API Quick Start Review

Today we will be reviewing API Quick Start for both freshwater and saltwater aquariums. As an aquarium owner, we know that it is hard to wait the necessary time to add fish into a brand new tank. Normally, it is important that you wait for a period of up to 6 weeks until the new biological filters in the tank are able to convert waste produced from adding fish.

Now there is a solution that will give you the opportunity to skip the waiting period. The liquid API Quick Start product can be added to a new tank to instantly jump-start the biological filtration process.

API Quick Start Nitrifying Aquarium Bacteria, Allows Instant Addition of Fish & Maintains Active Biological Filter, 16 oz Bottle

Contains one (1) API QUICK START Freshwater and Saltwater Aquarium Nitrifying Bacteria 16-Ounce Bottle

Allows instant addition of fish when starting a new aquarium
Reduces compounds harmful to fish when used routinely
Helps prevent fish loss in freshwater and saltwater aquariums

Use when starting a new aquarium, when adding new fish and when changing water and filter media

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Pros

Quick jumpstart of the aquarium cycle

Allows instant adding of fish
Reduces harmful compounds when used once in a while
Prolongs lifespan of fish

Fast and easy to use
Keeps aquarium clean and prevents fish stress

Cons

The instructions on the bottle are not clear enough
Requires initial ammonia to start its job

Key Features of API Quick Start

API Quick Start liquid is easy to use, works fast and is an affordable addition to speed up your main water filtering process. It is considered a water conditioner and works by neutralizing ammonia and nitrite into the harmless nitrate compound.

Now we are going to get a little scientific here. Ammonia is produced in your tank from decaying aquarium plants, fish excrement, and uneaten fish food which through an organic process, turns into nitrite. Both ammonia and nitrite can be extremely toxic to fish. This can cause what is called “New Tank Syndrome” where fish suddenly die in a newer tank because of high levels of ammonia or nitrite. API Quick Start contains nitrifying bacteria that convert the ammonia and nitrite into harmless nitrates which are considered safe for a normal aquarium.

Usually, you have to wait weeks to add your fish to a new aquarium once the tank begins filtering. With this product, you no longer have to wait that long. Add initial ammonia to the tank to begin the biological filtration process, and then pour in the API Quick Start liquid. An average size tank should be ready to add fish within two or three days.

A 237 ml bottle can treat about 870 liters or 230 US gallons of water. One capful treats about 20 gallons. Based on our review of API Quick Start, we still advise that you check the water levels before adding any new fish.

Ease of Use

Imagine that you are a busy homeowner or someone that has a lot happening in their life. You love your fish, but sometimes it is just necessary to have a backup plan that is easy to use and can save you a lot of time. API Quick Start provides clean water and can stabilize your tank quickly after pouring only a small quantity into the water.

Bottle Size

API Quick Start has a couple of different sizes that you can purchase. Depending on the size of your aquarium, you can purchase a 4-ounce, 8-ounce, 16-ounce, and 32-ounce bottle.

How often should API Quick Start be used?

The product can be used every 2 weeks or monthly on a regular basis to restore the ecosystem and prevent fish stress. In addition to starting a new tank, you can also use API Quick Start when:

Changing or cycling aquarium water
Changing filter media
After medicating fish

Anytime ammonia or nitrite are present

How Does API Quick Start Compare To The Competition?

There are other products with a similar effect of cleaning ammonia and nitrite. Some have more features and some less. The best product depends on your type of tank and preferences. In this review, we will compare just a couple.

API Quick Start vs Seachem Prime

Seachem Prime is a product that has both ammonia and nitrite cleaning as well as a chlorine and chloramine removal process. However, this can remove helpful nitrates as well.

API Quick Start vs DrTim’s Aquatics One & Only

DrTim’s Aquatics One & Only product is another comparable water conditioner specifically used for Reef and Nano tanks while our review of API Quick Start has shown that this can be used in both freshwater and saltwater aquariums.

Final Thoughts

We hope you find this API Quick Start review helpful. The API aquatic cleaning water conditioner is ideal for those that don’t have the time that starting a new aquarium or cleaning an existing tank can take. This product extremely shortens the time need before fish can be added to a tank with its two-step bio-filtration process. This also eases the burden on your water filter to prolong its lifespan and save you additional money. Please let us know about any experiences you have had with API Quick Start in the comments below.