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Seachem purigen in a planted tank?

60K views 24 replies 11 participants last post by  Bongox3 
#1 ·
I've read and seen great things about seachem purigen, a "supercharged" water clarifying filter medium, and I'd like to use it in my planted tank. Does anyone have any experience with it? Will it remove the nutrients that the plants need and/or the fertilizers (seachem flourish comprehensive and excel) I'm dosing? Would it effect plant growth in any way?
 
#3 ·
I have wondered this too. This is a new product for me. I haven't been keeping up with new techniques in the hobby since 04'. I have just maintained my tank sponge filters. But for the price they sell this stuff for, it better be perfect. I have heard good things though. The biggest plus is that its rechargeable. The worst I have heard is that you need a great media bag for it.
 
#4 ·
I must disagree here. I would not recommend this product for a planted tank.

First of all, live plants remove toxins from the water naturally, so let them get on with it. 100% natural, and no additional expense. Can't beat that combo.:-D

Second, according to Seachem's website data, this product "controls ammonia, nitrites and nitrates by removing nitrogenous organic waste that would otherwise release these harmful compounds." Here again, plants are removing ammonia so rapidly there is minimal nitrite and nitrate anyway, and what little there is, is essential to a healthy aquarium because bacteria in the substrate use nitrate. As for organics, these are essential as a natural source of nutrients, especially CO2. Which is why planted tank aquarists leave the substrate alone. You can read more on these issues in this article:
http://www.tropicalfishkeeping.com/freshwater-articles/bacteria-freshwater-aquarium-74891/

Third, Seachem admit there is an impact on trace elements. These may or may not occur in your tap water, and you are certainly adding them with Flourish. So why use something that is now going to remove them, even if "minimally" (and we don't know how "minimal" this may be)?

In a planted tank, nature is the best source of help.

Byron.
 
#6 ·
With respect, you're missing a couple things. Organics accumulate in the substrate, and they are absolutely essential to a healthy aquarium. Bacteria (aerobic and anaerobic) break organics down. Some of it becomes nutrients for plants. Some is turned into nitrogen via denitrification. And a considerable amount of CO2 occurs, essential to the plants. Those of us with planted tanks do not touch the substrate, for very good reason.

Seachem says Purigen will remove trace elements. That's all I need to know.

Messing with the natural biological equilibrium of an aquarium is not always wise. Nature has had millions of years to develop what works. I fail to see that we are going to improve upon that, whatever the product.

I will accept that this product may have a use in non-planted tanks. But even there, it has all the earmarks of being a short-cut, to cover for inadequate aquarium management. With a balanced fish load to water volume, regular partial water changes, and a community of compatible fish, there should be no need to resort to chemical concoctions.
 
#7 ·
I've also seen enough tanks with beautiful heavy plantings that have been running Purigen for a long time to convince me that there is no harm in using the product. I use it myself and I don't find there to be any deficiencies in my plants and in fact, before my last rescape, I had plants that were growing out of control.
 
#8 · (Edited)
Thank everyone for the thoughtful responses.

The reason I wanted to try purigen is the fact that I've seen examples of established, clean, and maintained natural tanks, and then examples of tanks that use purigen and there is still a big difference in the way it looks. It seems that no matter how well maintained the tank may be, there is still that ever-so-slight murky white tinge, especially visible right under the light.

Here is a video of a small tank in which the owner claims to use purigen.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UIoPZIS10t4&feature=youtu.be&hd=12_175b21c8bc.jpg

The tank isn't planted, but it's still stunning. It's definitely in the "less is more" category. Please tell me if I'm missing something obvious here. The guy says all he does to keep it clear is normal maintenance and use purigen, but I suppose he could be dumping in water clarifiers by the bottle for all I know. Not even the likely chemical-laden tanks at the LFS are that clear.

Here is a video of an obviously well-maintained tank without the use of purigen exhibiting the slight cloudiness.



I suppose it's a matter of priority. Do you want to have a more or less self sustained ecosystem in a box with little to no maintenance outside of water changes, feedings, and an occasional filter cleaning (if a filter is used at all), or do you want your tank to look extraordinarily clean and clear while potentially slowing the growth of your plants and adding a little to your running cost? Lets face it, nowhere in nature is a body of water ever "crystal clear", so that attribute itself could be seen as unnatural. Nonetheless it's impressive and highly sought after in the aquarium hobby.

So I think you're absolutely correct in saying there is no need for products like this, and in most cases (when properly maintained) tanks are plenty clear enough to satisfy their owner's expectations. However, after seeing what is possible, I can't help but want to try it for myself.
 
#10 ·
Here is a video of a small tank in which the owner claims to use purigen.

Tiger Barbs Feeding HD - YouTube

The tank isn't planted, but it's still stunning. It's definitely in the "less is more" category. Please tell me if I'm missing something obvious here. The guy says all he does to keep it clear is normal maintenance and use purigen, but I suppose he could be dumping in water clarifiers by the bottle for all I know.
That is a prime example of what Purigen will do for your water. That is honestly how clear it will make the water. It works just as well in planted tanks and IME with no negative effects to the plants.
 
