Freshwater Conditioners

When to use them: with every water change using tap water, when starting a new tank, and in emergencies (ammonia/nitrite spikes) to keep the aquatic life safe.

How they work: they reduce chlorine/chloramines, chelate metals, and temporarily transform ammonia into less toxic forms, giving biological filtration time to work.

Compatibility: prefer plant-safe and shrimp-safe formulas for planted aquariums and caridina/neocaridina shrimp; soothing additives (e.g., aloe, colloids) help in cases of stress or transport.

Good practices: dose before adding new water, follow the instructions on the label, shake the bottle well, and combine with a bacterial starter (never at the same time as the bioconditioner, wait 30 minutes) during initial tank setups or after major maintenance.

Recommended sequence (simple and safe):

1. Bioconditioner in the new water (preferably in a canister), mix, and aerate.
2. Wait 10–15 minutes with circulation/aeration: chlorine and chloramines are neutralized.
3. Bacterial starters in the tank near the filter intake or directly on moist filter media.

When to extend the waiting time: if using “strong” conditioners (that bind ammonia/nitrites) or making large changes (>40–50%), wait 20–30 minutes and maintain high oxygenation.

Important operational notes:

• UV/ozone off for 24–48 h after adding bacteria; reduce carbon/resins in the first few hours.
• Do not overdose conditioners; increase surface movement during dosing.
• RO/DI: with osmosis water (remineralized), the conditioner is usually not needed; you can dose bacteria directly if necessary.
• NH₃/NO₂ emergency: condition first, wait 15–30 min, then add bacteria; repeat bacteria at a daily dose for 3–7 days.
• Filter: do not rinse media under the tap; use water taken from the aquarium that you will then discard.

Useful frequencies: conditioner with every change; bacteria at startup (as per label) and weekly boosters or with water changes in mature tanks.