Many inexperienced aquarists make the mistake of overlooking proper water conditioning before adding fish to an aquarium. Most people understand that fish are sensitive to water temperature fluctuations. After adding water to an aquarium, most people would check the temperature but often disregard the fact that tap water has chemical additives. The tap water in many cities is treated thoroughly with chemicals to make it suitable for human use. It may be great for showering and washing dishes, but not exactly suitable for fish to swim in. In fact, it can be highly toxic for fish.
The chemicals in unconditioned tap water can cause a lot of harm to the fish. Common chemical additive in tap water is chlorine and chloramines. High levels of these chemicals can destroy the fish’s gill tissue and prevent the fish from breathing. In fact, even low levels of these chemicals will irritate the fish tissue and cause harm to the fish. Many fish die due to unconditioned and poorly conditioned water, and the ones that survive experience a lot of stress.
Therefore, aquarium water should be properly conditioned before fish are introduced into it. Conditioning water may sound complicated if you are not a scientist. Fortunately, many aquarium water conditioners on the market will make the process of making water safe for your fish very easy.
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Best Aquarium Water Conditioners
There are many aquarium water conditioners in the market. Therefore, selecting one for your aquarium can be overwhelming. This article covers reviews of popular aquarium water conditioners in the market and their features. So, let’s dive right in!
Seachem Prime Fresh and Saltwater Conditioner
If you are in search of a reliable and efficient yet budget-friendly aquarium water conditioner, Seachem Prime should be your top choice. It is a multi-purpose conditioner that removes chlorine and chloramines from the water and will also eliminate ammonia. It balances the pH level of the water and also breaks down nitrogenous compounds in the water to ease filtration in the aquarium. This conditioner has won the hearts of thousands of fish tank owners worldwide and is often known as the best aquarium water conditioner in the market.
Why we recommend this aquarium water conditioner:
• Six different bottle sizes.
• Affordable and budget friendly.
• Removes nitrates, chlorine, chloramines, and other harmful chemicals in the water.
• Maintains the optimal pH level of water.
• Naturally restores slime coat production.
API Stress Coat Water Conditioner
The API Stress Coat Water Conditioner is also a highly recommended and top-rated aquarium water conditioner in the market. An amazing characteristic of this product is that it removes harmful chemicals from the water and adds beneficial components to it. The use of this product is especially recommended when you are moving your fish. This conditioner contains aloe vera, which reduces stress in fish and help them adapt to new environments easily.
Why we recommend this aquarium water conditioner:
• Removes harmful chemicals from the water.
• Contains aloe vera, which has a soothing effect on the fish.
• Comes in twelve different packaging sizes.
• Aids in filtration by removing debris and other buildups from the aquarium.
Tetra AquaSafe Plus Water Conditioner and Dechlorinator
Tetra is a renowned manufacturer of aquarium supplies, and their aquarium water conditioner is also a popular product. This conditioner removes chlorine and chloramines and dissolves any harmful metals that may be residing in the water. It is also very beneficial for the fish as it adds a slime layer to the fish which helps them heal faster and acts as a shield against the harmful toxins in the water. The water conditioner is very concentrated, so only a small amount is required to treat the water. A small bottle can last you for a long time, making it a very economical choice.
Why we recommend this aquarium water conditioner:
• Very affordable and budget-friendly.
• A little amount goes a long way.
• Slime layer protects the fish and keeps them safe.
• Removed chlorine as well as harmful metals from the water.
Aqueon Tap Water Conditioner
The Aqueon Tap Water Conditioner is a comprehensive conditioner that removes chlorine, chloramines, toxic metals, and ammonia from the water. The conditioner can be used when setting up a new aquarium and should also be added when changing water. It is a very affordable aquarium water conditioner that is available in several different sizes. The bottle comes with clear instructions on how to use the product, and it is very effective and works almost immediately.
Why we recommend this aquarium water conditioner:
• Colorless and odorless.
• Prices within an affordable range.
• Quick action that works within minutes.
Fluval Hagen Water Conditioner
The Fluval Hagen Water Conditioner is a very effective product that quickly removes chlorine and other harmful chemicals from the water. It is a conditioner that is recommended not only for people who are setting up a new aquarium but also for those in search of a good conditioner to use for water changes. It is also a nitrogen exterminator, so it will help reduce the nitrogenous compounds that can harm your fish. It has a diluted formula and does not harm the fish.
Why we recommend this aquarium water conditioner:
• Protects the fish’s mucous membrane.
• Removes nitrates, toxic metals, and chlorine from the water.
• Can be used for both saltwater and freshwater tanks.
