---
product_id: 1780632
title: "API QUICK START Freshwater and Saltwater Aquarium Nitrifying Bacteria 16-Ounce Bottle"
brand: "api"
price: "€ 42.64"
currency: EUR
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 13
category: "Api"
url: https://www.desertcart.nl/products/1780632-api-quick-start-freshwater-and-saltwater-aquarium-nitrifying-bacteria-16
store_origin: NL
region: Netherlands
---

# Fresh & saltwater safe Patented nitrifying bacteria Instant aquarium cycling API QUICK START Freshwater and Saltwater Aquarium Nitrifying Bacteria 16-Ounce Bottle

**Brand:** api
**Price:** € 42.64
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Summary

> 🐠 Dive in now—your fish’s new best friend for instant tank harmony!

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** API QUICK START Freshwater and Saltwater Aquarium Nitrifying Bacteria 16-Ounce Bottle by api
- **How much does it cost?** € 42.64 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.nl](https://www.desertcart.nl/products/1780632-api-quick-start-freshwater-and-saltwater-aquarium-nitrifying-bacteria-16)

## Best For

- api enthusiasts

## Why This Product

- Trusted api brand quality
- Free international shipping included
- Worldwide delivery with tracking
- 15-day hassle-free returns

## Key Features

- • **Dual Fresh & Saltwater Use:** Versatile for both freshwater and saltwater tanks with easy dosing.
- • **Instant Fish-Ready Aquarium:** Add fish immediately without waiting for cycling delays.
- • **Routine Tank Health Booster:** Use after water changes, filter swaps, or medication to maintain stability.
- • **No Refrigeration, All Natural:** Convenient, shelf-stable, and eco-friendly for hassle-free aquarium care.
- • **Scientifically Proven Formula:** Patented nitrifying bacteria rapidly neutralize harmful ammonia and nitrites.

## Overview

API QUICK START is a 16-ounce bottle of patented live nitrifying bacteria designed to instantly cycle freshwater and saltwater aquariums. It eliminates harmful ammonia and nitrite spikes, allowing immediate fish introduction and preventing new tank syndrome. Easy to use without refrigeration, it supports routine aquarium maintenance and promotes a healthy aquatic environment trusted by thousands of aquarists.

## Description

Product Description In a new aquarium, harmful ammonia and nitrite build up from fish waste, often resulting in fish loss or new tank syndrome. The unique, patented nitrifying in API quick start are scientifically proven to quickly consume ammonia and nitrite to help prevent new tank syndrome. Allows immediate addition of fish to a new freshwater or saltwater aquarium. Use when starting a new aquarium, adding new fish, changing water, changing filter media, after medicating, or whenever ammonia or nitrite are detected. Allows instant addition of fish. Helps prevent fish loss. Immediately starts aquarium cycle. Contains live, nitrifying . No refrigeration required. All natural. desertcart.com Aquarium Nitrifying Bacteria

Review: 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.
Review: Must Have for Healthy Tank Ecosystem - Must have for any fish tank owner! Great product and good bottle size for the price. This is my first refill - the first bottle lasted me nearly two years.

## Features

- Contains one (1) API QUICK START Freshwater and Saltwater Aquarium Nitrifying Bacteria 16-Ounce Bottle
- Allows instant addition of fish when starting a new aquarium
- Reduces compounds harmful to fish when used routinely
- Helps prevent fish loss in freshwater and saltwater aquariums
- Use when starting a new aquarium, when adding new fish and when changing water and filter media

