Thank you
@taricha ,
@Randy Holmes-Farley ,
@jda and all the others who have devoted considerable time, effort and money to pursue this analysis, and for continuing that effort until we get to a conclusion.
I think
@jeffww makes a very valid point.
Edit: Also I think you've completely misinterpreted Randy's and other's arguments. On principle, we as stewards of our hobby and the environment, should be concerned when we release any type of potentially harmful chemical. Whether or not Vibrant actually is harmful isn't important. Ethics doesn't begin when harm is done. What is important is that we continue to demand transparency in reporting so that everyone can make an informed decision. If not vibrant, there may be a day when we will have wished that irresponsible use of poorly understood chemicals was better policed by the hobby. ....
The title for this thread,
Warning: Use Vibrant at your own risk
is entirely appropriate.
I am happy many have used and been satisfied with Vibrant and have not encountered any issues. That success does not mean this warning is not needed.
I personally had a terrible experience with freshwater AlgaeFix (which contains the same ingredient as Saltwater AlgaeFix per API SDS) two years ago. An hour after dosing, all of the fish in my 90 gallon african cichlid tank were under extreme duress. Even after a 60% water change, several fish died within the first 3 hours and more died over the next 3 days.
I recently purchased a bottle of Vibrant based on reviews in R2R and not knowing it was the same chemical as AlgaeFix. I was relieved when this thread and the earlier thread by
@taricha appeared BEFORE I used Vibrant. Sure, if I had used it, perhaps no harm may have occurred. But the issue to me is very simple. The lack of transparency for this product was leading me down a path to make a decision I would not have made. Ironically, after buying the product, I sat on it for several weeks because I had not been able to determine what chemicals were in it.
Do not assume product reviews on vendors websites are always completely accurate. I wrote a review of my AlgaeFix experience and sent it to the on-line vendor and to API. API never responded. The on-line vendor sent me a dozen roses for my fish loss, but refused to publish my review or include my rating on their site, even after several back and forth emails asking why.
The AlgaeFix reviews on
Amazon were a bit more revealing. While 68% responded favorably for AlgaeFix, many users reported problems similar to what I experienced. Sure, some will say all of us that lost fish just didn't know how to follow instructions. Nonetheless, transparency is lacking.
Whether it's Vibrant or many of the other products for which vendors do not disclose content (some of which
@taricha has also studied) :
Warning: Use XXXXXXX at your own risk
is entirely appropriate and I hope
@Randy Holmes-Farley continues to point those products out in the future.
