Switching Water Conditioner Brands

Carch

Carch

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Sep 1, 2010
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So, when it comes to fish products I generally dislike mixing them, and prefer to stay with a brand once I begin using it. I currently use Stress Coat from API, and have been using them for around 10 years, however I'm interested in switching to another type of conditioner.

Simple, stupid question: Will there be any harm in "mixing" brands during a water change? As in, next week when I do my 50% changes, can I add another brand of conditioner and be fine? I'm no expert on how water conditioners work, but I assume that it dissipates after detoxifying the tank, correct?

I'm just curious because I have always heard (with medications at least), to never, ever mix brands.
 
I think you're on target. Don't mix in a singe WC just because there's no telling how the various components will combine — but using the last of one brand on one WC and starting a bottle of the other brand on the next week's WC shouldn't be a problem.

IMO, anyway. :)
 
I actually switched over from API Stress Coat to Seachem Prime myself a few weeks ago, Just changed over cold turkey during one of my water changes. Fish didn't even seem to notice. My plants are a lot nicer then they were, but I couldn't tell you if it's from the Prime or some of the ferts I've changed.
 
I had been using API Stresscoat for years as well, but just changed over to Prime from the recommendation of some MFK memebers.

I didn't notice any issues from switching right to another brand, and have been more than happy with Prime.
 
Why not just use API's actual dechlor product, Tap Water Conditioner which only treats chlorine, chloramine and heavy metals... none of the stress-this, slime-that type crap in it. It's very concentrated so a 16 oz. bottle will treat up to 9,400 gallons compared to 2,400 for most other 16 oz. bottles of dechlor products... and it usually costs less too.

Prime is good but it's overpriced for folks that aren't stuck with cycling with fish but it's very good for folks that are stuck with cycling with fish. Once a tank is mature enough that it has a good biological filter set up, then Prime really is not needed.
 
I've looked into the API Tap Water product, and honestly, it's not available anywhere near me in anything bigger than a tiny little bottle. I'd have to order it online, which I'm not keen on doing at the moment.
 
I know http://www.DrsFosterSmith.com carries it at a very low price... around $5.00 for the 16 oz. bottle... if you ever have to order other stuff or if they have a free or low-priced shipping sale.
 
I just checked DrsFosterSmith and they do have the $5.99 flat rate shipping on small orders and free shipping on larger orders.
 
Something else I just though of. If you have a PetsMart nearby, they have Top Fin Tap Water Dechlorinator 8 oz. size, usually in stock in the stores for $5.49 which treats 2,400 gallons (Do NOT get the Top Fin Tap Water Conditioner which is the slime-this type product).

It's not as good of a deal as the API 16 oz. bottle but it's still a better price than some others. Petsmart.com has the 16oz. of API's Tap Water Conditioner for only 6.99 so you get four times the water treatment for 1.50 more. Talk to the store manager about getting the 16 oz. bottle in stock and remember the stores will match their online prices so check the prices online first.
 
i use big als 16.00 for a gallon jug good stuff. bigalsonline.com
 
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