie who posted something here once that convinced me to go back to water conditioners.

[JimmyTheFish]

I have tried lots of different water conditioner's and found the liquid ones to be expensive and almost useless.

 

I use Aquotix's water conditioner. It's a powder that has various chemicals that directly remove chlorine and chloramine as well as chelating agents to remove heavy metals. I add it as I begin to fill my tank back up and have never lost a single fish during a water change or after.

[malawiman85]

"Almost useless"... Can you please explain that. If thats the case Im sure a lot of people would be keen to hear your findings..

[MrLeifBeaver]

I had a similar question a few months ago. The final answer I got was try out Prime.

http://www.perthcich...topic=60095&hl=

[Stuey]

two days before I do a water change I run water from the garden tap to two 220l barrels, add my buffers to match the conditions to those in the tank and age and aerate (and in the winter I heat). Just before I pump the water out the barrels and into the tank I add Prime to lock up the nasties. In my experience this is the best way to ensure stress levels stay to a minimum during a change.

[emmz-cichlids]

So are you guys just using Prime and nothing else?

[Leigh]

I do prime and a couple of handfuls of pool salt.

[Kleinz]

I throw in some Prime or a Prime clone, and from time to time some lake salts.

[emmz-cichlids]

Yes I always use salt, does wonders when it comes to healing, does prime have aloe Vera as well?

[Riggers]

I use API tap water conditioner and a bit of conditioning salt

Saying that there's been times where I've done many a water change with no products at all with no undesired effects

[TJ__74]

Is Stress Coat + ok to use?  I currently fill a 20 litre bucket when doing a water change, and put 3-4 mls per bucket.

[malawiman85]

Yep its good stuff... not all that economical though.

Can I ask why you are filling a bucket?

[silverscreen]

50% water change and full cap of stresscoat...couple of days after that a tablespoon full of api salt....been working for me...might not work for you.

[Jules]

didn't use anything for about 3 years, but I bought a bottle of API water conditioner and started using it, haven't noticed any difference. I know guys who breed and keep exotic fish with no use of conditioners or nothing, different things work for different ppl.

[dicky7]

depends where you live and what has been added to your local water ... it varies over the state  also some people age there water in a barrel for a week or so with airstones etc running