Imagitarium Water Conditioner

A Complete Guide to Using This Essential Product for Healthy Tanks

Having a successful, thriving aquarium requires balancing many elements like lighting, filtration, and water parameters. One of the most critical aspects of aquarium ownership is ensuring your tank water stays clean and safe for fish and plants. Tap water contains chemicals like chlorine and chloramines that are toxic to aquarium inhabitants. That’s where Imagitarium Water Conditioner comes in – it transforms tap water into a livable aquatic environment.

Imagitarium Water Conditioner is an essential product for freshwater and saltwater aquarists. It serves three main purposes: removing chlorine and chloramines, detoxifying heavy metals, and creating a stress coat for fish. Using water conditioner is a must when performing water changes, topping off evaporated water, or cycling new tanks. Continue reading to learn all about how this beneficial supplement works and the benefits it provides for your underwater world.

Where to Buy Imagitarium Water Conditioner

Imagitarium Water Conditioner is manufactured by Petco and is conveniently available both online and in Petco brick-and-mortar stores. A 16.9 ounce bottle costs around $5.99. Larger quantities are available up to 128 ounces for just under $20. Purchasing the conditioner from Petco allows you to earn reward points to save money on future fishkeeping purchases.

You can also find Imagitarium Water Conditioner sold by third party retailers online like Amazon, eBay, and Chewy. Compare prices between sellers to get the best deal. Buying in bulk will give you the lowest cost per ounce.

How Imagitarium Water Conditioner Works

Tap water contains chlorine and sometimes chloramines added by municipal water treatment facilities. While this disinfects the water for human consumption, chlorine is highly toxic to fish and invertebrates even in low concentrations. It can burn gills, suppress immune systems, and kill beneficial bacteria.

Imagitarium Water Conditioner neutralizes chlorine instantly by converting it into harmless chloride ions. The dechlorinator activity happens immediately upon contact. Only a small dose of 0.5 mL per 10 gallons is required for complete chlorine removal.

Some city water is treated with chloramines instead of chlorine. Chloramines are more stable and take longer to dissipate from water naturally. They require a special formula like Imagitarium to break their bond between chlorine and ammonia. Ammonia is also extremely hazardous to aquarium occupants, so eliminating chloramines is critical.

In addition to chlorine and chloramines, tap water also contains dissolved heavy metals like copper, iron, cadmium, and zinc. These metals get picked up through contact with plumbing and can accumulate to toxic concentrations in aquariums over time. Imagitarium Water Conditioner renders these ions inert so they pass safely through fish without absorption.

The final benefit Imagitarium provides is forming a protective mucous coating on fish skin and gills. This “slime coat” acts as a barrier against toxins and infection. It reduces stress during water changes and after transporting fish. The natural slime coat can be disrupted by water chemistry fluctuations, so replacing it prevents health issues down the road.

Using Imagitarium Water Conditioner for Freshwater and Saltwater Aquariums

Imagitarium Water Conditioner can be used safely in both freshwater and saltwater aquarium applications. The ingredients are designed to promote health in a wide range of species from betta fish to clownfish. It will not raise phosphate, carbonate, or calcium levels like some competing products, so it won’t impact pH or alkalinity in reef tanks.

The dosage is the same for fresh and salt water – use 5 mL per 10 gallons when adding water to tanks. It’s crucial to add the conditioner first before refilling the aquarium. This allows the chemicals to work instantly on the incoming tap water before fish and invertebrates are exposed.

Many aquarists choose to premix the water conditioner in a bucket before adding water. This guarantees even distribution when pouring into the display. Shake the bottle before use to mix the formula. Imagitarium remains effective in removing chlorine and detoxifying metals for up to 48 hours after initial dosing.

During tank cycling, use Imagitarium Water Conditioner whenever adding fresh water because chlorine can kill beneficial bacteria colonies. There are no adverse effects on the nitrogen cycle or biofiltration. Continue to use the product with every water change for the lifetime of the aquarium.

Dose and Safety Recommendations

The standard dosage of Imagitarium Water Conditioner is 0.5 mL (1 capful) per 10 gallons of new water added. Shake well before each use. At this concentration, it eliminates up to 4 ppm chlorine – far above the 1-3 ppm found in most municipal tap water.

For saltwater, target a dose of 5 mL per 10 gallons due to higher sensitivity. This equates to about 1 capful per 2 gallons changed. Always re-dose after 48 hours if water sits pre-mixed for convenience.

Imagitarium Water Conditioner is extremely safe when used at recommended levels. There are no reported adverse effects for fish, invertebrates like shrimp, or live aquarium plants. Its ingredients do not impact pH or water chemistry stability long-term. Perform regular testing to monitor parameters and make adjustments as needed per usual.

Overdosing water conditioner is highly unlikely given the small dosages required. No toxic reactions occur, even at double or triple the dose. The biggest risk is depleting oxygen in the tank temporarily if overapplied. Simply agitate the water to re-aerate as needed if this occurs.

Reviews of Imagitarium Water Conditioner Effectiveness

The majority of aquarists who use Imagitarium Water Conditioner give it high marks for effectiveness and value. Reviews praise its ability to instantly detoxify tap water for safe fish introduction. Many report it reduces stress and promotes active, healthy fish compared to untreated water.

Positive reviews mention the product’s wide safety margin as a major plus. You don’t have to measure the dosage down to the exact droplet. Its affordable price-per-volume also draws favor compared to pricier competitors.

Most negative reviews stem from rare instances of receiving old product that was ineffective or issues with leaky packaging. When used as intended before the expiration date, Imagitarium’s water conditioning formula delivers proven results and is regarded as a staple supplement for aquarists.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use Imagitarium Water Conditioner when cycling a new tank?

Yes, you should use water conditioner like Imagitarium whenever adding tap water during fishless cycling. Chlorine can kill the nitrifying bacteria you are culturing, so dechlorination is vital for successful cycling.

• Does Imagitarium Water Conditioner remove ammonia?

No, Imagitarium specifically targets chlorine, chloramines, and heavy metals. It does not bind or remove ammonia. Use an ammonia neutralizer in conjunction if you have detectable ammonia in your tap water.

• How does Imagitarium Water Conditioner compare to other brands?

Imagitarium is highly rated by users compared to competitors like Seachem Prime and API Stress Coat. It has similar chlorine-removing action at a more economical price point. Imagitarium also does not affect water chemistry like buffers.

• Can Imagitarium Water Conditioner be used in ponds?

Yes, Imagitarium Water Conditioner can be applied to outdoor ponds and water gardens. Use the same dose of 0.5 mL per 10 gallons when performing water changes. It makes tap water safe for pond fish like koi and goldfish.

• Does Imagitarium lose effectiveness over time?

Unopened bottles have a shelf life of 3 years. Once opened, Imagitarium maintains its full dechlorinating and detoxifying properties for 1-2 years when stored properly. Replace any bottle older than 2 years for best results.

Imagitarium Water Conditioner – The Essential Aquarium Product

Caring for an aquarium requires balancing numerous components to create a suitable habitat. Even if you provide pristine water conditions, chlorine from tap water can quickly ruin the environment. Protecting your fish and invertebrates starts with products like Imagitarium Water Conditioner that make routine water changes safe and stress-free.

With its proven chlorine and chloramine neutralizing properties plus heavy metal detoxification, Imagitarium Water Conditioner is a cost-effective way to elevate your aquarium ownership. Take the guesswork out of water management and rely on this high-quality supplement to take care of the dangerous stuff present in tap water. Your tank residents will thank you!