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🐠 Fast-track your aquarium’s health with API QUICK START—because your fish deserve the best from day one!
API QUICK START is a 4-ounce liquid treatment containing live, patented nitrifying bacteria designed to instantly cycle freshwater and saltwater aquariums. It rapidly reduces harmful ammonia and nitrite levels, allowing immediate fish introduction and preventing new tank syndrome. Easy to use with no refrigeration required, it supports aquarium health during setup, water changes, filter maintenance, and after medication.













| ASIN | B006YG1ZLC |
| ASIN | B006YG1ZLC |
| Allergen Information | Apple Free |
| Best Sellers Rank | #1,408 in Pet Supplies ( See Top 100 in Pet Supplies ) #4 in Aquarium Water Treatments |
| Brand Name | API |
| Customer Reviews | 4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars (15,121) |
| Date First Available | January 14, 2012 |
| Department | Unisex-Adult |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00317163030899 |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Item Form | Liquid |
| Item Type Name | Aquarium Bacteria |
| Item Weight | 0.3 Pounds |
| Item model number | 89C |
| Liquid Volume | 118 Milliliters |
| Manufacturer | Mars Fishcare |
| Manufacturer | Mars Fishcare |
| Manufacturer Part Number | 89C |
| Manufacturer recommended age | 1 month and up |
| Model Number | 89C |
| Pet Type | Fish |
| Product Dimensions | 1.5 x 1.5 x 6 inches; 4.8 ounces |
| Target Species | Fish |
| UPC | 317163030899 |
| Unit Count | 4 Fluid Ounces |
H**8
Great product I buy their stuff all the time
I’ve been keeping freshwater fish tanks for five years now I do use API a lot more than some other companies because for my needs it does a great job. You can rely on a PI to deliver, and if there is any problem, you can contact the company they have pretty good Customer service. They too are enthusiasts in the hobby and also lifestyle, but they also understand that sometimes things go wrong. In my opinion, API is a great company. I would love to do some YouTube videos and maybe they would sponsor me.
G**A
Instant Cycle Saver – API QUICK START is a Must-Have for Any Aquarium!
The API QUICK START for freshwater and saltwater aquariums is a total game-changer—especially if you're setting up a new tank or adding fish to an existing one. It makes the nitrogen cycle process way less stressful, both for you and your fish. I used it when starting a new freshwater setup, and within 24 hours my tank was safe and stable. No ammonia spikes, no nitrite issues—it genuinely helps establish the biological filter FAST. It's also great to use after water changes, adding new fish, or cleaning the filter. What I love is that it’s super easy to use—just shake and pour. The bottle gives clear instructions, and the results speak for themselves. My fish were active and healthy from day one. This is one of those products you always want on hand. It helps create a healthy environment and gives peace of mind whether you're a beginner or a seasoned aquarist.
M**O
Perfect for your tanks!
Works great for our tanks!! Great value for the money!! Lasts a lot longer then the small bottles from the other stores!
N**E
A Must-Have for New Tanks!
The API QUICK START works like a charm! I used it when setting up a new aquarium, and it helped cycle the tank quickly with no ammonia or nitrite spikes. Super easy to use, and safe for fish—my water stayed clear and healthy. Highly recommend for both beginners and experienced fish keepers!
A**R
Great product
Great value. Works great. I add after every cleaning/water change. No dead fish .
T**X
Good for what it does (jumpstarting aquarium cycle), but has to be used properly.
Have used Quick Start on two tanks now, one 10 gallon and one 45 gallon. The product works, BUT it has to be used in the right way (which isn't the one printed on the back label.) The first time I used it on the 10 gallon was my first time setting up an aquarium, and I pretty much just dumped the recommended dosage in along with conditioner/stress zyme, then put in fish the next day. After about a week or two my ammonia levels spiked hard, then another one to two weeks or so after that my nitrites and nitrates started to spike. Ended up losing 50% of my fish before the cycle finally stabilized (the remainder have survived over a year now). The problem is that the cycle needs ammonia to start, and a brand new tank will not have any, nor does Quick Start contain ammonia. Therefore, if you just dump it into a new tank, then put in fish, the cycle will not start until the fish food/waste starts to decompose into ammonia, which can take a week or more. Once sufficient ammonia is present in the tank (3-5ppm), it takes about another week or two for the bacteria to then break it down to nitrites and then nitrates, completing the cycle. During this time your fish will be suffering high ammonia and nitrite levels, even with frequent water changes. To properly cycle your tank with Quick Start, you need to introduce ammonia into the water quickly and without fish. The "natural" and slower way to do this is to put biomass into the tank and wait for it to rot. This can be store bought fish (not live), shrimp, fish pellets/flakes, etc. However, these take time to decay. The faster way to introduce ammonia is to directly buy a bottle of liquid ammonia designed for cycling aquariums, and put in enough to reach 4-5ppm. Then immediately add API Quick Start, along with any conditioner/etc. After about a week or so you'll notice the ammonia levels go down, and nitrites start spiking. After another few days the nitrites and ammonia will both go down close to or at 0, and nitrates will be present. Now the tank is fully cycled, and it's safe to add fish.
R**V
Quality
Good product with cheap price
C**A
It works
It works for a quick start up but I prefer a different brand
B**E
Its good to rapidly reduce ammonia
S**E
Highly effective Improves water quality by maintaining bacterial colonies Easy to use... Rather than other products. Must to stepup a new tank.. also it is good to add once in month so replenish the bacterial colonies
P**Z
Good
D**H
Great price quality first class
A**R
value
Trustpilot
2 months ago
2 days ago