Liquid Aquarium Additives: A Guide to Proper Use

Liquid aquarium additives are useful products for keeping water more stable, improving the health of fish and plants, and simplifying tank maintenance. If chosen and used correctly, they help to better manage water changes, the setup of a new aquarium, and routine care, making the environment safer and more balanced.

Their function varies depending on the type of product. Some are used to condition tap water, eliminating chlorine and heavy metals before the water enters the tank. Others promote plant growth by providing essential nutrients, while still others support the bacterial flora of the filter and the biological maturation of the aquarium. This is why it's important to understand the purpose of each additive before using it.

The most common time to use these products is during a partial water change. When adding new water to the aquarium, it is good practice to treat it first with a water conditioner to make it more suitable for fish. Biological additives, on the other hand, can be useful when setting up the tank or during periods when the filter or the aquarium's balance needs extra support. Liquid fertilizers also play an important role, especially in planted aquariums, where they must be used regularly and in a controlled manner.

Dosing is a fundamental aspect. Each product has precise instructions and should never be used "by eye". It is always better to follow the instructions and calculate the quantity based on the actual volume of the aquarium, not just its nominal capacity. Correct dosing allows you to obtain benefits without risking imbalances or overdosing.

One of the most common mistakes is thinking that additives can replace routine maintenance. In reality, these products are an aid, not a complete solution. Regular water changes, proper filter cleaning, parameter checks, and constant observation of the tank remain indispensable. Another frequent mistake is using too many products together without a real need, creating confusion and possible imbalances.

To choose the right additive, it is always best to start with the objective. If the problem is tap water, a good water conditioner is needed. If the aquarium is planted and the plants show deficiencies, a specific liquid fertilizer is more appropriate. If the filter needs support, a bacterial or enzymatic product can be useful. The correct choice always depends on the actual situation of the tank and the water values.

In a well-managed aquarium, liquid additives can truly make a difference, but only if they are integrated into a consistent and informed routine. The goal is not to use as many products as possible, but to use the right ones at the right time. With care, precision, and consistency, the aquarium remains more stable, healthier, and easier to maintain over time.

At Animal Instinct Roma, you can find selected products for water care, biological support, and aquarium maintenance, along with useful advice to choose the most suitable solution for your tank.

Liquid aquarium additives are a useful tool for maintaining healthy water and ideal conditions for fish and plants. However, they must be used with care and awareness, integrating them into a proper aquarium maintenance routine.

The key to a balanced aquarium is not to use many products, but to choose those that are truly necessary based on the specific needs of the tank.

FLOW ALGIX – Algae Remover

Glutaraldehyde-based compound. Thanks to its disinfectant function, it destroys the cell wall of algae without killing plants. It is particularly effective against: brush algae (BBA) and filamentous algae.

It improves nutrient absorption by reducing algae competition and facilitates iron absorption by transforming ferric iron Fe 3+ into more easily assimilable ferrous iron Fe 2+.

It can also be used as a Co2 source in aquariums with undemanding plants or as a supplement, as its decomposition in water by bacteria releases small amounts of organic carbon that plants can absorb.

Dosage: From setup, administer 1ml per 30l of aquarium water daily. It is important to administer it when the light is on. Shake before use.

To eliminate brush algae more quickly, spray the product with a syringe directly onto the algae with the filter off and let it act for a few minutes.

Contains: glutaraldehyde 1 -<25%

Content: 250ml

FLOW BACTER – Live Bacteria

Live biological concentrate of millions of nitrifying and denitrifying bacteria supplemented with enzymes. The toxic substances present in the aquarium, generated through the decomposition of organic residues such as food scraps, dead plant parts, fish waste, etc., are degraded by the action of bacteria that reduce harmful odors, convert ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates, decompose accumulated organic waste, reducing the release of hydrogen sulfide into the water and oxygen depletion; they also limit the development of pathogens for fish.

In newly set up tanks, living organisms activate the filter, prolonging and increasing its proper functioning and reducing algae growth.

Dosage: From setup for activating new tanks, administer 5 doses (5ml) per 10l of aquarium water. Subsequently, administer 5 doses (5ml) per 20l once a week during water changes. Shake before use.

Contains: Millions of natural bacterial strains and enzymes

Content: 250ml

FLOW PURE WATER – Complete Water Conditioner

Instantly removes toxic substances such as chlorine, chloramine, and heavy metals present in tap water; maintains the health of fish and invertebrates after water changes by protecting their gills. Aids in the formation of fish skin mucus, which is essential for preventing bacterial infections, parasites, fungi, and injuries; prevents the decrease in the number of beneficial bacteria that degrade pollutants and maintain biological balance.

Dosage: For new aquariums, administer 1ml per 30l for the entire water volume. For partial water changes, administer 1ml per 30l for the changed water volume. Shake before use.

Contains: Solutions for the removal of chlorine, chloramine, and heavy metals

Content: 250ml