Rikka Quick Start, 100 ml is a conditioner from the Ukrainian maker Rikka for preparing tap water before it goes into an aquarium. Added to water, it binds chlorine and heavy metals. According to the manufacturer, plant extracts and organic-acid electrolytes give the water natural properties, vitamin B calms fish and boosts immunity, and trace elements create the right balance. Organic colloids, the manufacturer says, help block infections and act as a substrate for nitrifying bacteria in the filter and substrate. The dose is 5 ml (150 drops) per 50 L, so a 100 ml bottle treats 1,000 L. Shelf life is 24 months.
Why treat tap water
Chlorine is added to tap water to disinfect it, and old pipes add heavy metals. Both are dangerous to fish: chlorine irritates gills and mucous membranes and kills the beneficial bacteria that keep a tank's biology in balance. A conditioner neutralises these substances within minutes, making the water safe for fish. On setting up a tank, see aquarium for beginners: what to buy.
Key specs
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | tap water conditioner |
| Action | binds chlorine and heavy metals |
| Extras | vitamin B, plant extracts, trace elements, organic colloids |
| Dose | 5 ml (150 drops) per 50 L |
| Volume | 100 ml — treats 1,000 L |
| Shelf life | 24 months |
| Brand | Rikka, Ukraine |
Pros
- Neutralises chlorine. Makes tap water safe.
- Binds heavy metals.
- Vitamin B. Reduces stress, the manufacturer says.
- Economical. 100 ml treats 1,000 L.
- Easy dosing. Can be measured in drops.
- For set-up and water changes. Versatile.
Cons
- It doesn't replace bacteria. New tanks also need Aqua Start.
- It isn't a treatment. It's a conditioner, not a medicine.
- It doesn't remove nitrate or nitrite.
- You must calculate the dose. Based on the new water volume.
How to dose it
The manufacturer recommends 5 ml, or 150 drops, per 50 L. For water changes, dose by the volume of new water, not the whole tank: if you replace 10 L, 1 ml, about 30 drops, is enough. When setting up a new tank, treat the full volume. A 100 ml bottle treats 1,000 L.
When to use it
The manufacturer recommends it when setting up a new tank and at every routine water change. It's convenient to treat water in a bucket or canister before pouring it in, so fish are never exposed to untreated water, even for a minute.
Together with Aqua Start
For a new tank, the manufacturer advises using Quick Start together with Rikka Aqua Start. The first prepares the water by removing chlorine and heavy metals; the second seeds the filter and substrate with beneficial bacteria that process ammonia and nitrite. Together they help the tank reach a stable state faster.
How to check the result
To confirm the water is chlorine-free and the biofilter is working, check it with test strips: they show chlorine, nitrite and nitrate. When setting up a tank, do this every few days. Bacteria capsules such as Tetra Bactozym also help the filter get going faster.
If the water is cloudy
This conditioner isn't designed to clear cloudiness. Cloudy water usually comes from an uncycled biofilter or overfeeding. For that there's a separate product, Rikka Clear Water, and for stabilising parameters, Rikka Aqua Balance.
Storage
Keep the bottle tightly closed in a dark, cool place out of children's reach. Shelf life is 24 months. Don't use it after the expiry date.
Who it suits
Freshwater aquarium owners setting up a new tank or regularly changing water with tap water. More products are in the fish medicines and water care section.
Verdict
Rikka Quick Start is a conditioner that binds chlorine and heavy metals in tap water and adds vitamin B, plant extracts and trace elements. It's economical: 5 ml per 50 L, so a 100 ml bottle treats 1,000 L. The downsides are that it doesn't replace starter bacteria, doesn't treat fish and doesn't remove nitrate.
FAQ
What does it do?
It binds chlorine and heavy metals in tap water.
What's the dose?
5 ml (150 drops) per 50 L.
How far does a bottle go?
100 ml treats 1,000 L.
When should I use it?
When setting up a tank and at every water change.
Do I need Aqua Start too?
For a new tank, the manufacturer advises using them together.
Does it remove nitrate?
No.
What's the shelf life?
24 months.
