API Aqua Essential Concentrated Water Conditioner 1.89L

API Aqua Essential 1.89L is a highly concentrated, all-in-one aquarium water conditioner that instantly makes tap water safe for fish. Suitable for freshwater, saltwater and planted aquariums, it removes chlorine and chloramine and detoxifies heavy metals commonly found in tap water.

The formula binds ammonia, nitrite and nitrate, rendering them non-toxic and allowing the biofilter to process them more efficiently. Fish continually release toxic ammonia through their gills, urine and solid waste. Uneaten food and decaying organic matter also add ammonia to the aquarium. Even small amounts can stress fish, while large amounts can be fatal.

Use API Aqua Essential when setting up an aquarium, adding or changing water, or when tests show elevated ammonia, nitrite or nitrate levels. When adding, transporting or quarantining fish, API recommends using API Stress Coat water conditioner alongside Aqua Essential.

Using the dosing cap on the bottle, add 5 mL per 50 gallons of aquarium water to treat tap water. To treat ammonia, nitrite and nitrate, add 5 mL per 10 gallons of aquarium water. Follow the product label’s directions.

Wait 24 hours after dosing before performing a water change. If you dose within that 24-hour period, the existing guidance states there is no danger to the animals or plants in your aquarium. A follow-up water change is beneficial to an aquatic system.

Using the dosing cap, add 5 mL per 50 gallons of aquarium water to treat tap water, or 5 mL per 10 gallons to treat ammonia, nitrite and nitrate.

• Will API Aqua Essential affect my aquarium’s protein skimmer?

Aqua Essential will not disrupt any type of protein skimmer.

• Is it possible to overdose Aqua Essential?

Always follow the dosing directions. The formulation allows a margin if the aquarium is accidentally dosed with a slightly higher amount than specified.

• Is Aqua Essential safe for other aquatic animals, such as snails and shrimp?

Yes, Aqua Essential is safe to use with other aquatic animals, including snails and shrimp.

• Can I use Aqua Essential with other API products?

Aqua Essential can be used alongside any other API water conditioner or medication.

• Does Aqua Essential affect aquarium pH?

When dosed according to the label, Aqua Essential will not affect pH.

• Can I double the dose for high chloramine levels?

Aqua Essential is designed to treat chloramines without a double dose. A double dose is not necessary, although the existing product guidance states that using one is not a problem.

• How long should I wait between doses?

Wait 24 to 48 hours between doses.

• How long does Aqua Essential bind ammonia, nitrite and nitrate?

Aqua Essential binds ammonia, nitrite and nitrate for up to 48 hours or longer. Test the water to determine whether additional dosing is necessary. In aquariums with highly elevated levels, overstocking or excessive feeding, a partial water change after 24 hours is recommended to help improve water quality for the fish.

Bound ammonia and nitrite remain metabolically available for beneficial bacteria to process, allowing the biological filter to continue functioning.

• How much ammonia is removed per dose?

At a dose of 5 mL per 10 gallons, the existing product guidance states an expected ammonia reduction of 20–40 ppm.

• How much nitrite is removed per dose?

At a dose of 5 mL per 10 gallons, the existing product guidance states an expected nitrite reduction of 15–30 ppm.

• How much nitrate is removed per dose?

At a dose of 5 mL per 10 gallons, the existing product guidance states an expected nitrate reduction of approximately 40–60 ppm.