Pack size
3.78 L
Cost per litre treated
Under 1c
Water type
Freshwater + Marine
Bottle treats
86298 L
Dose rate
5 mL per 114 L, chloramine
Chlorine dose
1 mL per 38 L
Works
Instantly
API Tapwater Conditioner - 3.8ltrs - 1 gall
One 3.8-litre bottle detoxifies tens of thousands of litres of tap water. API Tap Water Conditioner is a concentrated dechlorinator from Mars Fishcare that neutralises chlorine, chloramine and heavy metals in a single dose, so treated water is safe for fish immediately. This bulk 3.8 L (1 US gallon) bottle suits stores, large systems and anyone doing frequent water changes who would rather not keep re-ordering small bottles.
Key features
- Neutralises chlorine, chloramine and heavy metals – including copper, lead and zinc – in tap water, in one dose.
- Works instantly – no standing time before treated water can go into the aquarium.
- Highly concentrated – 1 mL treats 38 L for chlorine and heavy metals, or 5 mL treats 114 L for chloramine.
- Active ingredients: sodium thiosulfate (30.2%) and EDTA tetrasodium salt (9.8%).
Specifications
| Size | 3.8 L (1 US gallon) |
|---|---|
| Active ingredients | Sodium thiosulfate 30.2%, EDTA tetrasodium salt 9.8% |
| Concentrate pH | 10–12 |
| Water type | Freshwater and saltwater |
| Freight | Standard – not classified as dangerous goods for transport |
Which size do I need?
| Size | Treats (chloramine dose) |
|---|---|
| 30 mL | 684 L |
| 36 mL (1.25 oz) | 820 L |
| 118 mL | 2,690 L |
| 237 mL | 5,403 L |
| 473 mL | 10,784 L |
| 3.8 L (this bottle) | 86,640 L |
Dosage and directions
Measure with a dosing syringe or the bottle's cap and add directly to tap water before or as it goes into the aquarium.
- Chlorine and heavy metals: 1 mL per 10 US gallons (38 L)
- Chloramine: 5 mL per 30 US gallons (114 L)
Unsure which disinfectant your water supplier uses? Dose at the chloramine rate to be safe – it treats less water per millilitre but neutralises both.
Suitable for, and not suitable for
Suitable for:
- Freshwater and saltwater (marine) aquariums
- Conditioning tap water for water changes and new tank set-ups
- Stores and large systems treating water in volume
Not suitable for:
- Dosing directly into a stocked, running aquarium at more than label strength – treat new water separately first
Safety
The concentrate carries hazard warnings from API's Safety Data Sheet: "Causes severe skin burns and eye damage" (H314), "May cause an allergic skin reaction" (H317), "May cause respiratory irritation" (H335), and "Very toxic to aquatic life" (H400). Wear gloves and eye protection when handling the concentrate, use in a well-ventilated area, and store locked up away from children and pets. If swallowed, rinse the mouth without inducing vomiting and seek medical attention; for skin or eye contact, rinse thoroughly with water and seek medical attention if irritation persists. Once diluted into aquarium water at the label dose, the treated water is safe for fish.
Goes well with
- API Freshwater Master Multi Test Kit 5 in 1 – check chlorine, chloramine and ammonia before and after dosing.
- API Tap Water Conditioner (118 mL / 237 mL / 473 mL) – smaller sizes for a dosing station or as a spare bottle.
Warranty and delivery
Covered by the consumer guarantees under Australian Consumer Law, including that it's of acceptable quality and fit for purpose, in addition to any manufacturer undertakings. Contact us if a bottle arrives faulty or damaged. This bottle ships as standard freight – it is not classified as a dangerous good for transport.
Common questions
How much do I use per water change?
1 mL per 10 US gallons (38 L) for chlorine and heavy metals, or 5 mL per 30 US gallons (114 L) if your supply is chloraminated – most South East Queensland mains water is.
Do I need to wait before adding fish after dosing?
No. API states the conditioner works instantly, so treated tap water can go straight into the aquarium.
Is it safe for invertebrates and live plants?
The label states the product is safe for all aquatic life in fresh and saltwater, but doesn't give specific invertebrate or plant wording beyond that. Contact us before first use on a shrimp colony or heavily planted tank to confirm suitability.




