Purigen?

[J. Montgomery]

A LFS employee (big-box chain store; he also runs a side business of tank maintenance) suggested that I try using SeaChem Purigen, and I wanted to hear what ya'll experiences and opinions were on it. He said he uses it in all of his clients tanks (though I've never seen any of these tanks to know how they look).

I had been battling some cyano a few months ago when he initially made the suggestion. I cleared the cyano with erythromycin and it hasn't come back. Lately I've been battling an "algae on SPS" problem that I finally found out is being caused by monti-eating nudibranches killing my corals and oportunistic algae growing on the dying corals (no appreciable algae except on the dying montis).

Before I realized that I had a problem with monti nudis I had been running Purigen for over a week, in addition to the activated carbon I normally run. Since it didn't seem to be doing anything I've since stopped using it. Another reason I didn't like it is b/c its so small that some grains come through the filter sock and float around the tank whenever I move the filter sock.

So what's the word on Purigen?

 

[papagimp]

I've been running that stuff for about 2 weeks now, and so far, nothing. I"m kinda unimpressed with it.

 

[Boomer]

Purigen should be pretty good at tieing up some organics, unlike ChemiPure, which is useless. However, there have been no tests done on Purigen to show how well it works or doesn't work.

 

[reefnetworth]

Purigen should be pretty good at tieing up some organics, unlike ChemiPure, which is useless...Dito on that Boomer!!!

ive used purigen in the past and it worked fine for me. it removed NO/3 and NH/3 & NH/4 in about two weeks and by the 4th week it was brown and i recharged it per instructions. and it worked fine again until the tank was stabilized, then i discarded it.
JDM...

 

[J. Montgomery]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9804860#post9804860 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by reefnetworth
ive used purigen in the past and it worked fine for me. it removed NO/3 and NH/3 & NH/4 in about two weeks and by the 4th week it was brown and i recharged it per instructions. and it worked fine again until the tank was stabilized, then i discarded it.
JDM...

Do you remember what your levels of NO3 and NH3 were before and after using the Purigen?

 

[HowardW]

<<< I had been running Purigen for over a week, in addition to the activated carbon I normally run. Since it didn't seem to be doing anything I've since stopped using it. >>>

If you're already using a good carbon, it may be redundant to also use Purigen. At the very least, when using both, the Purigen will probably last a long time.



<<< Another reason I didn't like it is b/c its so small that some grains come through the filter sock and float around the tank whenever I move the filter sock. >>>

You can either buy the 100 mL size which already comes in its own sealed bag, or use a fine mesh bag like Seachems 'The Bag'.



<<< So what's the word on Purigen? >>>

I've been using it for over 10 yrs. and like it. I've been told by Seachem that it is very efficient at removing organics yet not quite as aggressive as carbon, and it makes the water in my tanks absolutely crystal clear.

 

[kaptken]

I have used it for 8 years and i like it. sometimes i add carbon, in small amounts, sometimes, not. I like buying the 100 gram size packed in a sealed micron bag. the purigen is smaller than the normal 300 micron media bags. so either use "THE BAG" 250 Micron? by Seachem for bulk purigen, or buy it in the 100 gram sealed pouches.

you are not supposed to throw it away. you clean and recharge it by soaking in 50/50 bleach solution overnight, and then dechlorinate with seachem SAFE powder in water. Ive regenerated some of my pouches 10-20 times. be selective on the dechlorinator. dont use the ones with slime coat. it ruins the purigen.