If you’re new to the world of owning pet fish, you might not know that regular tap water can be harmful for your fish and will need to be treated before using in a fish tank. While tap water is safe for us to drink and use, the chemicals that make it this way can be very harmful to fish and therefore it has to be fish-friendly.
To do this, you can use an aquarium water conditioner. This is a liquid that is poured into the water and makes it safe for your fish to live in, getting rid of all the chemicals and metals. But which is the best water conditioner for a fish tank? Luckily for you, we have compiled a guide below that gives you all the information you need on the best water conditioner. Keep reading on to find out more.
Best Water Conditioner For Fish Tank – Comparison Table
| Product Image | Product name | Features | Star Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 1) Seachem Prime Fresh and Saltwater Conditioner | Powerful Treatment Permanently Removes Chlorine And Chloramine Detoxifies Ammonia, Nitrite, And Heavy Metals | 4.8 out of 5 |
 | 2) TankFirst Complete Aquarium Water Conditioner | No Awful Smell Cutting Edge Formula Superior Performance | 4.6 out of 5 |
 | 3) Brightwell Aquatics MicroBacter7 Bacteria & Water Conditioner | Establishes biological filtration Veterinarian Pathologist tested Made in the USA | 4.7 out of 5 |
 | 4) API Stress Coat Water Conditioner | Makes tap water safe Protects fish Dual-action formula | 4.8 out of 5 |
 | 5) Tetra BettaSafe Water Conditioner | Water Conditioner Reduces Stress Fast-acting | 4.7 out of 5 |
 | 6) Aqueon Tap Water Conditioner | Instantly makes tap water safe for fish Detoxifies heavy metals, Convenient dosage cap is included | 4.7 out of 5 |
 | 7) Natural Rapport Aquarium Water Conditioner | Professional Grade Conditioner Detoxifies & Removes Harmful Chemicals All-in-one Conditioner | 4.5 out of 5 |
 | 8) Splendid Betta Complete Water Conditioner | Neutralizes chemicals Formulated with aloe vera Reduce inflammation and help heal fish | 4.7 out of 5 |
 | 9) Kordon NovAqua+ Water Conditioner | Removes heavy metals Provides health aids Immunizers and vitamins to fish | 4.8 out of 5 |
 | 10) Fluval Water Conditioner | Complete tap water conditioner Improves aquatic environments for tropical fish Reduces Stress for Fish | 4.7 out of 5 |
What Is A Water Conditioner?
A water conditioner is technically anything that affects the condition of the water you’re using. However, the best water conditioner that we are discussing in this guide is used to ensure the tap water water in your fish tank is safe for your fish, so they can live a long and healthy life.
Do I Need The Best Water Conditioner?
If you own fish, you will more than likely use a water conditioner. Many chemicals, such as chlorine, that are put in tap water to make it suitable for human consumption. Just because this water is safe for us to drink, it doesn’t mean that it is safe for your fish to live and therefore the best water conditioner must be used to ensure it is suitable for them.
The best water conditioner also helps to remove any heavy metals in the water that are commonly found in tap water. These metals can raise the pH of the water which can be very harmful for your fish, so removing them is very important. Lastly, a water conditioner can help with creating a slime coating, important for protecting the fish.
If you’re ready to find the best water conditioner for your aquarium, take a look at the aquarium water conditioners we recommend, all available to you on Amazon.
The Best Water Conditioner For Fish Tank — Reviews
1) Seachem Prime Fresh and Saltwater Conditioner
Seachem Prime is a complete and concentrated conditioner for both freshwater and saltwater fish tanks and removes chlorine and chloramine. It also helps to remove ammonia, nitrate and other heavy metals found in the tap water and leaves the water clean for your fish. You should use 1 capful fo Seachem Prime for each 200l of new water, although double doses can be used for exceptionally high chloramine concentrations.
Key Features:
- Powerful Treatment
- Permanently Removes Chlorine And Chloramine
- Detoxifies Ammonia, Nitrite, And Heavy Metals
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
2) TankFirst Complete Aquarium Water Conditioner
TankFirst water conditioner removes chlorine and chloramines and also detoxifies ammonia. Perfect for all freshwater, marine and reef aquariums, you will need to use 1 capful or 1 teaspoon per 10 gallons of water. This water conditioner prides itself on being safe for even the most delicate of fish and imprecise measuring and small spills won’t adversely affect your aquarium or your fish. One of the best things about the TankFirst water conditioner is that it doesn’t smell bad — great for you and your fish!
Key Features:
- No Awful Smell
- Cutting Edge Formula
- Superior Performance
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
3) Brightwell Aquatics MicroBacter7 Bacteria & Water Conditioner
This best water conditioner from Brightwell Aquatics establishes biological filtration in new aquarium set-ups, working from the moment you first use it. It helps to reduce nitrogen, nitrates, nitrites, phosphates, ammonia and organic carbon in all marine and freshwater aquariums, using extremely effective microbes and enzymes to work to it’s full potential. Tested by veterinarians, this water conditioner is made in the USA and you can be sure it is safe for your fish.
