API TAP Water Conditioner

API TAP Water Conditioner neutralizes chlorine, chloramines and other chemicals so municipal tap water is safe for fish. It is a super strength, high concentration formula for both freshwater and saltwater aquariums.

Why tap water needs treating

Most city water is disinfected with chlorine or chloramine. Both damage fish gills and skin; API notes that untreated tap water chemicals can cause gill destruction, tissue irritation and fish death. A conditioner binds or breaks these down before the new water reaches the tank.

When to use it

• Every time you add or change water
• When setting up a new aquarium
• When adding new fish
• When topping up a saltwater tank or mixing new salt water from tap water

Dosing

The label directions on the 16 ounce bottle list 1 ml for each 20 gallons of aquarium water. Dose for the volume of new water you are adding, or for the full tank when setting up. Add it to the bucket before pouring, or to the tank just before refilling, so fish never meet untreated water.

Sizes

This page covers the 4-Ounce bottle (model 52B) and its larger sizes: the 16-Ounce (52C), the 32-Ounce (52Q) and the 1-Gallon, 128 ounces (52D). The formula is the same; buy the size that matches how much water you change. A 4 oz bottle goes a long way on a single small tank, while the gallon makes sense for fish rooms and big systems.

What it does not do

TAP Water Conditioner does not remove ammonia or nitrite from an uncycled tank, and it is not a substitute for a working filter. If your water company uses chloramine, the ammonia part of that compound still needs your biofilter to process it. Test with a kit such as the API Freshwater Master Test Kit if fish show stress after water changes.

Alternatives

Keepers who want a conditioner that also temporarily binds ammonia often choose Seachem Prime. API’s own Stress Coat adds a slime coat protectant. For simple, reliable dechlorination at every water change, TAP Water Conditioner does the job.