I've never done a fishless cycle myself, but I will the next time I set up a tank. The good news is I'm learning from your experience, and I can help you to the best of my ability with the cycling information.

I haven't heard from anyone about Seachem Prime. Here's what I think about it: I didn't see anything about it containing live bacteria cultures (which would help your bacteria handle the ammonia/nitrites/nitrates). It just says that it neutralizes it... and that, to me, means that it is messing up your cycling process... throwing your bacteria all out of whack. Always keep in mind that your LFS is biased because they want to sell you things. I only have the well being of your fish in mind.

I would compare the seachem prime to the Tetra Aqua Easy Balance, which I would never use as a bacterial additive (or while cycling). Well, I should say I will never use it again for cycling. What you are looking for in a cycle aid is live bacterial cultures (specifically Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter if they list them or nitrifying bacteria).

So your water test confirmed that it did or did not remove the ammonia, nitrates, and nitrites? I think it's safe to say that by adding the Prime, you have damaged your colonies. You should have been done with the cycling by now, however, it varies for each person. Sometimes it works just fine, and sometimes we unknowingly sabotage ourselves. Trust me, I've done it to myself. Patience is the key. Don't give up; the perfect habitat is well worth the wait.
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Phishie
Site Coordinator

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

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