Does anyone use Tetra Easy Balance?

[Cleo1668]

Does anyone use Tetra Easy Balance? This stuff is yellowish in color and when I put it in my tank it turns the water that color. It's very unsightly. Does the coloring eventually go away? If it doesn't , I don't think I'll use it anymore.
I don't know how they can expect anyone to use this stuff if it's going to make the water nasty looking.
For anyone that doesn't know, Easy Balance is one of those products that keeps the water biologically and chemically balanced in between water changes.

[t_chelle16]

IMO, it's not worth the money.

Assuming your tank is properly stocked, you have the proper amount of filtration, and you do the proper number of water changes, your tank should stay pretty ballanced anyway.

It's best to only add chemicals if you absolutely have to (ie dechlorinator and if you're treating specific illnesses).

-Chelle

[Cleo1668]

Thanks. I think you're right.

[Fish Addict]

i agreed i don't use any chemcial's unless it is the last last resort

[Hooben]

I think the label says that it will protect you tank from ammonia spikes for up to 6 months without water changes, c'mon. The word easy just gives it away. There is no easy way out with water changes, gravel vaccums and ph balance.

[kc5gvn]

Hi Cleo1668, I used to use Amquel + to remove chloramine and Novaqua to buffer the PH, since the PH runs so high here, when I did water changes. Novaqua now removes chloramines, so it is the only thing I use when I do water changes. The fewer chemicals you use, the fewer things you have to go wrong. The more chemicals you put in a tank, the harder it is to keep balanced and greater likelyhood of having problems.
Additionally, I haven't found a product yet that will truly keep a tank balanced. They usually only mask the water conditions. The ONLY way to keep a tank balanced is by proper maintenance. After that statement I'll probably get a dozen emails telling me how great a certain product is but I stand behind my statement.

[dbltrubl98]

Im going to set up a tank soon and haven't done so before. If I took a tap water sample to a lfs then do you think they could tell me what the readings are? I would ask you guys what to do as I don't trust them farther than I can through the skinny Highschool student...

[t_chelle16]

Yes, most LFS's will test your water for you. However, it's generally a good idea to get your own tests (they usually only cost a few bucks each) so you can test them whenever you need to.

Also, I suggest you read this article on cycling a tank. I highly recommend you do a fishless cycle before adding any fish.
http://flippersandfins.net/Cycling.htm

-Chelle

[dbltrubl98]

don't worry I will do the fishless cycle, you've give me that link about a half dozen times Chelle

[t_chelle16]