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| ASIN | B006YG12F6 |
| ASIN  | B006YG12F6 |
| Best Sellers Rank | #2,777 in Pet Supplies ( See Top 100 in Pet Supplies ) #10 in Aquarium Water Treatments |
| Brand Name | API |
| Color | multi natural |
| Country of Origin | United States |
| Customer Reviews | 4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars (9,859) |
| Date First Available | January 13, 2012 |
| Date First Available  | January 13, 2012 |
| Department | Unisex-Adult |
| Department  | Unisex-Adult |
| Directions | Use when starting an aquarium, adding fish, changing water or filter media, after medicating, or when ammonia or nitrite are detected. Shake well, then add 2 tsp. (10 ml) per 10 gallons (38 L) of water. For saltwater aquariums, double the dose. Store in a cool, dry place. |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer  | No |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 2.5 x 2.5 x 8.75 inches |
| Item Package Dimensions L x W x H | 8.5 x 2.4 x 2.28 inches |
| Item Weight | 454 Grams |
| Item model number | 89E |
| Item model number  | 89E |
| Manufacturer | Mars Fishcare |
| Manufacturer  | Mars Fishcare |
| Manufacturer recommended age  | 1 month and up |
| Material | Plastic |
| Model Name | QUICK START 16 OZ |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Product Dimensions  | 2.5 x 2.5 x 8.75 inches; 1 Pounds |
| Size | 16-Ounce |
| Style | Freshwater |
| Target Audience Keyword | fish |

## Product Details

- **Brand:** API
- **Item Form:** Liquid
- **Item Weight:** 454 Grams
- **Liquid Volume:** 473.6 Milliliters
- **Manufacturer:** Mars Fishcare

## Images

![API QUICK START Freshwater and Saltwater Aquarium Nitrifying Bacteria 16-Ounce Bottle - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71mBwfVu-DL.jpg)

## Available Options

This product comes in different **Pattern, Size, Style** options.

## Questions & Answers

**Q: Does It Have Parmesan In It?**
A: Answers to the reasonable assumptions about the word in your question:
(1) Paramecium: No. This is nitrifying bacteria which are classified highly as prokaryotic organisms, whereas paramecium are eukaryote organisms. Some tiny fish babies will eat paramecium and they are cultured in some fisheries to create deeper ecosystems of microscopic organisms.
(2) Parmesan: Without an actual ingredient list it would be hard to tell. If you think about it, somewhere somehow there is probably a molecule or two (million) of Parmesan stuff in every bottle. Blame probability if you like, but it's probs in there in some way. Which means that it potentially could have red pepper flakes too. I would however not recommend putting this on your next pizza.

**Q: Can I use marine quick start in freshwater?**
A: NO! There is a Marine Quick Start and a Freshwater Quick Start for a reason. Marine beneficial bacteria will die in freshwater and Freshwater beneficial bacteria will die in marine water. Marine and Freshwater beneficial bacterias are very different from one another. Api makes Makes both versions.

**Q: Why is my nirates level still high**
A: Nitrates are the end product in the nitrogen cycle. One type of bacteria convert ammonia into nitrite. The other type converts the nitrite into nitrate. Nitrates are much less toxic than ammonia or nitrite, but must be removed through water changes or by special filter media. Live plants also use nitrates for food. High nitrates can be a symptom of overfeeding. If water changes don't lower nitrate levels, your water could already have high nitrate levels. You could test your tap water to be sure.

**Q: What is the expiration date? How long does it keep?**
A: if you look at the back of the bottle above the blue line you will see stamped print with the date,mine (almost empty) is good til 03/2016.ar bottom you will see a phone number 1-800-847-0659 that answers all questions.

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Instant Cycle Saver – API QUICK START is a Must-Have for Any Aquarium!
*by G***A on July 21, 2025*

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.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Must Have for Healthy Tank Ecosystem
*by M***R on February 20, 2026*

Must have for any fish tank owner! Great product and good bottle size for the price. This is my first refill - the first bottle lasted me nearly two years.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Easy to use
*by J***R on December 31, 2025*

Works well to make tap water safe for fish.

## Frequently Bought Together

- API QUICK START Freshwater and Saltwater Aquarium Nitrifying Bacteria 16-Ounce Bottle
- API STRESS COAT Aquarium Water Conditioner 16-Ounce Bottle
- API STRESS ZYME Freshwater and Saltwater Aquarium Cleaning Solution 16-Ounce Bottle

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*Product available on Desertcart Netherlands*
*Store origin: NL*
*Last updated: 2026-03-03*