API Aqua Essential Water Conditioner 4 Ounce Bottle

My go to
I first received it as a sample when it first came out in 2022 and after trying it I have been using it ever since. A small bottle lasts a long time even with 2 tanks (a 15 and a 55) I used to use another one and prime but now I just use this in place of both. Its cost effective and my fish are doing fantastic. The trick is to shake it well and use a syringe to measure it, its very concentrated.

Glad I tried it
This has become an absolute life saver for my tank. Something in my tank caused my cycle to crash and this has helped so much with restarting my cycle, and quickly. Absolutely does lower nitrites/nitrates quickly and safely enough for me to have added my fish back to finish fish in cycle

Not sure it works because
I have never tested the water since I purchased it for watering my houseplants and not an aquarium, but here is a response from the company that explain the difference between two products I purchased.Thank you for contacting API Technical Services.Tap Water Condition removes chlorine, chloramine, and treats heavy metals in the tap water.Aqua Essential does all those same things, but then additionally will remove ammonia, nitrite, and treat nitrate.There is not a product that solves all issues – the pH, GH, and KH have to be handled separately by additions of other products.This product is a milky color with a nice cap to use for measuring, but I use a pipette to apply to several gallon bottles. Had I found this one first, I may have purchased it, but I got the other product (Tap water conditioner) in a bigger bottle for a cheaper price, that was too good to pass up, so I snagged it.

Amazing product!
This water conditioner is awesome! I had been struggling for weeks with ammonia in my aquarium, even with frequent water changes. After starting to use Aqua Essential, adding a dose every 24 hours, after several days my ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates are all at 0 ppm. I use this along with API Stress Coat+ I will continue to use this product. I like the fact that you can see the results on the test kits (API Master test kit) and it has a more pleasant smell than some other products I have used. I would definitely recommend this product.

So far it does the job. I have no complaints.

Tropical fish can be quite sensitive to a build up of nitrates in the tank and tap water that isn’t quite as pure as the local water authority make out. I live in a hard water area – very hard, which can be seen in kettles, the washing machine and shower cubicle easily if not kept on top of. This is what fish are breathing so keeping the tank in good condition means that any breeds on the more sensitive side are going to have a happier and longer life. Offered for review under the Amazon Vine programme, this API™ Aqua Essential™ Water Conditioner is just the job after a regular water change to ensure that the tap water is cleansed to reduce stress in fish from this essential process. The product arrives simply packed in a plastic container that will readily recycle in the green waste collection, a big plus from me as a committed recycler when the container is finished.The product is available in three sizes but I’m testing the 118ml version on my 40 litre tank. The instructions for treating tap water state “Add 1ml per 10 US Gallons (38 litres)”, so that’s a pretty close match, but a little tricky as the cap which doubles as a measure has 5ml and 10ml markings on the side – somebody must have a giant tank! That makes it a little difficult to judge so approximation is required. It’s a little easier for detoxifying against ammonia, nitrite and nitrate however as it specifies 5ml in this case, so how long this lasts depends on the use you are putting the product to, but enough for 24 treatments in my case.The product works instantly, with the product information stating:• De-chlorinator: Removes chlorine, chloramines, heavy metals which are found in tap water• Ammonia Remover: Removes the toxic ammonia continually released by fish through their gills, urine and solid waste.• Nitrites and Nitrates Remover: Produced by fish waste and uneaten fish food, nitrites inhibit respiration and suppress the immune system.That’s some pretty good benefits. The fish both looked and behaved very happily in their cleaned up environment, to the point where three days later new fry were spotted born in the tank, a sure sign the fish are in good condition. I’d definitely recommend this without any qualms whatsoever – both I and my fish are delighted with the effect and the speed of clearing up the tank and the fish definitely appear happier.A word on safety – the international Globally Harmonized System (GHS)f Classification and Labelling of Chemicals “Harmful Irritant” symbol is featured on the container, with a written warning stating:• Causes serious eye damage.• Causes skin irritation.• May cause an allergic skin reactionThis means care should be taken when measuring that the product is handled with respect and not spilt.At £5.99 for 24 treatments I think this is a very reasonable price. You’ll gain economy of scale by purchasing the 473ml bottle, which is 4x the size but just 2.8x the cost, so it’s worth considering if you want the best for your aquarium and intend to use this long term.

I have to do regular water changes in my black moors tank as he’s getting quite large and I have to keep on top of the water changes. This water treatment is easy to use with clear instructions for each water change. It has a measuring cup on the screw top lid which is great for not loosing it. It’s worked fine so far and my fish seem fine with it.Overall it’s made by a reputable brand that’s been around for a long time and they know their stuff. It’s certainly good for looking after your fish by making sure your water conditions are OK.