im starting a new aquarium and i have most of the starter chemicals. Not sure if they are ok to use since they are almost 3 years old?
2006-12-21 02:02:42 · 4 answers · asked by sassy2sloppy 2 in Pets ➔ Fish
no idea what the names are, but i know the one is some acid stuff, cloudiness remover, clorine reducer...basics
2006-12-21 02:17:50 · update #1
The problem with leaving water out to condition instead of using chemicals is that water does not only have chlorine in it (which easily evaporates in a day or two) but also has chloramine and heavy metals - which are less toxic to your fish, of coures, but will have longterm noxious effects.
If you a cycling product like Cycle or Biozyme, chuck it, it wasn't good to start with. To cycle your tank (introduce the nitrifying bacteria) you can either put some gravel or filter sponge from an established, or get some Bio-Spira. Or, put a source of ammonia (a bit of fish food every other day) for 2-3 weeks before introducing fish.
Water condition, if it was kept in airtight container, and out of the light/heat should still be fine. If you think it may be expired, get some new stuff and compare the smells. If it smells the same, the old stuff is probably fine, but it's not as though water conditioner is too expensive to get more :)
Fertlizers will likely have expired.
If you have a test kit, it has probably expired. Get a new one and compare the two results to see if your old kit is still any good. Can't have too many testing supplies :)
2006-12-21 02:19:19 · answer #1 · answered by Zoe 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most water conditioners will be fine if stored in a cool place. Test kits do expire and may be best to compare test results with your LFS prior to relying on them. Some fertilizers will grow mold over time, specially if previously opened... other than that most products are likely ok after such storage. It would be easier if we knew what product you have. Perhaps look up the manufacturer's website, some may have a shelf life listed for their products.
Hope that helps
Update: I think you're OK with the products mentioned. As already mentioned, use a complete water conditioner that treats for chlorine, chloramine and heavy metals. Tap water contents can change from place to place, including season to season.
2006-12-21 10:10:48 · answer #2 · answered by tuvix72 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have used old chlorine remover and clear water stuff before and everything was fine. Not sure on the other things though!
2006-12-21 10:57:24 · answer #3 · answered by angelmwilson 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am not a fan of chemicals.. I would rather distill the water by leaving it out for 24-48 hours.. ideally 72.. this will remove all the chlorine as it will evaporate on its own
2006-12-21 10:06:46 · answer #4 · answered by CF_ 7 · 2⤊ 2⤋