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Post by angelminx on Jun 19, 2014 18:40:14 GMT -5
I have a question about Purigen. I have a 100 ml package in the filter of my quarantine tank (I also recently took out the carbon and added some Matrix) that I've had to regenerate once. After I did, it really smelled bad--kind of like my Algone did after use (I haven't bought any more Algone yet), and had darkened a little bit. While it was in the bleach, it began to look like it did when it was new, but after sitting in the Amquel Plus dechlorinating solution, it got darker and started to smell. It still did after the "final rinse", so I went through the proccess again, but this time during the dechlorination stage, I used my NovAqua Plus. It did darken up again, and smell a bit, but not so bad as before. I didn't notice any smell when I first opened up the package, but then I wasn't really paying any attention to what it smelled like. I've had it back in the quarantine tank (10 gallons) for a little while, and it has darkened slightly, but it hasn't lowered the nitrates any. Right now they are at 10 ppm, and have fluctuated between that and 9 ppm since I put it back in. Is it "broken"? Should I buy another one? I don't use any for the display tank because of the
Just wondering if I've done something wrong.
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Purigen
Jun 19, 2014 18:52:38 GMT -5
Post by Carl on Jun 19, 2014 18:52:38 GMT -5
I generally used a more basic dechlorinator such as De-Chlor, Tap Water Conditioner, or Start Right. Product Resource: www.americanaquariumproducts.com/Waterconditioner.html#startrightThe other "reduces" add polymers that may have interacted with the Purigen You can also simply air dry the Purigen in sunlight, which is what I most often have done. The air and sun will take care of the bleach in a couple of days Carl
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Purigen
Jun 20, 2014 0:23:22 GMT -5
Post by angelminx on Jun 20, 2014 0:23:22 GMT -5
I just typed out a reply, but when I went to post it I received an error message saying that my login was invaled--even though I had to log in to even make a reply. I hope I will remember what I said before, but luckily it was short.
I will probably go with the De-Chlor or Start Right, whichever is available at Walmart, since that's the closest place to me where I can get it the quickest, and without having to pay for shipping. I don't have access to sunlight for very long periods at my place, although a tree outside my apartment did just die. Until shortly after I moved to my present location, I used to always have Jungle's Insta-Chlor on hand, but I guess they quit making it after Tetra took over.
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Purigen
Jun 21, 2014 0:11:13 GMT -5
Post by devonjohnsgard on Jun 21, 2014 0:11:13 GMT -5
I have a question about Purigen. I have a 100 ml package in the filter of my quarantine tank (I also recently took out the carbon and added some Matrix) that I've had to regenerate once. After I did, it really smelled bad--kind of like my Algone did after use (I haven't bought any more Algone yet), and had darkened a little bit. While it was in the bleach, it began to look like it did when it was new, but after sitting in the Amquel Plus dechlorinating solution, it got darker and started to smell. It still did after the "final rinse", so I went through the proccess again, but this time during the dechlorination stage, I used my NovAqua Plus. It did darken up again, and smell a bit, but not so bad as before. I didn't notice any smell when I first opened up the package, but then I wasn't really paying any attention to what it smelled like. I've had it back in the quarantine tank (10 gallons) for a little while, and it has darkened slightly, but it hasn't lowered the nitrates any. Right now they are at 10 ppm, and have fluctuated between that and 9 ppm since I put it back in. Is it "broken"? Should I buy another one? I don't use any for the display tank because of the
Just wondering if I've done something wrong. You want Nitrates about this level. 10ppm is not a bad thing. I think it's working fine. It's good to replacement them over time though. "As a generalization, I recommend levels UNDER 40-50 ppm for FW, 20 ppm for Saltwater fish, & under 5 ppm or less for reef aquariums. For planted freshwater aquariums, about 15 ppm is suggested (not much lower)." Resource: www.aquarium-pond-answers.com/2007/07/aquarium-nitrates.html
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Post by angelminx on Oct 24, 2014 15:42:11 GMT -5
I just recharged my new pouch of Purigen. And, again, it smells really bad--you can smell it when you get anywhere near the washer, where it is sitting right now. I checked with this new pouch, and it did have an odor, but nowhere near as strong as it is after use. I used the Tap Water Conditioner this time, and it did darken up a bit again after using it. I was wondering, since I don't really have access to sunlight, where I can put it out and leave it, is it possible to use a heat lamp instead? Or something else? To put it outside I would have to set it in the middle of the complex's lawn and leave it there for "the duration", and while I'm not afraid that the residents themselves will "tamper" with it or remove it, I do have to worry about visitors and neighborhood kids.
Is there anything that can be done about the smell?
