API
API TAP WATER CONDITIONER Review
Reviewed by Mark Reynolds · Published
Discover the benefits of API TAP WATER CONDITIONER for your aquarium. Ensure safe water for your fish with this highly effective water conditioner.

The verdict
API TAP WATER CONDITIONER is a must-have for maintaining fish health.
Why we recommend it
Contains one (1) API TAP WATER CONDITIONER Aquarium Water Conditioner 16-Ounce Bottle
Neutralizes chlorine, chloramines and other chemicals to make tap water safe for fish
Prevents tap water chemicals from causing gill destruction, tissue irritation and fish death
Super strength, high concentration formula
Use when adding or changing water and when adding new fish to freshwater and saltwater aquariums
Add 1 ml. for each 20 gallons of aquarium water.
Pros
- Instantly removes chlorine and neutralizes chloramines
- Highly concentrated formula, cost-effective
- Safe for both freshwater and saltwater aquariums
- Easy to use during water changes and fish introduction
- Positive feedback from thousands of users
Cons
- May require frequent use for large aquariums
- Some users may prefer alternative brands
Gallery
Full review
Overview
Keeping an aquarium can be both a rewarding and challenging hobby. One of the most critical aspects of maintaining a healthy aquarium is ensuring that the water quality is optimal for the fish you keep. Tap water, while safe for human consumption, often contains harmful chemicals such as chlorine and chloramines that can be detrimental to aquatic life. The API TAP WATER CONDITIONER is a highly regarded solution for aquarium enthusiasts looking to enhance the health and longevity of their fish by conditioning tap water.
The API TAP WATER CONDITIONER comes in a convenient 16-ounce bottle and is designed to instantly remove chlorine and neutralize chloramines. Moreover, it detoxifies heavy metals commonly found in tap water, providing a safe environment for your fish to thrive. With a high concentration formula, this water conditioner is effective in treating large volumes of water, making it an essential item for both novice and experienced aquarists.
Key Features
One of the standout features of the API TAP WATER CONDITIONER is its ability to neutralize chlorine and chloramines, which are toxic to fish. The product’s concentrated formula means that just a few milliliters can treat a significant amount of water; specifically, 1 ml can treat up to 20 gallons. This efficiency is particularly appreciated by aquarium owners who need to perform regular water changes or when setting up new tanks.
Additionally, the conditioner is safe for use in both freshwater and saltwater aquariums, making it versatile for various setups. Users can add it during water changes, when introducing new fish, or whenever tap water is added to the aquarium. The formula works quickly, ensuring that the water is safe for fish almost immediately after treatment.
Who Is It For
The API TAP WATER CONDITIONER is ideal for anyone who keeps fish, from hobbyists with small tanks to serious aquarists managing large setups. It is especially beneficial for those who rely on tap water for their aquariums and want to ensure that their fish remain healthy and free from the harmful effects of chlorine and heavy metals. Whether you are a beginner just starting out or an experienced fishkeeper looking to maintain a thriving aquatic environment, this product is tailored to meet your needs.
Many customers report that the conditioner has become a staple in their fishkeeping routine. They find it effective for weekly water changes and appreciate how a little goes a long way. For instance, one customer noted that their 10-year-old goldfish continued to thrive thanks to the consistent use of this conditioner. The high rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from over 25,000 reviews speaks volumes about its effectiveness and reliability.
Final Verdict
In conclusion, the API TAP WATER CONDITIONER is an essential product for anyone serious about maintaining a healthy aquarium. Its ability to neutralize harmful chemicals, combined with its concentrated formula, makes it a cost-effective choice for all types of aquarists. With a proven track record and positive customer feedback, it is a must-have for keeping your aquatic pets safe and healthy.
The API TAP WATER CONDITIONER is a reliable solution for treating tap water in aquariums, ensuring that fish remain healthy and vibrant.
