So today I heard...

scottysgirl

That Prime is really bad for planted tanks...I don't buy it
Is this true?
Thanks

mHeinitz57

not sure, I've never heard that before. I use prime in my planted tank though and the plants seem to be doing fine.

scottysgirl

I think the guy wanted me to buy the more expensive stuff instead of Prime. He said something about Prime destroying the ammonia which is what the plants need for food, and so Prime was really bad to use in planted tanks. It didn't ring true to me, but he DID seem very sure of himself...

Lupin

Plants can still consume nitrates.

mHeinitz57

Prime "destroys" ammonia, nitrites and nitrates by converting them molecularly to be less toxic. In fact, some test kits will still show signs of these chemicals even if they are in a less toxic state. Just curious but what was he trying to sell you?

fish_4_all

From what i understand about Prime and other dechlorinators is the process by which they detoxify the ammonia, nitrites and nitrates simply bonds them with other molecules which in turn can be broken down and used by the plants in a mature substrate.

I know a lot of people who use prime and have some excellent, fast growing planted tanks. If my LFS sold it I would use it.

scottysgirl

Thanks everyone, I think Prime is a good choice (and way cheaper). By the way, he was trying to sell me Amquel.

mgamer20o0

i use prime in all my planted tanks.