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Purigen
Oct 24, 2014 17:59:55 GMT -5
Post by devonjohnsgard on Oct 24, 2014 17:59:55 GMT -5
I just recharged my new pouch of Purigen. And, again, it smells really bad--you can smell it when you get anywhere near the washer, where it is sitting right now. I checked with this new pouch, and it did have an odor, but nowhere near as strong as it is after use. I used the Tap Water Conditioner this time, and it did darken up a bit again after using it. I was wondering, since I don't really have access to sunlight, where I can put it out and leave it, is it possible to use a heat lamp instead? Or something else? To put it outside I would have to set it in the middle of the complex's lawn and leave it there for "the duration", and while I'm not afraid that the residents themselves will "tamper" with it or remove it, I do have to worry about visitors and neighborhood kids. Is there anything that can be done about the smell? Bleach water is what works for me and others I've talked too. I can't remember if it was you that said you don't use it cause it messes with your senses. I think it is the only thing that will help. Having some smell is not bad though. Can you put the purigen on top of the water heater?
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Purigen
Oct 24, 2014 23:53:26 GMT -5
Post by angelminx on Oct 24, 2014 23:53:26 GMT -5
I use the bleach 1st (which doesn't usually bother me), then the Tap Water Conditioner. The Purigen seems fine after the bleaching process, and doesn't smell quite as bad then. But when I soak it in the (API) Tap Water Conditioner (AND in the alkaline buffer later, per Purigen instructions), that's when the "problem" intensifies. I am assuming there is nothing wrong with it at this point, it's just that it smells awful.
Devon, when you mention the water heater, I assume you are talking about putting the Purigen there for a while after the bleach treatment? Would I just set it there on a few thicknesses of paper towel or maybe a paper plate (and cover it with another paper towel--the area around the water heater gets petty dusty from the cat litter near-by)?
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Purigen
Oct 25, 2014 13:28:58 GMT -5
Post by devonjohnsgard on Oct 25, 2014 13:28:58 GMT -5
I use the bleach 1st (which doesn't usually bother me), then the Tap Water Conditioner. The Purigen seems fine after the bleaching process, and doesn't smell quite as bad then. But when I soak it in the (API) Tap Water Conditioner (AND in the alkaline buffer later, per Purigen instructions), that's when the "problem" intensifies. I am assuming there is nothing wrong with it at this point, it's just that it smells awful. Devon, when you mention the water heater, I assume you are talking about putting the Purigen there for a while after the bleach treatment? Would I just set it there on a few thicknesses of paper towel or maybe a paper plate (and cover it with another paper towel--the area around the water heater gets petty dusty from the cat litter near-by)? Looks like you are doing it right. I'm not sure why it would smell. Yes, to dry afterwards. You could put it on the water heater. A plate is fine.
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kevin
Full Member
Posts: 121
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Purigen
Oct 25, 2014 19:29:08 GMT -5
Post by kevin on Oct 25, 2014 19:29:08 GMT -5
Since Im using Purigen for the first time, how long would you leave in the filter before doing a re-charge? I know the package says a week if high nitrates, but it hasn't really discolored much yet?
Thanks, Kevin
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Post by Carl on Oct 26, 2014 10:14:47 GMT -5
Discoloration has never been that great an indicator for me.
I usually change or re-charge every 4-6 weeks in aquariums with stable nitrates (often only using Purigen to polish then remove).
In an aquarium environment such as your with high nitrate, I would change/re-charge weekly or whenever nitrates appear to be increasing.
Carl
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kevin
Full Member
Posts: 121
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Post by kevin on Oct 26, 2014 15:59:34 GMT -5
Carl- you mentioned 3 products for de-clorinating, but not Prime--do you recommend one of these 3 INSTEAD of Prime?
Also, Angelminx- Im doing a recharge on mine right now as well and read something that may or may not be pertinent to your "pungent" 100ml bag. It says on the 250ml container, "some slime coat products may permanently FOUL Purigen and render regeneration difficult." And then goes on to say about a chlorine smell. But it seemed like the few times you did it, it still had foul smell. Maybe its that??
And you mentioned needing to put in Alkaline buffer, per instructions with the de-chlorinator. I couldn't find that part. Was that something specific to your tank or do I need to be using that as well?
Kevin
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Post by Carl on Oct 26, 2014 16:55:20 GMT -5
Prime De-chlorinates and much more, which is why for simply removing bleach such as in Purigen recharging, you do not really need all that prime or Amquel + does. API Tap Water Conditioner, Weco DeChlor, or slightly more advanced products such as Start Right are really all you need. Some are listed in this article: www.aquarium-pond-answers.com/2007/04/aquarium-water-conditioners.htmlCarl
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Purigen
Oct 27, 2014 0:22:42 GMT -5
Post by angelminx on Oct 27, 2014 0:22:42 GMT -5
Hey, Kevin (and Carl).
