



🐠 Transform your tank from startup to stunning in days!
TLC Products StartSmart Complete is a 12 oz liquid aquarium additive designed to rapidly establish beneficial nitrifying bacteria in freshwater tanks within 24-72 hours. It supports clear water by breaking down organic waste, reduces sludge buildup, and enhances biofilter performance. With simple dosing instructions tailored to tank size, it’s safe for fish, shrimp, snails, and plants, making it a trusted solution for both new and established aquariums.
| ASIN | B007R5M4AA |
| ASIN | B007R5M4AA |
| Age Range Description | No age range required |
| Best Sellers Rank | #65,445 in Pet Supplies ( See Top 100 in Pet Supplies ) #631 in Aquarium Water Treatments |
| Brand Name | TLC Products |
| Customer Reviews | 4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars (278) |
| Date First Available | June 27, 2012 |
| Date First Available | June 27, 2012 |
| Directions | New tank cycling: After dechlorination, dose 1 oz per 10 gallons to rapidly establish beneficial nitrifiers. Typical cycling time is 24–72 hours depending on setup. Water-clarity support: Dose 1 oz per 20 gallons, weekly, until clarity improves; then switch to maintenance. Routine maintenance: Dose 1 oz per 40 gallons weekly or as needed to support biofiltration and aid in managing sludge accumula… |
| Included Components | Aquarium Additive |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 7.5 x 2.32 x 2.32 inches |
| Item Package Dimensions L x W x H | 7.76 x 2.83 x 2.52 inches |
| Item Weight | 0.85 Pounds |
| Item model number | Freshwater |
| Item model number | Freshwater |
| Manufacturer | TLC Products-Pets |
| Manufacturer | TLC Products-Pets |
| Model Name | StartSmart Complete |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Product Dimensions | 7.5 x 2.32 x 2.32 inches; 13.6 ounces |
| Size | 12 Ounce (Pack of 1) |
| Specific Uses for Product | aquarium additive |
| Target Audience Keyword | Fish, algae-eaters, mollusks, octopuses, rays, snails |
| Warranty Description | Satisfaction guaranteed when instructions are followed. Replacement warranty through TLC Products. |
H**0
Took years to find something that works like this.
I use to use fluval cycle for years and it always did an ok job. I switched to smartstart for my fresh and saltwater tanks. I have rarely have had a mini cycle after a large water change. This keeps the biological stable and from creating any cycles in weekly maintenance. It does take approximately 10ml for a 29 gallon tank to do a maintenance dose and i have three 29 gallons and a 5.5 gallon. Itdoe take lot more for a startup however.. There is a DIFFERENT bottle for SALTWATER so don't mix it up but you can find that one Amazon too. In stores this bottle costs the same price as an 8oz bottle so you get a better value from buying it from Amazon. I have now been using smartstart for about 2 years now and I highly recommend!
L**S
Amazing Product
Amazing Product. Have been using it for 4 years. All my tanks are always crystal clear.
K**E
Great product, really cleared out my tank.
This is great stuff, better than Cycle. It eliminated the excess waste and fixed the cloudy water that I had. I have a 60 gallon cylindrical type tank that is near impossible to get to the bottom of to vacuum so I rely on bacterial cleaning like this. I have a 9 yr old Red Cap Oranda who seems to be thriving so I must be doing something right. I have an 11 yr old Comet, I originally bought him to cycle this tank, they told me back then that he would probably not make it, well he did and I didn't have the heart to dispose of him, he outgrew his tank really fast and is now in my backyard small 200 gallon pond and he's doing great too. I am in Rhode Island and it's cold but the heater keeps him and his roommates warm.
N**S
Perfect for my use
I first bought this product when I was handed some goldfish and had to figure out how to care for them. I knew nothing about fish keeping, and lost all but 1 goldfish from high ammonia. I've learnt a lot since then about the nitrogen cycle. I continue to use this product to ensure my tank has good bacteria present after big water changes and tank cleanings, and have never had any problems. Personally I wouldn't use this to cycle a tank from scratch, as I would rather wait longer and be certain my tank is properly cycled from my own addition of ammonia or rotting fish food to the tank. For those that are hoping this will cycle the tank completely, I would suggest you ensure there is enough food in the tank already for the bacteria to live on before adding this product. If you take fresh clean water, and add bacteria, it will soon die due to lack of food. The suggestion of adding this product then immediately adding fish to the tank is because the fish will then be fed, and poop, which will make ammonia, which will give the bacteria food on which to live.
R**N
Works great!
We had a large (about 14") Oscar and a large pleco in a 55 gallon tank, and we were having all kinds of problems with high nitrates and resulting algae. This stuff knocked the nitrates right down.
L**2
Works better than some others that I have used.
Use for water changes,would recommend waiting several days at least for new water-tank set up.Cheaper than my local fish store.
J**B
Cycled the next day
Not entirely sure if this is what did it but I was stuck on nitrite part of my cycle for 3 weeks. Probably because I have a ph controller and c02 set to 6.4. But I put the new tank dose in, then an extra capfull for good measure and I have been at 0 nitrite the next day and since. Coincidence? I don't know
R**N
Puts in the good bacteria in your aquarium
Used it in my planted tropical tank.
M**U
Una ayuda extraordinaria en el ciclado. Ayuda con las cloraminas y los metales pesados, así como a prevalecer la limpieza del acuario y la calidad del agua. Mis peces están tranquilos y de buen ánimo.
A**A
Excelente calidad vs precio
Trustpilot
2 weeks ago
1 month ago