#9 ·
I dont know what your saying but back when i was around 6-7 years old I remember going too lakes up here in Canada the water was so clear so clean you could go in the middle of the lake and see more then 12 feet underwater as clear as you watch trough a glass of water! now a days you go back to that same lake and you cannot see a feet in water and its undrinkable. so yes pure clean water does exist but its rare now a days ... and yes there was fish plants etc even muskies in that lake we used to watch then wait aside kelp patches for fishes hehe
anyways all that to say you can get crystal clear water with out purigen hehe
 
#11 ·
I honestly can't see the difference in those two videos. I'm not at all sure what you are considering as cloudiness.

There is a vast difference between clean water and clear water; the two are not synonymous. Water can be perfectly clean but not be clear, and vice-versa. I am after clean water, as that is the only thing that matters to the health of the fish. And this is where I have to question the wisdom of using these products, when they claim:
Purigen® generally ignores simple elemental compounds, having an extreme affinity for nitrogenous organics. The primary source of nitrogenous compounds in an aquarium is waste. Fish, corals, even plants produce nitrogenous waste. Purigen® removes that waste faster and more completely than anything else on the market.
No one can question the fact that by their own admission, this product is messing with the natural bacteria and biological equilibrium in the aquarium.

My tanks also happen to be clear--at least they are when I am wearing my specs.:lol:
 
#13 ·
I honestly can't see the difference in those two videos. I'm not at all sure what you are considering as cloudiness.
Maybe this will help to clarify what I'm talking about. Here are a couple pictures of my tank:





I wouldn't consider my tank "cloudy", but it definitely isn't crystal clear either. Here you can clearly see the roughly triangular patch of milky water right below my light, as well as my serpaes hamming it up for the camera. (the white specs in the background of the front view are actually on the wallpaper behind the tank, by the way) Again, I wouldn't consider this a cloudy tank, and I would expect it to clear up even more so as I do water changes and such, but I have never seen a tank without this happening to some degree.. until I learned about purigen and decided to look into it. If the water were truly crystal clear, there would be no light beams because there is absolutely nothing suspended in the water that reflects light.

I understand the difference between clean and clear, but I don't see why I shouldn't strive for both. If I was only concerned about providing a healthy habitat for fish, I would be keeping them in a much cheaper plastic bin instead of a glass aquarium. I'm going to try it, and I'll be sure to talk about any issues or concerns that might come up, and of course post before and after pictures if I see results.

In case you're curious, my water parameters are: pH 6.4, dkH between 1 and 2 (I have pretty soft water), ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate all 0. I just tested. So it's not because my tank is having cycling issues.
 
#17 ·
in the same branch as this I was wondering about Seachem. CupriSorb
Cuprisorb seems to remove heavy metals from water would that have a negative effect on plants?
I would never use this in a planted tank. Water conditioners are bad enough at removing trace minerals, but at least they give out after 24-48 hours; this stuff is permanent. I don't think there can be much doubt that plants would not last with this. Copper and several other heavy metals (iron, zinc, manganese, nickel) are essential trace elements for plants.

I corresponded with the scientist at Seachem about water conditioners that detoxify heavy metals, in planted tanks, and he agreed that this was detrimental. He also noted that such conditioners (including their Prime) would negate plant fertilizers like Flourish by detoxifying the trace minerals. His advice was to wait 24-36 hours after a water change before dosing with Flourish or any trace minerals.

Stay away from this stuff; it is likely meant for someone who may be on well water with high amounts of heavy metals which would kill many fish. Tap water would not have such high levels as it is monitored for public health. Though the levels allowed for some minerals, such as copper, can kill fish. But any conditioner that detoxifies heavy metals will handle these still-trace amounts. And plants will take up toxic metals at that level.

Byron.
 
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#15 ·
That would be true, except my tank is roughly 1/3 stocked right now, so I've always assumed that my plants are using the ammonia/nitrate before it has a chance to accumulate. I had a tiny ammonia spike (about .25) the day after I set the tank up (the entire filter was taken from a cycled tank) and since then I've seen no trace of any of the three.
 
#16 ·
I agree, that is a bit cloudy, and that is a bacterial issue, no question. How long as the tank been running? My 115g took close to 4 months to clear and it was a bit cloudier than yours, but now it is clear. I no longer see any light entering the tank. I want clear water too, but I want it to occur and remain without my having to spend money on chemicals that carry other issues.

I'm going to jump in with my suggestions, you are of course free to ignore them.;-) My tanks are crystal clear except when new, or if I get a bacterial bloom (of sorts). [And my one water conditioner causes this for a day, I am not going to get more of it.] The substrate needs time to develop the bacteria colony that is essential. Rather than flog all that, please have a read of this, I think it will explain why:
http://www.tropicalfishkeeping.com/freshwater-articles/bacteria-freshwater-aquarium-74891/
And establishing the substrate biological stability is still the best way to deal with this. Anything else is just band-aiding; it will probably work, but in doing so it will delay the natural establishment of a healthy substrate.

