Which sera product should be used in case of nitrite pollution?

sera Nitrite-minus vs. sera toxivec vs. sera bio nitrivec

sera have added sera Nitrite-minus to their care product range for the aquarium hobby. It immediately removes up to 1.5 mg/l nitrite per dosage and additionally provides a preventive effect. Besides Nitrite-minus, there are further products that remove nitrite: sera toxivec and sera bio nitrivec. This contribution gives an overview about the corresponding functions of the products and when these are used most effectively.

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sera Nitrite-minus - Nitrite remover for the directed reduction of nitrite levels or for preventing new tank syndrome

The new product has been developed for the directed reduction of nitrite and for preventing new tank syndrome. It provides immediate help in case acute nitrite pollution and immediately removes up to 1.5 mg/l nitrite per dosage from the aquarium water. It converts the toxic nitrite into organic amines which are utilized by the filter bacteria. Re-dissolution of the nitrite is thus not possible. Furthermore, sera Nitrite-minus has a preventive effect and can, for instance, prevent new tank syndrome during the start phase. The product is added to the aquarium water every other day between the 5th and 15th day according to the dosage recommendation to do so. The product is very well tolerated by ornamental fish, invertebrates and plants, and can be dosed up to 5-fold. With sera Nitrite-minus, sera thus provides a reliable and safe solution for preventing elevated nitrite levels, e.g. during the start phase of a new aquarium, after a disease treatment or a filter change. The water parameters should be monitored regularly especially during such pollution situations. This allows recognizing deviations quickly and correcting them in time.

ApplicationWater parameter optimization
Functions
  • Removes:
    • Nitrite
  • Converts nitrite into organic amines which are utilized by filter bacteria
  • Prevents enrichment of nitrite (new tank syndrome)
Way of action
  • Immediately
  • Preventively
Tolerated byPlants, fish, invertebrates
Less suitable for-
Application casesIn case of acute nitrite pollution (e.g. due to new setup, filter changes/cleaning, extensive cleaning measures, disease treatment, overfeeding, high fish density)
Dosage
  • 5 ml per each 20 l (5.3 US gal.) of water
  • Can be dosed up to 5-fold

sera toxivec - Broad range treatment as immediate help in case of water pollution

As can be guessed by the name, sera toxivec is designed for the application against pollutants in aquariums. Besides nitrite, it also removes ammonia, chlorine and chloramines. It furthermore binds heavy metals such as lead and copper, and lowers the nitrate level. sera toxivec is effective immediately, but does not have a preventive effect. In case of acute pollution or when suspecting pollution by an unknown cause, sera toxivec is the product to choose as it is effective against several pollutants at the same time. Acute pollution is, among others, characterized by unusual, conspicuous behavior of the fish, e.g. enhanced breathing, different swimming behavior as well as dwelling at the surface. Fine leaved plants may react sensitively in case of overdosing several times.

Application

Water parameter optimization

Functions
  • Removes:
    • Nitrite
    • Ammonia
    • Chlorine and Chloramines
  • Binds heavy metals such as lead and copper
  • Reduces nitrate levels and, correspondingly, algae growth
Way of actionImmediately
Tolerated byPlants, fish, invertebrates
Less suitable forWhen overdosed several times: fine leaved plants
Application cases

In case of acute water pollution or if acute water pollution is suspected (visible, among others, by unusual, suspicious behavior of the fish such as heavy breathing, color changes, altered swimming behavior, dwelling at the surface)

 

Dosage
  • 5 ml per each 20 l (5.3 US gal.) of water
  • Can be dosed up to 5-fold

sera bio nitrivec - Biological basic product for establishing a biological equilibrium

sera bio nitrivec also shows its functions already in the name. The liquid biofilter medium contains millions of useful filter bacteria that (re)establish the biological equilibrium in the aquarium. Furthermore, the included mineral volcanic rock ensures that pollutants are being removed, cloudiness is being bound and purification bacteria are being offered a settling area. Consequently, both nitrite and ammonium as well as sludge are being broken down. However, sera bio nitrivec is less suitable if the nitrite level in the aquarium is elevated, e.g. after a filter change, extensive cleaning or a disease treatment. It supports quick recovery of the bacteria population, but cannot break down nitrite in such short time. Correspondingly, sera bio nitrivec only on very rare occasions allows preventing new tank syndrome in short time. It is, however, indispensable for (re)establishing the biological equilibrium, e.g. in case of a new setup, after a filter change, extensive cleaning measures or a disease treatment.

ApplicationWater conditioning
Functions
  • Establishes a biological equilibrium
  • Provides settling area for useful purification bacteria
  • Breaks down biologically:
    • Nitrite
    • Ammonium
    • Sludge
  • Allows adding fish after only 24 h when combined with aquatan
Way of action
  • Medium-term
  • Strongly preventively
Tolerated byPlants, fish, invertebrates
Less suitable for-
Application casesFor (re-)establishing a biological equilibrium, e.g. in case of a new setup or after a filter change/cleaning, extensive cleaning measures, disease treatment
Dosage
  • 10 ml per each 25 l (6 US gal.) of water
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