I know not to listen to the LFS, but my daughter and I were there the other day and the asked us if we add live bacteria. Claimed it must be frozen, not off the shelf. I had never heard of it frozen before.

I add the Microbe-Lift TheraP.

Do you guys add bacteria to the tank, and if so what is the best?
Freshwater, planted tank.

Other than the TheraP, Prime is the only other item I add, other than food and water.

There should be no need to add bacteria (live or otherwise) once your tank is cycled. Perform water tests to see how your bacteria colony is doing (chemical tests are more accurate than strips). FYI, most LFS employees earn commissions on items like that, it is called an "upsell". Most of us use only water conditioners (prime) and medications (as needed). How are your levels? Do you test them? You can post test results to get advice. Good luck!

Yep. You shouldn't need to buy bacteria. As GD said, it's a way for lfs's to make more $$$$.

Don't quit understand what you mean by a nitrate problem. Water changes are the meathod by which to lower it to a safe level, and I do WC's in response to what my levels are.

Remember: nitrate is the last product produced by ineraction with bacteria. Ammonia and nitrite should allways read ZERO.

FYI, Prime doesn't remove nitrates...only water changes do. If you find that your Nitrate level is high in your local water, then I would invest in a dentrification chamber to go with your filter. About $100 bucks or more depending on the size of your tank, could go to $200, but worth it if you have high Nitrates. I would invest in a chemical test first to get a more accurate reading though (about$30 or $40 bux). If you need the chamber, www.aquaripure.com

So I made the change, went out today and bought the liquid test kit. Nitrates come out of the tap at almost a 5.

I thought Prime 'detoxifies' the nitrates though?

Prime temporarily binds chemicals, not permanently....Since you have no bacteria that eats the Nitrates, then it will (eventually) un-bind and you will see a spike. Like I said, invest in a dentrification chamber, (or you can look up how to make your own). Another option is to put filered water in when you do a WC, but eventually the cost will be more than the chamber. FYI...You should have 0 ammonia. .25 is very high in a cycled tank, so I would check the tap water for that as well (unless what you posted was the tap water results).