You need a few more plants, and particularly some floating plants. The fish will appreciate them, plus they help with this issue because they are fast growing.

Byron.
 
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#18 ·
Personally I like a little bit of a tinge to the water, I think it makes it look more natural but that's just me. As an example I love the brown/yellow tannins from the driftwood, the leaching is starting to slow down and the water is getting more clear now, I'm half tempted to put a new small piece of Malaysian wood in there just for the tannins. Not that any of that has anything to do with Purigen but I'm with Byron on this one, clean water is the top priority with the level of clarity being a personal aesthetic issue. For me, having sparkling clear water at the expense of unnecessary chemical involvement, regardless of how "safe" or minimal, is not worth it. Most of these fish don't come from crystal clear water and they do just fine. Leave nature alone.
 
#20 ·
I have one tank 80 U.S. gallon's that ran for a year heavily planted without the use of Purigen.
Same tank has now been running for nearly a year with Purigen.
I am particular about what I wish to view in my tank's with respect to clarity and have seen no negative effect from using the Purigen BUT,, I also add dry fertilizer's in the form of inorganic mineral salt's.
Perhap's the weekly addition of fertz negates any negative effect's from Purigen.:hmm:
 
#22 ·
I have to chime in my two cents here as I am a current user of Purigen but only for a time being

Byron, I completely agree with not using Purigen whatsoever and letting nature (live plants) do there wonderful thing and keeping the water clean. Although I am contradicting at the moment by using Purigen in my heavily planted aquarium.

I use Purigen for one sole purpose. I purchased a large piece on driftwood that was to large to soak in any bucket, I couldn't boil it, and if you look at my 75gallon aquarium it's the center piece which you can tell is Huge. The water was extremely brown due to the tannis being leeched into the aquarium. I use Purigen on and off to remove the tannis and give me that clear look as many aquarist look for. It does wonders it makes my fish look as if they are flying like the water isn't even there.

My method I'd Purigen for a month then when I clean my canister filter I remove the Purigen for the next month. My plant growth is insane during the time when I don't use the Purigen. The tannis definitely comes back and the tank is brown again. I replace the Purigen after I restore it and the plant growth slows down just a little bit.

In short would I recommend using Purigen, yes but only if tannins are an issue.
 
#23 ·
I have to chime in my two cents here as I am a current user of Purigen but only for a time being

Byron, I completely agree with not using Purigen whatsoever and letting nature (live plants) do there wonderful thing and keeping the water clean. Although I am contradicting at the moment by using Purigen in my heavily planted aquarium.

I use Purigen for one sole purpose. I purchased a large piece on driftwood that was to large to soak in any bucket, I couldn't boil it, and if you look at my 75gallon aquarium it's the center piece which you can tell is Huge. The water was extremely brown due to the tannis being leeched into the aquarium. I use Purigen on and off to remove the tannis and give me that clear look as many aquarist look for. It does wonders it makes my fish look as if they are flying like the water isn't even there.

My method I'd Purigen for a month then when I clean my canister filter I remove the Purigen for the next month. My plant growth is insane during the time when I don't use the Purigen. The tannis definitely comes back and the tank is brown again. I replace the Purigen after I restore it and the plant growth slows down just a little bit.

In short would I recommend using Purigen, yes but only if tannins are an issue.
I am glad that you posted your experience with purigen, thanks. It is one thing for someone like me to come to the conclusion from my research and the manufacturer's data that a product will probably cause this or that. But when someone has actual experience to support this, I know I haven't lost it all...not yet anyway.:lol:

Byron.
 
#24 ·
I'd like to ad an update.....My curiosity got the better of me and I went out and purchased some Purigen and added it to my 37 gallon's (planted tank) internal filter. Even though I said I would not use Purigen in a planted tank, I have to retract that statement. Water is crystal clear and plants are growing like crazy :)
 
#25 ·
Sorry....not to beat a dead horse (an April post)... But just re-planted my tank, moving older full plants to the back...and newer plants forward.... Added both pellets and liquid fertz to old substrate.... Upon doing so, had a grayish cloudily effect on water (with a few water changes)....

I browsed this site, and came across this conversation... Decided to give this product a go....

Over the span of two days, water is crystal clear.... Added an additional canister filter (3 - for 120g tank)... Plus a uv sterilizer....

Very very happy with the results.... As to not offset the effectiveness of the fertz - I'll prob only run purigen for a week along with the uv sterilizer - then as needed...

Wanted to offset the poss of an algae bloom or increase toxins with the disturbance of the substrate.... So far, excellent results.... Ok, cheers.... Like this stuff, so far, a great deal....
 
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