Water Care
Dechlorinators, bacterial starters, pH adjusters and test kits for healthy aquarium water.
2 products
Tap water may be safe for people, but its chlorine and chloramine damage fish gills and the beneficial bacteria in your filter. Every bit of new water added to the tank should therefore be treated with a conditioner. Good conditioners neutralise chlorine and chloramine, bind heavy metals and support the fish’s protective slime coat.
Key products and what they are for
- Dechlorinator: at every water change, at the dose on the bottle.
- Bacterial starter: for new set-ups and after filter cleaning or medication, to support the cycle.
- Test kit: to monitor ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and pH. Liquid tests are more accurate than strips.
- pH adjusters: only after testing, and gradually.
Changing pH quickly is far more harmful than a stable pH that is slightly high. Most fish adapt to the 6.5–7.5 range, and if the reading is steady it is usually best left alone. If you do use a pH raiser or lowerer, change it by no more than 0.2–0.3 units a day.
Cloudy water, fish gasping at the surface or reddened gills usually point to an ammonia or nitrite spike. Test first, then do a 30–50% change with dechlorinated water and cut back on feeding. Store water treatments out of direct sunlight and, once opened, generally use them within 6–12 months.
Common questions about Water Care
Does standing tap water remove chlorine?
Chlorine may partly evaporate, but chloramine, used in many mains supplies, does not. A conditioner is the safest option.
When should I add bacterial starter?
When setting up a new tank, and after large water changes, filter cleaning or antibiotic treatment.
How often should I test the water?
2–3 times a week during the first six weeks, then weekly or whenever fish seem unwell.