API QUICK START Nitrifying Bacteria

API QUICK START is a bottled nitrifying bacteria for freshwater and saltwater aquariums. It is meant to help a new tank build the bacteria that turn fish waste into less harmful compounds, and to support that colony after disruptions.

What nitrifying bacteria do

Fish release ammonia, which is toxic. In a mature tank, bacteria living in the filter convert ammonia to nitrite, then nitrite to nitrate, which you remove with water changes. A new aquarium has none of these bacteria yet, which is why new tanks often lose fish. API says QUICK START reduces compounds harmful to fish when used routinely and helps prevent fish loss.

When to use it

• When starting a new aquarium
• When adding new fish
• When changing water
• When changing or rinsing filter media

Using it well

API says QUICK START allows fish to be added right away in a new tank. If you do that, stock lightly, feed sparingly and test ammonia and nitrite often for the first weeks. Shake the bottle, dose after the water has been dechlorinated with a conditioner such as API TAP Water Conditioner, and keep the filter running so the bacteria can settle into the media.

Sizes

This page covers the 16-Ounce bottle (model 89E) plus its other sizes: 1-Ounce, 4-Ounce (89C), 8-Ounce (89D) and 32-Ounce. Pick a size by tank volume; a small tank needs only a small bottle, and bacteria products are best used fresh.

Fishless cycling

If you prefer to cycle before adding fish, pair a bacteria starter with an ammonia source such as Fritz Fishless Fuel, and wait until ammonia and nitrite both read zero within a day of dosing.

Compared with others

Tetra SafeStart Plus and other bottled bacteria serve the same purpose. Whichever you use, the test kit tells you when the tank is ready, not the bottle.