API AQUA ESSENTIAL removes chlorine, chloramines, heavy metals. Tap water contains chemicals, such as chlorine and chloramines, which make water safe for drinking, but are highly toxic to fish. High levels of these chemicals destroy fish gill tissue, preventing the uptake of oxygen which can lead to fish death. Even low levels irritate delicate fish tissue. Tap water must be treated before adding fish to make sure fish remain healthy.
API AQUA ESSENTIAL removes toxic ammonia. Fish continually release ammonia into the aquarium through their gills, urine and solid waste. Uneaten food and decaying organic matter also add ammonia to the water. Even small amounts of ammonia stress fish; large amounts of ammonia will kill fish. Ammonia is the #1 killer of freshwater fish.
API AQUA ESSENTIAL removes nitrites which are produced by fish waste and uneaten fish food. Nitrites inhibit respiration and suppress the immune system at low levels, while high levels cause suffocation.
API AQUA ESSENTIAL removes nitrates. Excessive nitrate provides a nitrogen source that can stimulate algal blooms. A high nitrate level also indicates a build-up of fish waste and organic compounds, resulting in poor water quality and contributing to the likelihood of fish disease. Maintaining a low nitrate level improves the health of fish and invertebrates. Aquarium water should be tested for nitrate once a week to ensure the nitrate does not reach an undesirable level.
Bound ammonia or nitrite is metabolically available for the beneficial bacteria of the biological filter to process. In aquariums with high levels, overstocked with fish, or extremely overfed, do a partial water change after 24 hours.
| Customer Reviews | 4.7 out of 5 stars 4,069 | 4.8 out of 5 stars 35,505 | 4.7 out of 5 stars 25,010 | 4.6 out of 5 stars 6,513 | 4.7 out of 5 stars 15,396 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £11.19£11.19 | £9.76£9.76 | £9.95£9.95 | £13.73£13.73 | £19.03£19.03 |
| Chlorine | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | no data |
| Chloramines | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | no data |
| Heavy metals | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | no data | no data |
| Ammonia | ✓ | no data | no data | ✓ | ✓ |
| Nitrites | ✓ | no data | no data | no data | ✓ |
| Nitrates | ✓ | no data | no data | no data | no data |
| Stress | no data | ✓ | no data | no data | no data |
| Damaged tissue | no data | ✓ | no data | no data | no data |
| Fish bagging/transportation | no data | ✓ | no data | no data | no data |
At API, we understand the rewards and relaxation of fishkeeping because we have a passion for fish too. For almost 60 years API has developed premium solutions with proven and effective results for your family and ours. API offers a range of testing kits, water conditioners, and nutritionally superior food, because we’re dedicated to making a better underwater world.