According to the 100ml package, after rinsing and soaking "for 8 hours with a solution containing 2 tablespoons of Prime, or equivalent dechlorinator per cup of water, rinse well. For freshwater use, soak for 4 hours with a solution containing 1 tablespoon of buffer per cup of water (Discus Buffer, Neutral Regulator). Original color and full activity should now be restored and Purigen is ready for reuse." The caution about the slime coat products is then mentioned.
I soak the pouch in 2 cups H20/2 cups (regular) Clorox bleach in a 2 qt glass bowl for the required 24 hours, at which time the pouch looks like new, and smells like bleach. I then rinse is under cool running tap water,and soak it for 8 hours in 2 cups H2O/4 tablespoons of API's Tap Water Conditioner. [The 1st time I did it (with the pouch I originally had, but later replaced with this one) I used Amquel Plus...when the process was finished I didn't like the results, so I tried again: like new after the bleach, then back to the yuk, so I tossed it and bought the pouch I have now. Also, I only recently bought some Prime, but haven't tried it.] I rinse under the tap water again, and then prepare 2 cups H2O and 2 tablespoons Seachem's Alkaline Buffer (that's the only buffer I have, other than their Acid Buffer--I was originally told both had to be used together for it to work in my tank--I rarely use the Acid Buffer any more) for the buffer soak. After bleaching it's fine, but shortly after I begin the dechlorinating soak the pouch turns yellow/brown and begins to smell bad, and continues with the same presentation with the buffer soak as well....unlike the claim that it should be back to the original color.
Am I missing something, Carl?
Angelminx
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Post by Carl on Oct 27, 2014 9:36:09 GMT -5
Maybe I missed a step, but here is how I have performed regeneration of Purigen (from Aquarium Medications; Purigen) "Sea Chem Purigen is easily renewed by treating with bleach and is designed for both marine and freshwater use. Directions; Soak in a 1:1 bleach:water solution for 24 hours in a non-metalic container in a well ventilated area and away from children. Rinse well, then soak for 8 hours with a solution containing 2 tablespoons of Prime, or equivalent dechlorinator (Water Conditioner) per cup of water (do not use slime coat dechlorinators such as Stress Coat or Novaqua). Then, rinse well. After this, original color and full activity should now be restored and Purigen is ready for reuse."Reference: www.aquarium-medications.com/2012/04/seachem-purigen.htmlCarl
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kevin
Full Member
Posts: 121
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Post by kevin on Oct 28, 2014 15:17:11 GMT -5
Mine came out fairly bright but did have an unusual smell- kinda musty. But I think I may not have used the ratio noted above of 2 tbl per cup of water so am soaking again. Interesting tho, Seachem's site has the piece about the alkaline buffer if use is for fresh water but doesn't say to use dechlorinator (even tho one would have to to remove the chlorie bleach), and didn't really specify that the "4 tbs dechlorinator per cup of water" is for saltwater application. Seems like their instructions aren't super clear. I'm not sure what chemical reason there would be to soak in alkaline buffer (increaser), since the average pH of bleach is 11-13- at the top of the alkaline side of the pH scale.
My money is on Carls process since he's probably done this 1000 times. :-)
Don't know if we are experiencing the same odor or not, but I'll let you know how my re-soak goes.
Kevin
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Post by angelminx on Oct 28, 2014 16:36:17 GMT -5
Hi, Kevin!
The odor that I notice is the same one it has when you 1st open the package (before using it), but MUCH stronger after the 2nd step of the regeneration process.
Angelminx
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Post by parker002 on Oct 30, 2014 9:52:06 GMT -5
I had to bleach mine twice (it floated the first time, so half of it wasn't in the bleach) but afterwards, I didn't notice any small at all. I soaked it in Sachem Prime (diluted) and it returned to normal.
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Purigen
Oct 30, 2014 15:45:08 GMT -5
Post by angelminx on Oct 30, 2014 15:45:08 GMT -5
I'll try that next time I do a regeneration. Thanx, Parker.
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kevin
Full Member
Posts: 121
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Post by kevin on Oct 30, 2014 17:06:38 GMT -5
Mine came out better after doing the soak in the 2 tbs per cup. Probably didn't need 4 cups. Actually ended up forgetting it was soaking outside overnight. The bucket and packet had some of the same smell but after rinsing in cool water, pretty much gone. Stuck it outside in the sun for 4-5 hrs now and it has that same smell if I stick my nose in it, but a lot less than 1st time. I'll try double bleach soak next time as well.
Kevin
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Post by parker002 on Nov 7, 2014 9:54:11 GMT -5
Yeah, I put mine away yesterday because I forgot it was drying for the last couple of weeks and if I put my nose real close, I can smell it. It's the polymer that smells like that.
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