Key Features:
- Establishes biological filtration
- Veterinarian Pathologist tested
- Made in the USA
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
4) API Stress Coat Water Conditioner
API’s Stress Coat water conditioner not only makes the tap water in your aquarium safe by removing chemicals, but it also helps the overall well-being of your fish. With added aloe vera, this water conditioner helps to reduce stress within fish and helps to treat injured fish, making for a happier tank! It also helps to replace slime coat. You should use 1 teaspoon per 10 gallons of water and the conditioner should be used when setting up an aquarium, changing the water or adding new fish.
Key Features:
- Makes tap water safe
- Protects fish
- Dual-action formula
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
5) Tetra BettaSafe Water Conditioner
The Tetra BettaSafe water conditioner is designed to make tap water safe for bettas and other ornamental fish. This water treatment neutralizes harmful chlorine, chloramines, ammonia and heavy metals in aquarium water, reducing stress within your fish so they are happier and live longer. It works in seconds and should be used when setting up a new aquarium or when you do a water change. You can also use in monthly for regular water maintenance.
Key Features:
- Water Conditioner
- Reduces Stress
- Fast-acting
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
6) Aqueon Tap Water Conditioner
Aqueon water conditioner can be used when filling an aquarium with tap water, performing water changes or adding fish, and detoxifies heavy metals, ammonia and other elements that are released from fish waste to ensure the water quality is safe for your fish. This best water conditioner can also be used as a supplement for fish that have been stressed, transported or netted, helping to relax them so they can live a happier life! A convenient dose cap is included with this water conditioner so you never add too much.
Key Features:
- Instantly makes tap water safe for fish
- Detoxifies heavy metals,
- Convenient dosage cap is included
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
7) Natural Rapport Aquarium Water Conditioner
This water conditioner from Natural Rapport can be used in both freshwater and saltwater aquariums and balances pH, adds electrolytes and adds slime and stress coats for your fish. It also removes harmful bacteria such as ammonia, nitrate, chlorine, chloramine and heavy metals, leaving the water completely safe for all fish and other aquarium life. This treatment is very safe and is also recommended for live reefs, marine invertebrates, plants and crustaceans.
Key Features:
- Professional Grade Conditioner
- Detoxifies & Removes Harmful Chemicals
- All-in-one Conditioner
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
8) Splendid Betta Complete Water Conditioner
Splendid Betta’s water conditioner neutralizes chlorine, chloramines, ammonia and other chemicals to make tap water safe for betta fish. It prevents tap water chemicals from causing gill destruction, tissue irritation and fish death and is also formulated with aloe vera and green tea extract to reduce inflammation and help heal fish, allowing for a happier tank! You can use this water conditioner when setting up a new tank or when changing the aquarium water.
Key Features:
- Neutralizes chemicals
- Formulated with aloe vera
- Reduce inflammation and help heal fish
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
9) Kordon NovAqua+ Water Conditioner
The Kordon NovAqua+ water conditioner is designed to remove heavy metals from tap water, as well as removing chlorine and chloramine so the water is completely safe for your fish. It also provides a protective slime coating for your fish so they are less prone to harm. This water conditioner can be used in both freshwater and saltwater fish tanks and should be used when setting up tanks and when changing the aquarium water.
Key Features:
- Removes heavy metals
- Provides health aids
- Immunizers and vitamins to fish
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
10) Fluval Water Conditioner
Fluval’s water conditioner makes tap water safe for tropical fish by neutralizing chlorine, chloramine and undesirable metals in aquarium water. Formulated with pure herbal extracts, it also visibly reduces stress in fish caused by transportation, handling and acclimatization. This water conditioner also coats scales and fins to protect against scrapes and cuts, so your fish can live happier and longer. You should use it when first setting up your tank and also when changing the water.
Key Features:
- Complete tap water conditioner
- Improves aquatic environments for tropical fish
- Reduces Stress for Fish
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
Best Water Conditioner For Fish Tank FAQ’s
When should I add the best water conditioner to my aquarium?
You can add water conditioner to your aquarium when you are first setting it up to make sure the water is completely safe. You should also add it again when you are doing a water change, particularly if you are using tap water. It can also be useful at this time to use a gravel cleaner or vacuum to ensure longevity between water changes.
How much water conditioner should I add to my aquarium?
The amount you add depends greatly on the water conditioner you are using. You should always read the back of the packet to see how much of a certain conditioner you should be adding. It is important you don’t add too much or too little.
Summary
The best water conditioner is very important when it comes to the well-being of your fish. Just because tap water is safe for humans to drink, it doesn’t mean it is safe for fish to live in and it will need to be treated accordingly. Make sure you use the best water conditioner when changing your aquarium’s water, especially if you are using tap water, and always read the back of the packet to check you are using the right amount.
Check out our other Fish Tank, Food & Accessories posts here:
- Best 20 Gallon Fish Tank Guide
- Best 5 Gallon Fish Tanks Guide
- Best Aquarium Thermometer Guide
- Best Aquarium Vacuums Guide
- Best Aquarium Gravel Cleaners Guide
- Best Aquarium Rock Guide
- Best Aquarium Plants Guide
- Best Fish Tank Decorations Guide
- Best Fish Tank Gravel Guide
- Best Aquarium Sand Guide
- Best Goldfish Food Guide