NT Labs Optimus Water Conditioner

NT Labs Optimus Water Conditioner

NT Labs Optimus Water Conditioner is a concentrated aquarium dechlorinator and conditioner that makes tap water safe for fish, in both freshwater and marine set-ups. It suits hobbyists who are setting up a new aquarium or topping up with fresh tap water during routine water changes. The name comes from the Latin word "optimus", meaning "the best".

Key Benefits

• Highly concentrated formula that conditions tap water for fish.
• Removes chlorine, chloramine and halogens found in tap water.
• Detoxifies heavy metals present in tap water.
• Detoxifies ammonia, nitrite and nitrate into a safe form that the biofilter can then remove.
• Buffered, so it will not negatively affect pH or skimmers.
• Works in freshwater and marine aquariums.

When to Use

• When setting up a new aquarium.
• During every water change.
• Alongside Satus when starting up or "cycling" a new aquarium. This helps control ammonia and nitrite levels and so helps prevent "new tank syndrome".

Always test your aquarium water with NT Labs Test Kits so you know what is in your water.

How to Use

• Shake the bottle thoroughly before use.
• For a new aquarium, work out the volume in litres: length x width x depth (in cm) / 1000.
• Check the label for the full dose rate. Dose for the full aquarium volume and add directly to the aquarium.
• For a water change, add the appropriate dose directly to the new water before adding it to the aquarium.
• A sulphur odour is normal.

Dosage

• Standard dose: see the label for the full dose rate.
• Warm water: use a half dose when the water temperature is +30°C and chlorine and ammonia levels are low.
• High chloramine: the normal dose can be doubled for water containing exceptionally high chloramine.
• Nitrite emergency: Optimus can be used at up to 5 times the normal dosage to detoxify nitrite.

Suitable For

• Freshwater aquariums.
• Marine aquariums, including those running skimmers.
• New tank start-ups and ongoing water changes.

Compatibility

Designed to be used alongside Satus when cycling a new aquarium. Use with NT Labs Test Kits to monitor your water.

Available Sizes

• 100ml - treats 4000L
• 250ml - treats 10000L
• 500ml - treats 20000L

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Optimus in a marine aquarium?
Yes. It is formulated for both freshwater and marine aquariums. It is buffered, so it will not negatively affect pH or skimmers.

What does Optimus remove from tap water?
It removes chlorine, chloramine and halogens, and detoxifies heavy metals. It also detoxifies ammonia, nitrite and nitrate into a safe form that the biofilter can remove.

When should I dose it?
Use it when setting up a new aquarium and with every water change. For a water change, add the dose to the new water before it goes into the tank.

Should I adjust the dose in hot weather?
Use a half dose when the water temperature is +30°C and chlorine and ammonia levels are low. Check the label for the full dose rate.

Which size should I choose?
It depends on the volume of water you treat. 100ml treats 4000L, 250ml treats 10000L and 500ml treats 20000L. Work out your aquarium volume as length x width x depth (in cm) / 1000.

The bottle smells of sulphur. Is that normal?
Yes, a sulphur odour is normal for Optimus.

When can I expect delivery?

• Gauteng (Jhb/Pta) - 1-3 working days
• Nationwide (Cpt/Dbn+) - 2-5 working days
• Outlying Areas - 3-7 working days

All orders are sent via Economy Road, typically through Fastway or Internet Express Couriers*. Estimated timeframes are not guaranteed. Once the order is collected by the courier, we have no control over third-party logistics and cannot make any time promises.

If you prefer a faster 🚀 shipping option, we also offer The Courier Guy during checkout in the dropdown selection. Please note that this option is not free, and you must choose it to use it. Please pay careful attention to the cutoff times and delivery timeframe for these options during checkout.

Enjoy the convenience of collection points and lockers! 📦

No more waiting at home or at work for your delivery. Simply choose a collection locker or pickup point and collect your order when it suits you.

Delivery times to lockers and pickup locations typically range from 2–7 working days, depending on your location.*

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Collection timeframes:

• Bob Box: Collect within 2 days of receiving your collection notification.
• PUDO Lockers: Collect within 36 hours of receiving your collection PIN or SMS notification.

If a PUDO parcel is not collected within 36 hours, it will automatically be transferred to the nearest PUDO Kiosk or Depot at no additional cost. The parcel will then be held there for approximately 2 days before being returned.

Please ensure you collect your parcel within the applicable collection period. Uncollected parcels will be returned to the sender, and additional shipping charges may apply should the order need to be resent.