Water conditioner

Water conditioners are chemical formulations designed to be added to tap water to improve water quality.

Aquariums

If the tap water is chlorinated then a simple conditioner containing a dechlorinator may be used in an aquarium.^[1]^[2] These products contain sodium thiosulfate which reduces chlorine to chloride which is less harmful to fish. However, chloramine is now often used in water disinfection^[3] and simple dechlorinators only deal with the chlorine portion, releasing free ammonia that is very harmful to fish. More complex products employ sulfonates that are able to deal with both chlorine and ammonia. The most sophisticated products also contain chelators such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid to bind and remove heavy metals. Some water conditioners also contain slime coat protectors such as polyvinylpyrrolidones or Aloe vera extracts, which can reduce stress behaviour of fish.^[4]

Waterbeds

Waterbeds commonly use water conditioners to inhibit the growth of algae, bacteria, and fungi within the mattress water.^[5] These conditioners help prevent unpleasant odors and discoloration caused by microbial activity. They may also contain additives that protect the vinyl liner by maintaining its flexibility and reducing the risk of cracking or degradation. Furthermore, conditioners help minimize mineral buildup inside the mattress, contributing to prolonged water clarity and overall mattress longevity.

References

^ "5 Best Aquarium Water Conditioners". GEFCoral. February 10, 2019. Retrieved 21 July 2019.
^ "How To Choose The Best Water Conditioner For Fish". Fishkeeping Advice. September 1, 2018. Retrieved 21 July 2019.
^ "Disinfection with Chloramine; Public Water Systems; Drinking Water; Healthy Water". www.cdc.gov. February 15, 2019. Retrieved 21 July 2019.
^ Vanderzwalmen, Myriam; Edmonds, Elizabeth; Carey, Peter; Snellgrove, Donna; Sloman, Katherine A. (2020-01-01). "Effect of a water conditioner on ornamental fish behaviour during commercial transport". Aquaculture. 514 734486. Bibcode:2020Aquac.51434486V. doi:10.1016/j.aquaculture.2019.734486. ISSN 0044-8486. S2CID 202847935.
^ Lodder, L. C. H. Prud’homme de; Bremmer, H. J.; Pelgrom, S. M. G. J.; Park, M. V. D. Z.; Engelen, J. G. M. van (2006), "Waterbed conditioners, disinfectants for chemical toilets and rubbish bins", Disinfectant Products Fact Sheet: To assess the risks for the consumer [Internet], National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, retrieved 2025-12-15

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[1] "5 Best Aquarium Water Conditioners". GEFCoral. February 10, 2019. Retrieved 21 July 2019.

[2] "How To Choose The Best Water Conditioner For Fish". Fishkeeping Advice. September 1, 2018. Retrieved 21 July 2019.

[3] "Disinfection with Chloramine; Public Water Systems; Drinking Water; Healthy Water". www.cdc.gov. February 15, 2019. Retrieved 21 July 2019.

[4] Vanderzwalmen, Myriam; Edmonds, Elizabeth; Carey, Peter; Snellgrove, Donna; Sloman, Katherine A. (2020-01-01). "Effect of a water conditioner on ornamental fish behaviour during commercial transport". Aquaculture. 514 734486. Bibcode:2020Aquac.51434486V. doi:10.1016/j.aquaculture.2019.734486. ISSN 0044-8486. S2CID 202847935.

[5] Lodder, L. C. H. Prud’homme de; Bremmer, H. J.; Pelgrom, S. M. G. J.; Park, M. V. D. Z.; Engelen, J. G. M. van (2006), "Waterbed conditioners, disinfectants for chemical toilets and rubbish bins", Disinfectant Products Fact Sheet: To assess the risks for the consumer [Internet], National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, retrieved 2025-12-15

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