StressZyme/StressCoat

[MickieFish]

What is the difference? I have some stress zyme.. can I use it instead of the AquaSafe? The bloodowrm zombie lady at the LFS told me to turn off my filter when I put in the StressZyme.. is that neccesary? Thanks!

 

[An t-iasg]

StressZyme is a bacterial additive that claims to add live bacteria to your tank. How long has your tank been set up? Do you know your ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate readings? Stress Coat is a dechlorinator. It also removes chloramines and heavy metals, and helps to replenish the fish's slime coat. It contains aloe vera, which some people think is beneficial; other people don't believe it's necessary to add an organic substance like aloe to your tank.

Here's a description of Stress Coat: http://www.aquatichouse.com/Water Conditioners/StressCoat.asp

AquaSafe: http://www.tetra-fish.com/catalog/product.aspx?id=73

To answer your question - no, you can't use Stress Zyme in place of AquaSafe. AquaSafe is also a dechlorinator. Use either it or Stress Coat, and I wouldn't bother about using the Stress Zyme.

 

[MickieFish]

Thanks! Wish I hadn't wasted that 6 bucks, but live and learn! I know my ammonia is 0, and my Ph is 7, but I don't have the nitrate and nitrite test kits. I have had the tank for about 6 weeks now.

 

[An t-iasg]

If your tank has been up for 6 weeks, it should be cycled. All tanks are different, though, and you should test to be sure your cycle is complete. Are the fish acting ok? Are they breathing from the surface (unless it's a betta or gourami) or lethargic?

Here's an article on cycling: http://www.aquariumadvice.com/article_view.php?faq=2&fldAuto=21

If you don't have nitrite or nitrate tests, take some tank water into your lfs and they can test it for you. Ask them to give you the number result, not just tell you "it's fine".

It's usually best, IMO, to let the cycle happen on its own, and not to use these bacterial additives to try to start it. The cycle does take a long time sometimes - 4-6 weeks or longer - but it's best for the stability of the tank in the long run to let the bacteria culture itself naturally.

I have used Bio-Spira, the live, refrigerated bacteria, and it did work well. It didn't cycle overnight but it helped. It's rather hard to get where I am. I am cycling my next tank with the fishless cycling method, where you add ammonia to the fishless tank to begin the cycle and let the bacteria colonize that way, without harming any fish.