Warning: Use Vibrant at your own risk

[Karen00]

It's amazing the tsunami it creates beyond them. Like companies like BRS scrambling to pull products, remove videos, maybe make a new video explaining the situation, etc, etc. Other countries getting involved if it violated their regulations (fines might not come from just the US). Something like this has long arms. One thing it also highlights is that people making videos about products like this (the ones claiming to be all natural) are going to have to step up their game. Like if BRS does an "Investigates" feature they better start doing tests like the ones shown here and not simply dump it in a tank on camera and do a time lapse showing how well it worked (or didn't).

 

[Karen00]

Well, that is surprising that they flat out misled aquarists. I’ve used it a couple years ago and it worked great. Although had cyano after the two treatments, but other than that no issues. It wasn’t inexpensive so wonder if they overcharged everyone for what it actually is.

Yes they did. API's Algaefix is half the price and this appears to be rebranded Algaefix (or at minimum the exact same ingredients).

 

[a.t.t.r]

I was surprised with the speed as well.

I do not think I will post the official inspection notice (it gives inspectors names and contact info, for example),

I am also reluctant to post the stated reason for the inspection, except to note it is all about the issues discussed in this thread: whether the manufacture, distribution, and sale is legal.

What are the odds its fake and they are just setting themselfs up to release a second EPA letter giving them the all clear? At this point and after months of lies and moving the goalpost I would not put it past them.

 

[a.t.t.r]

Once this is all settled and when (if) they are found guilty got to make sure they don't just spin up a new company and do the same thing. This guy should be removed from the aquatic industry for life.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

What are the odds its fake and they are just setting themselfs up to release a second EPA letter giving them the all clear? At this point and after months of lies and moving the goalpost I would not put it past them.

Would be incredibly stupid as I can see the MDA officials doing the inspection, see the lead person on the MDA web site, and could just ask them with the provided contact info. lol

 

[jda]

That would be a level of fraud that I hope even they are not capable of. I do not even want to imagine the consequences of impersonating the EPA for more personal gain. They have been dumb, but this is exponentially worse. Besides, since the document has agent names and numbers on it, then these are all too verifiable and people who have gone as far as to get NMR testing could call a few phone numbers or search for some names.

Off topic, and I have posted this before, but a local lawyer who is a friend of a friend told me that perhaps the largest financial threat to UWC is damages from the maker(s) of the algaecide if the EPA (or even public perception) should limit their sales or distribution after their incompetence. If this costs some of these companies millions, then they have the right to a civil suit that does not stop when a company is looted since the larger companies have the ability to go further.

 

[gotwins86]

What are the odds its fake and they are just setting themselfs up to release a second EPA letter giving them the all clear? At this point and after months of lies and moving the goalpost I would not put it past them.

Would be incredibly stupid as I can see the MDA officials doing the inspection, see the lead person on the MDA web site, and could just ask them with the provided contact info. lol

Also, forging a federal document is a very serious offense.

 

[Karen00]

Next comes the PBS Frontline expose "Fall From Innocence" documenting the rise and cataclysmic fall of UWC. Something like that is needed for this. Don't they aim some of their other products to be all natural? I thought I saw a pic of another product of theirs posted by someone. I have no doubt the investigation will be for all of their products.

 

[BigMax]

Yes they did. API's Algaefix is half the price and this appears to be rebranded Algaefix (or at minimum the exact same ingredients).

Actually $8.70 Algaefix Amazon vs $37.99 Vibrant, post removal, BRS price. (4.4 times the price....nice margins)

 

[Eagle_Steve]

Next comes the PBS Frontline expose "Fall From Innocence" documenting the rise and cataclysmic fall of UWC. Something like that is needed for this. Don't they aim some of their other products to be all natural? I thought I saw a pic of another product of theirs posted by someone. I have no doubt the investigation will be for all of their products.

Purge is another one.

60% proprietary herbal blend and 40% RODI.

 

[Lost in the Sauce]

Yes, my plan as a mole for 30 years has finally come to fruition! lol

Finally the Truth! RH-F is actually Big Algaecide in deep cover.

 

[Karen00]

Actually $8.70 Amazon vs $37.99 former BRS price. (4.4 times the price....nice margins)

They will need it to pay all the fines and legal bills. ;-)

 

[jkapit]

Yes they did. API's Algaefix is half the price and this appears to be rebranded Algaefix (or at minimum the exact same ingredients).

Wow, just basic fraud. Sounds like the next episode of American Greed!

 

[Karen00]

Purge is another one.

60% proprietary herbal blend and 40% RODI.

That's the one. I guess we should take "herbal blend" to mean "pesticide". ;-) In all seriousness I wonder if it will extend to anything they sell that claims to be natural.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

One of the interesting implications of it being made by someone else (sounds likely based on having a meeting with "producers") is the possible question to UWC from the inspectors:

If you claim it is not an unregistered pesticide, how do you know that to be true if you do not make it yourself?

Who are the manufacturers? Do the manufacturers provide documentation of what it is? Can we see that documentation? Do you have any documented in house QC to validate what it is? Can we see that documentation?

 

[Karen00]

Wow, just basic fraud. Sounds like the next episode of American Greed!

I love that show!! It is a real eye opener that's for sure. The stuff people have done in the pursuit of money is mind boggling!

 

[jkapit]

I love that show!! It is a real eye opener that's for sure. The stuff people have done in the pursuit of money is mind boggling!

I just found my receipt. $36.99 from Fragtastic Reef for a 16oz bottle back in 2019. Oh well, live and learn. Thanks Randy for your continued honest research!

 

[LRT]

One of the interesting implications of it being made by someone else (sounds likely based on having a meeting with "producers") is the possible question to UWC from the inspectors:

If you claim it is not an unregistered pesticide, how do you know that to be true if you do not make it yourself?

Who are the manufacturers? Do the manufacturers provide documentation of what it is? Can we see that documentation? Do you have any documented in house QC to validate what it is? Can we see that documentation?

Absoloutely. I think its fair to say with certainty that the gig is up.
All I would hope to be along the lines of this type of questioning is the guy that can provide this documentation with proper explanation. Probably also fair to say that's all most of us wanted in these threads and I'm positive we will get that soon enough.

 

[RyonFly]

Want to really get your blood boiling as far as greed and the lengths companies/corps go to to hide their misdeeds watch "Downfall: The Case Against Boeing", currently on Netflix.

 

[Sean Clark]

WOW I missed a lot. I am never going to sleep again! This has gotten much more interesting.