Rikka Chloroclean, 100 ml is a conditioner for quickly neutralising chlorine, chloramine and heavy metals in tap water. According to the description, it protects fish gills and mucous membranes and is recommended when setting up a new aquarium and at partial water changes. Unlike other makers' products, it contains a blend of potassium and sodium salts that supports conditions for aquarium plants. The dose is 1 ml per 10 l of water, which lowers chlorine by 4.5 mg/l, chloramine by 3.2 mg/l and heavy metals by 0.5 mg/l, while raising potassium by 1.3 mg/l. A double dose is allowed. Shelf life is 36 months.
Key specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | tap water conditioner |
| Neutralises | chlorine, chloramine, heavy metals |
| Extras | potassium and sodium salts |
| Dose | 1 ml per 10 l |
| Treats | 1000 l |
| Overdose | double dose allowed |
| Shelf life | 36 months |
Pros
- Concrete figures. It states how many mg/l of chlorine, chloramine and metals it removes.
- Concentrated. 1 ml per 10 l; one bottle treats 1000 l.
- Potassium for plants. Plus 1.3 mg/l potassium with each dose.
- Safety margin. A double dose is acceptable.
- Long shelf life. 36 months.
- Protects gills and mucous membranes.
Cons and what to watch
- Full ingredients not disclosed. Apart from potassium and sodium salts, the active substances are not named.
- No information on marine use. It does not say whether it suits marine tanks.
- Chloramine and ammonia. A working biofilter is needed after chloramine breakdown.
- The card calls it a "medicinal supplement". It is actually a water conditioner, not a medicine.
- No vitamins or bacteria. It only prepares the water.
How to dose
Add 1 ml of conditioner for every 10 l of new water in an area of good circulation, such as near the filter outlet. Setting up a 60 l tank needs 6 ml, and a 20 l water change 2 ml. If your tap water is heavily chlorinated, the dose can be doubled, as the manufacturer allows. At the recommended amounts it is safe for fish and plants.
What the figures mean
The manufacturer says one dose lowers chlorine by 4.5 mg/l, chloramine by 3.2 mg/l and heavy metals by 0.5 mg/l. That comfortably covers the usual chlorine levels in tap water. Potassium rises by 1.3 mg/l, a small amount but helpful for plants.
Compared with other conditioners
The same maker offers Rikka Quick Start, with plant extracts, vitamin B and organic colloids, dosed at 5 ml per 50 l. Chloroclean has a simpler job and adds potassium. For a conditioner in a large size, see Tetra AquaSafe 5 l.
Setting up a tank
Once the water is prepared, the filter needs nitrifying bacteria, helped by products such as Rikka Aqua Start or Tetra SafeStart. Monitor ammonia and nitrite in the first weeks with a test such as Tetra Test 6in1. More in aquarium for beginners: what to buy and how to set it up.
Potassium and plants
Potassium is one of the key elements for aquarium plants: when it runs short, older leaves develop yellow edges and holes. Chloroclean adds a little at each water change but does not replace a proper fertiliser. For full feeding, use a fertiliser such as Tetra PlantaMin.
Standing water
Aquarium water used to be left to stand so chlorine could evaporate. But chloramine and heavy metals do not leave standing water, so a conditioner is more reliable and faster. With it, water can be used straight after treatment.
Storage
Keep the bottle tightly closed in a cool, dark place out of reach of children. Shelf life is 36 months.
Who it suits
Rikka Chloroclean suits owners of planted aquariums who want a concentrated conditioner with clear performance figures and a small potassium boost. Other products are in the fish medicines and water care section.
Verdict
Rikka Chloroclean is a concentrated conditioner that neutralises chlorine, chloramine and heavy metals, protects fish gills and adds potassium; 1 ml per 10 l, one bottle treats 1000 l, and it keeps for 36 months. The downsides are undisclosed full ingredients, no word on marine use, the need for a working biofilter after chloramine, and the card wrongly calls it a medicinal supplement.
FAQ
What is the dose?
1 ml per 10 l of water.
How much water does a bottle treat?
1000 l.
What does it neutralise?
Chlorine, chloramine and heavy metals.
Can the dose be exceeded?
Yes, a double dose is allowed.
Why does it contain potassium?
To support aquarium plants.
Can the water be used straight away?
Yes, the conditioner works quickly.
What is the shelf life?
36 months.
