Dewmazz

What will using Purigen do to my planted aquarium? It says it removes nitrites, nitrates and ammonia, but will adding something like Flourish Nitrogen replace the nitrates lost by the filter? I'm not to sure the difference between nitrates and nitrogen...

And will it have an effect on other essential plant nutrients? Should I use my "Purigen Cartridge" (plastic filter backing w/purigen enclosed in a mesh bag) once a week rather than continuously?

Salt

I use it in my planted tank continuosly with no problems.

It does not remove nitrites and nitrates directly, but rather it removes dissolved organics that would otherwise break down into nitrites and nitrates.

Its impact on trace elements and nutrients is minimal.

Yes, dosing Flourish Nitrogen will put nitrogen in the water which Purigen won't absorb.

Nitrogen is am element. You want to put nitrogen compounds in your tank so plants can use them. Nitrate is a nitrogen compound - NO3. However, it's better to use nitrogen compounds that are closer in structure to an amine group (NH2) which plants use to make plant proteins. For example, ammonium - NH4+.

Flourish Nitrogen is a blend of different nitrogen compounds, including potassium nitrate, ammonium, and guanidine.

Dewmazz

Thank you so much for the info. I greatly appreciate it.

Seachem

Well said Salt.

Phil Edwards

I'll add to Salt's comments about Purigen. I've used it over long periods of time in a number of tanks at the store I used to as a water polisher with excellent results and little in the way of adverse side effects.

Laith

These were planted tanks?

And,

What adverse side effects did you have (even if "little")?