Tetra BettaSafe Water Conditioner
As the name indicates, the Tetra BettaSafe Water Conditioner is specially formulated for betta fish aquariums. It not only cleans the water and makes it safe for the fish but also promotes the slime layer production in the fish that protects them and helps them heal quicker. The suggested amount is around seven drops per gallon of water. This conditioner is not only fit to be used for betta fish. It can also be used for aquariums with other species of fish. This conditioner also comes in several packaging sizes, so you can pick anyone suitable according to the size of your aquarium.
Why we recommend this aquarium water conditioner:
• Removes chlorine from the water quickly and effectively.
• No harmful effects on the fish.
• Affordable and budget friendly.
• Aids in protective slime coating development of fish.
• Especially recommended for betta fish tanks but can also be used with other fish species.
FAQ
What is an Aquarium Water Conditioner?
Aquarium water conditioners are formulated to make tap water safe for fish. One of its main functions is neutralizing chemicals such as chlorine and chloramines, typically found in tap water.
Many aquarium water conditioners have additional benefits, such as detoxifying heavy metals and neutralizing ammonia and nitrites.
Different manufacturers offer different benefits, but they all intend to make the water safe and suitable for aquarium fish.
Why should I use an aquarium water conditioner?
If fish are added to water that is not properly conditioned, it can cause them stress or even death. An aquarium water conditioner is a convenient way to make tap water suitable for fish. It neutralizes harmful chemicals, and heavy metals often found in tap water.
It is true that tap water can be aged for 24-48 hours to release most of the chlorine. Chlorine is very volatile, and it will evaporate from the water very quickly. If the water is exposed to a larger surface area or air is bubbled through the water, this process will be accelerated. However, most tap water is treated with chloramine as well. Unlike chlorine, chloramine is non-volatile and doesn’t evaporate very quickly.
In addition, other chemicals and heavy metals are commonly found in tap water. In most municipalities, simply aging city tap water in a bucket for a couple of days will not make the water safe for fish. For these reasons, using an aquarium water conditioner would be the best solution for the most aquarist.
In addition to removing harmful chemicals from tap water, some aquarium water conditioners benefit from other enhancements. Some manufacturers add components to restore the natural slime coat of the fish.
Can you use water conditioners while the fish are in the tank?
When adding or replacing water to an existing aquarium with the live fish inside, the best practice is to mix the tap water and water conditioner in a bucket and let it sit for a few minutes before adding it to the aquarium. This way, the water conditioner can be diluted properly, and the tap water will be thoroughly treated before it reaches the fish.
Some manufacturers do allow you to add their products directly into the aquarium. If you decide to add the water conditioner directly into the aquarium, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s directions carefully. Some manufacturers recommend adding the water conditioner for the entire aquarium if it is being added directly to the aquarium.
For example, if you are adding water conditioner directly into a 10-gallon aquarium, you may need to add enough water conditioner to treat the 10 gallons. Even if you only add 1 gallon of tap water, enough water conditioner to treat the 10 gallons may be required.
How long does it take for aquarium water conditioners to work?
The chlorine and chloramine will be neutralized instantly by most products. However, many aquarium water conditioners today are more extensive with various enhancements. In order to take full advantage of each product’s benefit, it is best to seek the manufacturers’ product-specific directions.
How often should I use water conditioners in my fish tank?
Aquarium water conditioners should be used whenever water is added to an aquarium. It should be used during the initial setup of your aquarium and whenever water is added or replaced.
What are the common ingredients in aquarium water conditioners?
Most manufacturers do not reveal the actual formula of their aquarium water conditioners, but some ingredients are commonly used include the following:
- Sodium Thiosulphate – The purpose of this chemical is to eliminate chlorine from water. It breaks chlorine into chlorine and ammonia. Sodium Thiosulphate removes chlorine, but ammonia needs to be removed separately.
- Sodium Hydroxymethanesulfonate – This chemical is also used for removing chlorine and chloramine.
Tetrasodium – This chemical dissolves and removes any metals that might be present in the water. - Nitrate Removal Chemicals – As the name indicates, these chemicals remove nitrogenous components from the water.
- Anti-Bacterial Agents – These agents help control the growth of harmful bacteria in the aquarium.
- Anti-Fluorine Agent – Although many argue that fluorine is not harmful to aquatic life, some conditioner brands still use an anti-fluorine agent that removes fluorides from the water.
How does an aquarium water conditioner work?
One of the main functions of an aquarium water conditioner is to neutralize the chlorine in tap water. The positively charged chlorine in tap water harms the fish because it sticks to their gills and disables their oxygen intake. When the water conditioner is added to the water, the components in the water conditioner form ionic bonds very quickly. Instead of clinging to the fish gills, the chlorine sticks to the water conditioner instead. Sodium thiosulfate is a key component in this dechlorinating process.
