Seachem Pristine Water Conditioner, 500 ml

Used this in a 120L community tank with substrate buildup and cloudy water after a heavy feed week. Dosed as directed—saw visible clarity improvement within 48 hours. No smell, no foaming, and no impact on fish or shrimp. It’s a live bacteria blend, so it works over time—ideal for tanks with detritus, uneaten food, or organic waste. I’ve used it post-water change and during filter resets—helps stabilise things without harsh chemicals. Also handy for fry tanks or setups with limited flow where gunk builds up fast. 🔍 Specs & Features Size: 250ml bottle Type: Natural bio-clarifier (live bacteria) Use: Freshwater, saltwater, planted tanks Function: Breaks down sludge, detritus, and organic waste Compatibility: Safe for fish, shrimp, snails, and plants Application: Dose directly—no mixing or prep 🧪 Performance Clarity Boost: Noticeable within 1–2 days Waste Breakdown: Helps reduce sludge and organics Smell: Neutral—no chemical stink Shelf Life: Long—store cool and sealed 👍 Pros ✅ Natural bacteria—no harsh chemicals ✅ Works in fresh and saltwater ✅ Safe for all tank inhabitants ✅ Helps stabilise bio-load after changes ✅ Easy dosing—no faff 👎 Cons ❌ Not instant—takes time to work ❌ Needs stable temp and flow to activate ❌ Doesn’t replace water changes—supplements them ❌ Shake before use—can settle 🧭 Personal Verdict If you want a clean, natural way to boost clarity and reduce sludge without stressing your tank, Seachem Pristine earns its spot. I’ve used it across fry tanks, planted setups, and post-reset cycles—no drama, just clean water and steady results. Proper stash-ready gear for anyone who likes their tank sorted without the chemical overload.

I’ve been using Seachem Pristine in my 45L (50x30x30cm) fully planted tank, and the difference in water quality and maintenance is night and day. ​Why I recommend it: ​Manages Heavy Bioload: My tank has a high bioload, and keeping up with waste can be a challenge in a smaller volume of water. This product does a fantastic job of breaking down excess food, waste, and detritus. ​Reduced Sludge: Since I started using this, I’ve noticed a significant decrease in "sludge" buildup in the substrate and filter. It keeps the tank looking much cleaner between water changes. ​Perfect for Planted Tanks: In a heavily planted setup, organic waste can easily get trapped in the carpet or stems. Pristine helps degrade that organic matter naturally, which prevents it from fueling algae growth. ​Crystal Clear Results: It works alongside my filtration to keep the water polished and clear. ​It’s now a staple in my maintenance routine. If you have a busy tank or a lot of plants, this is a lifesaver for keeping your ecosystem balanced and your water sparkling.

Pristine really helps boost bacteria and reduce gunk in the water. I used this after a small ammonia spike and within two days the tank looked way clearer and got rid of the ammonia levels, It smells like sulphur when dosing, which is normal but strong. Pairing this with Stability works well, especially in planted tanks. Just shake it hard before use. ✔ Pros: • Improves water clarity quickly • Supports beneficial bacteria • Good for post-clean or filter change ❌ Cons: • Smell is intense • Needs regular use to keep results Tip: Dose it at night with the lights off, fish seem calmer and the smell fades faster.

I have gradually changed my tank products to Seachem, after reading reviews. Giving this a go and to be honest ive never had any issues, will update at a later date.

This isn’t a magical elixir to a poorly maintained tanks, and it doesn’t claim to be. It does take a few weeks for the benefits to show but they do show as the bacteria needs time to colonise in the tank. I used to have to clean my glass weekly due to detritus and algae build up. Now after about a month of use that build up has vertically gone. Only knocking off 1 star as it is expensive but I will continue to use. Seachem products work and yes they are on the higher price point but in the long run their products are worth it IMO.

Easy to use and helps keep the tank clean. Bottle lasts ages (over a year for my 12L palidarium)

looks like its doing what it should do, just remember to remove carbon filter for about 3 days

I brought this product to help deal with excess mulm build-up in the pipes of my canister filter after I noticed some reduced flow. I was sceptical however after a week there is a noticeable improvement in flow and also water clarity and overall the tank looks more polished. this isn't to be used to replace regular maintenance and water changes, but can be considered to assist with the process. One thing Seachem doesn't tell you is the frequency of dosage however volume of dosage is easy to work out if you know the tank size. Use 1 capful (5 mL) for each 40 L (10 US gallons).