Water Conditioners & pH

API Goldfish Aquarium Cleaner

GoldfishLive bacteria

API Goldfish Aquarium Cleaner is a bacterial cleaner for the tank with the messiest fish in the hobby. Dosed weekly at 5 ml per 7.5 litres, its bacteria break down solid goldfish waste and the organic sludge that collects in gravel, and in an established aquarium they boost the biological filter so ammonia and nitrite stay lower between water changes. It is the goldfish-specific counterpart of Stress Zyme+. The 118 ml bottle treats 178 litres; for very dirty tanks the pack allows the same dose twice a week.

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Live pricing and stock on jungleaquatics.com — purchase through Jungle Aquatics, with delivery across South Africa.

Dosage calculator

Enter your aquarium volume and the calculator works out how much API Goldfish Aquarium Cleaner to use for each rate on the pack.

Aquarium volume

Measured in

Use the water the tank actually holds, less substrate and decor.

Maintenance dose5 ml per 7 5 litres
Enter a volumeWeekly, and with every water change

For a very dirty or heavily stocked tank the same dose may be used twice a week.

A guide only — always follow the dosing instructions printed on the pack, and measure with the bottle's cap or a syringe rather than by eye.

Technical details

Product type	Live bacterial cleaner for goldfish aquariums
Pack size	118 ml
Dose	5 ml per 7.5 litres (1 ml per 1.9 litres)
Treats	178 litres
How often	Weekly and with every water change; twice weekly for very dirty tanks
Suitable for	Established goldfish aquariums
Recommended water change	25% weekly (filtered) · 80% weekly (unfiltered)
Made by	Mars Fishcare, USA

Will this stop me having to clean the gravel?

It will make gravel cleaning less of a chore, not remove it. Dosed weekly at 5 ml per 7.5 litres, the bacteria digest the sludge between cleans, so there is less to siphon and less ammonia in the meantime. You still need the 25% weekly water change — goldfish produce more nitrate than any bacteria can remove — and a gravel vacuum every few weeks. Use the cleaner in an established tank; in a brand-new set-up, start with Quick Start to get the filter cycling and add the cleaner once the fish are in and feeding.

Breaks down waste where it lands

Goldfish waste settles into the gravel and rots, which is the main reason goldfish tanks smell and cloud. The bacteria in the cleaner digest that sludge naturally, keeping the gravel cleaner and reducing the organic load that turns into ammonia.

A stronger biological filter

In an established tank the added bacteria reinforce the filter’s own population, helping it keep pace with the ammonia and nitrite a well-fed goldfish produces. It is a maintenance product, best used every week and with every water change.

Weekly, or twice weekly when it is bad

The standard routine is one dose a week at 5 ml per 7.5 litres — 1 ml per 1.9 litres for small volumes. For a tank that is very dirty or heavily stocked, the pack allows the same dose twice a week. The weekly 25% water change still applies; the cleaner makes it easier, not unnecessary.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use Goldfish Aquarium Cleaner in a new tank?

It is designed to boost the biological filter in an established aquarium. For a new tank, cycle it with Quick Start first and bring the cleaner in once the fish are settled.

Is it the same as Stress Zyme+?

They work the same way — live bacteria digesting sludge — but this one is dosed for the small volumes and heavy waste of goldfish tanks. Either works; use whichever matches your tank size.

Will it clear cloudy water?

Over time, by removing the organic waste that feeds cloudiness. For an immediate clear-up of hazy freshwater, Accu-Clear works within hours.

Is API Goldfish Aquarium Cleaner available in South Africa?

Yes — the 118 ml bottle is available from Jungle Aquatics in Fourways, Johannesburg, with delivery nationwide; current pricing and stock are on jungleaquatics.com.

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South Africa's leading pet and aquarium store since 2007 — with the API range on the floor in Fourways, advice from people who test water every day, and easy ordering from anywhere in the country.

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