Specifications
| Brand Name | API |
|---|---|
| Unit Count | 1 Count |
| Manufacturer | Mars Fishcare |
| UPC | 017163003526 |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00017163003526 |
| Included Components | 1 Bottle 16-Ounce |
| Item Type Name | Aquarium Water Conditioner |
| Model Number | 52C |
| Manufacturer Part Number | 52C |
| Best Sellers Rank | #777 in Pet Supplies (See Top 100 in Pet Supplies)#2 in Aquarium Water Treatments |
| ASIN | B004LO9KSY |
| Customer Reviews | 4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars (25,099) 4.7 out of 5 stars |
| Liquid Volume | 16 fluid ounces |
| Item Weight | 1.2 pounds |
| Item Form | Liquid |
| Pet Type | Fish |
| Target Species | Fish |
| Allergen Information | Apple Free |
| Product Dimensions | 2.5 x 2.5 x 8.75 inches; 1.2 pounds |
| Manufacturer recommended age | 1 month and up |
| Item model number | 52C |
| Department | Unisex-Adult |
| Date First Available | June 20, 2004 |
What buyers say
4.8 · 5 reviews“Still using untreated tap water in your aquarium? That could be stressing your fish without you even realizing it.This is the API Tap Water Conditioner, and it’s been my go-to water treatment for over a year.Whether I’m doing a water change or just topping off my tank, I add a few drops to tap water to help neutralize harmful chlorine and make the water safer for my fish.I’ve used this conditioner consistently, and my fish stay active, healthy, and stress-free.It’s easy to use, lasts a long time, and works with both freshwater community tanks and routine water changes.If you care about your fish, don’t skip water conditioning. Check out the API Tap Water Conditioner and see why so many aquarium owners keep a bottle on hand.”
“I’ve been using API TAP WATER CONDITIONER for a few weeks now, and I’m extremely impressed with its effectiveness in keeping my aquarium water clean and safe for my fish. Here’s why I’m giving it a 5-star review:1. Perfect for New Aquariums and Water Changes:I’ve recently set up a new tank, and this conditioner has been a lifesaver. It quickly removes harmful chlorine, chloramine, and heavy metals from tap water, which could be toxic to fish. It ensures the water is safe to use without waiting for the water to sit for days.2. Safe and Effective for All Fish Species:Whether I’m adding new fish to my tank or doing a routine water change, I feel confident using this product. It’s safe for all types of freshwater fish, including my delicate species. I haven’t noticed any signs of stress in my fish after water changes, which speaks volumes about the quality of this conditioner.3. Easy to Use:The API TAP WATER CONDITIONER is super easy to use. I simply add the recommended amount per gallon of water, and it instantly works its magic. No hassle, no mess—just pour and go!4. Great Value for Money:Considering the price and the amount of product you get (16 ounces), this conditioner is a great value. It lasts for a long time since you only need a small amount with each water change, making it an affordable option for any aquarium owner.5. Fast Acting:The conditioner works fast! I can fill the tank with treated water and immediately begin acclimating new fish. I’ve had no issues with cloudy or unsafe water when using this conditioner, and it’s consistently kept the water quality at its best.6. Trusted Brand:API is a well-respected brand in the aquarium industry, and it’s a name I trust when it comes to my fish’s health. Their products are always reliable and effective.Final Thoughts:If you’re an aquarium owner, whether you’re new to fishkeeping or a seasoned pro, I highly recommend the API TAP WATER CONDITIONER. It’s safe, affordable, and does exactly what it promises—ensures clean, safe water for your fish and keeps them happy and healthy.💯 Five stars – a must-have for any aquarium enthusiast!”
“I love all of the API products, especially their easy to use test kits. This product is great as well. Regardless of which size you buy of their tap water conditioner, it is the best value of reputable brands that will treat all tap water for your pond or tank. It only requires 3 drops per gallon you add to your tank. It removes chlorine, neutralizes chloramines, and helps detoxify any heavy metals in your tap water. Some more expensive products will claim to also include things to help your fish maintain their protective slime coating (and cure male pattern baldness and perhaps ED). If your fish are healthy, and your tank's water parameters are maintained well through weekly water changes and good filtration, those other ingredients are useless. (The "Special Sauce" is just ketchup, mayonnaise, and relish.) If your fish have sores or other health problems, then find the cause, fix it, and treat them with something besides a tap water conditioner if needed.Like every other tap water treatment API's instructions first tell you an amount of the product required to remove chlorine, and then in smaller print below say to use 2 to 3 times as much to also neutralize the more toxic chloramines that may be added during the purification of your water. I don't know why the companies that make these products won't be honest and say up front to use the higher amount, and then in small print say you can skimp and use less if you want to save money and risk the health of your fish.If you have confirmed with your local water authority that they do not use chloramines during their treatment or your water, then it only requires a single drop per gallon to remove chlorine. I did not bother to call my county water authority, since I had no way to confirm that the person who answered the phone would know chlorine, chloramine, nor chloroform for that matter. from their own colon or a hole in the ground. Even if you personally spoke to someone that could tell you for dead certain that chloramines are not being used, they are not going to text you if that changes in the future. Unless you are the person in charge of that step of water treatment for your area, the only way to know for certain if your water was safe for your fish with only a single drop per gallon, is if you use one drop, then test that water for any detectable ammonia that is the treated water. The chloramines contain a small amount of ammonia. Then you would know it was safe to add to your tank without causing them irritation and inflammation of their gill tissue. It is much safer to simply to add 3 drops per gallon. More doesn't hurt anything, but it's just wasted.To refill my tanks, I keep a pair of 5 gallon plastic bottles that were used for filtered / spring water. After I fill my tanks, I add the tap water treatment to the jug, refill it, and let it sit until I need it. This allows the conditioner time for its anti-heavy metal ingredients to work fully. It also lets the water come to room temperature, since 5 gallons of icy cold tap water in winter can cause the temp to drop in a 55 gallon tank. Perhaps more importantly, the water lines in many places are old and require frequent repairs or expansion. When repairs are made to water mains, they sometimes add extra chlorine disinfectant at the repair site to insure that any bacteria that might have gotten introduced to the main are killed and cannot grow and contaminate our drinking water. While I cannot normally detect a smell of chlorine in my tap water, I occasionally notice that it smells a bit more like a swimming pool than tap water. If more chlorine than normal is in the tap water, then more neutralizer would be needed. Most Chlorine will gas off on its own if the tap water is left uncovered for 24 hours, but Chloramine will not. When they disinfect a repair site, they are normally only using chlorine. By leaving the water I will add to my tank sitting for at least a day, then I am positive that it is always safe to add to my tank.I have had people ask me before if they can add the conditioner to the tank and then use a water hose to refill their tank. I don't normally recommend this because many of our fish are conditioned to come to the part of the tank where we are standing and adding water, because they think food will soon be added as well. If you add the conditioner to the tanks water rather than to the tap water first, then the tap water from a hose will take a short while to react with the treatment additive. Temporary short spikes of chlorine won't kill your fish, but cumulatively over time, it's not good for them either. Also unless you have a hose that is certified safe for drinking from, it can leach harmful chemicals into the water you're adding to the tank. If you are using a normal garden hose to refill your tank after water changes, at the minimum you should run water through it first for a few minutes to make sure that any that has been standing in the hose is washed out.”
“I bought this product to use in my plant water. It has worked out great for my more sensitive plants. Will continue to use.”
“Works good and long lasting. Only issue is that one capful only good for 5 gallons.”
Frequently asked questions
How often should I use the API TAP WATER CONDITIONER?+
It is recommended to use the API TAP WATER CONDITIONER during every water change or when adding new fish to your aquarium.
Is it safe for all types of fish?+
Yes, the API TAP WATER CONDITIONER is safe for all types of fish, including freshwater and saltwater species.
Can I use it in a tank with live plants?+
Absolutely, the API TAP WATER CONDITIONER is safe for use in aquariums with live plants.
What is the dosage for larger tanks?+
For larger tanks, you can use 1 ml of conditioner for every 20 gallons of aquarium water.
Does it help with cloudy water?+
While it neutralizes harmful chemicals, for cloudy water, you may need to look into additional filtration or other specific treatments.
About the reviewer
Mark Reynolds
Pet Care Editor
Mark is a lifelong pet owner who reviews pet products for safety, durability and real-world use.
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