--- product_id: 17563414 title: "STRESS ZYME Freshwater and Saltwater Aquarium Cleaning Solution 64-Ounce Bottle" brand: "api" price: "R2963" currency: ZAR in_stock: true reviews_count: 13 category: "Api" url: https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/17563414-stress-zyme-freshwater-and-saltwater-aquarium-cleaning-solution-64-ounce store_origin: ZA region: South Africa --- # Fresh & saltwater safe 300M+ live bacteria/teaspoon Natural sludge consumption STRESS ZYME Freshwater and Saltwater Aquarium Cleaning Solution 64-Ounce Bottle **Brand:** api **Price:** R2963 **Availability:** ✅ In Stock ## Summary > 🧬 Transform your tank into a thriving aquatic paradise effortlessly! ## Quick Answers - **What is this?** STRESS ZYME Freshwater and Saltwater Aquarium Cleaning Solution 64-Ounce Bottle by api - **How much does it cost?** R2963 with free shipping - **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship - **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.co.za](https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/17563414-stress-zyme-freshwater-and-saltwater-aquarium-cleaning-solution-64-ounce) ## Best For - api enthusiasts ## Why This Product - Trusted api brand quality - Free international shipping included - Worldwide delivery with tracking - 15-day hassle-free returns ## Key Features - • **Trusted Legacy:** Backed by 50+ years of API innovation, delivering reliable, research-driven aquarium care solutions. - • **Powerful Biocleanse:** Over 300 million live bacteria per teaspoon actively consume sludge and organic waste, keeping your tank pristine. - • **Dual Habitat Formula:** Perfectly balanced for both freshwater and saltwater aquariums, ensuring versatility for any aquatic setup. - • **Effortless Maintenance:** Reduces cleaning time by naturally breaking down harmful waste, so you spend less time scrubbing and more time enjoying. - • **Healthy Aquarium Ecosystem:** Boosts beneficial bacteria to maintain a strong biological filter, promoting vibrant fish health and water clarity. ## Overview API STRESS ZYME is a 64-ounce liquid aquarium cleaning solution containing over 300 million live bacteria per teaspoon that naturally consumes sludge and organic debris. Safe for both freshwater and saltwater tanks, it supports a healthy biological filter, reduces maintenance, and promotes a clean, vibrant aquatic environment. Trusted by aquarists for over 50 years, it’s the go-to solution for hassle-free aquarium care. ## Description Reduce aquarium maintenance by creating a naturally balanced aquarium with API STRESS ZYME Freshwater and Saltwater Aquarium Cleaning Solution. Fish waste, sludge, uneaten food and other organic compounds can cause harmful water conditions including ammonia and nitrite poisoning and breathing difficulty. They can also be difficult and time-consuming to remove especially from rock, coral and gravel. API STRESS ZYME Freshwater and Saltwater Aquarium Cleaning Solution contains over 300 million live bacteria per teaspoonful to consume sludge and organic debris, keeping gravel and glass clean naturally and boosting the natural aquarium cycle, reducing aquarium maintenance over time. Use it weekly in freshwater and saltwater aquariums to maintain a strong biological filter and a healthy, clean aquarium. With API Aquarium products, it’s easy to keep a beautiful saltwater, freshwater or reef aquarium. For over 50 years, API has been creating innovative, research-driven solutions that make it easier to care for your fish and aquarium. API Aquarium Treatment Supplies are designed to work in conjunction with each other to provide best results to control algae, promote healthy bacterial growth and help control and cure fish diseases and conditions such as ich and fin rot. They work to provide a safe, hospitable environment for fish such as tropical community fish, cichlids, goldfish and more. With API, you can spend more time admiring your fish, and less time scrubbing your tank. Make sure to use all products as directed in order to ensure the best results. Review: I can see clearly now! - This product is highly effective! If you're seeking a solution to clarify your tank water and diminish the amount of sludge, which in turn reduces any unpleasant fishy odors, this is an essential purchase. I've been utilizing this product for several months to aid in the general maintenance of my fish tanks. Its application is straightforward; simply follow the instructions provided, and you'll find it impossible to make a mistake. Review: Keeps filter clean and biofiter optimum - I add this once a week. The first three months of using it I went to clean my canister filter and was surprised to see virtually no gunk! Normally there was a lot of build up. This made a huge difference. My tank is crystal clear because of this and it's enhancement of the bio filter. This stuff eats all the sludge on your biofilter and makes it work better. This is NOT nitrifying bacteria like quick start. This product will not cycle your tank. This just keeps maintence low and healthier fish. I now wait 5 to 6 months to clean my two fluval 406s. I have a 40g African cichlids tank that is heavily over stocked and they are dirty fish! Thank you API! Update 10/18/2019 I just wanted to reiterate how happy I am with this additive. I also notice that my nitrates are consistently almost zero and I hardly get anything out of vacuuming the gravel. (Only fresh large poop) I used to pick up a cloud of dirt everywhere with my siphon. I do run carbon to help sparkle the water because I have driftwood that tries to turn it yellow but the clarity is crystal with this stuff. And always my Fluval 407 (now) hardly has any build up and the biohome ultimate is perfectly clean. I briefly tried seachem’s pristine but this seems to be the best. Fish are very happy. ## Features - Contains one (1) API STRESS ZYME Freshwater and Saltwater Aquarium Cleaning Solution 64-Ounce Bottle - Keeps freshwater and saltwater aquariums clean and reduces maintenance - Consumes sludge to help keep gravel and decorations clean - Adds beneficial bacteria for a healthy aquarium - Use weekly to maintain a clean, healthy aquarium ## Technical Specifications | Specification | Value | |---------------|-------| | ASIN | B000256DIQ | | Allergen Information | Apple Free | | Best Sellers Rank | #3,753 in Pet Supplies ( See Top 100 in Pet Supplies ) #17 in Aquarium Water Treatments | | Brand | API | | Brand Name | API | | Customer Reviews | 4.8 out of 5 stars 12,177 Reviews | | Global Trade Identification Number | 00317163100561 | | Item Form | Liquid | | Item Type Name | Aquarium Sludge Remover | | Item Weight | 4.1 pounds | | Liquid Volume | 64 fluid ounces | | Manufacturer | Mars Fishcare | | Manufacturer Part Number | 56J | | Model Number | 56J | | Number of Items | 1 | | Number of Packs | 1 | | Pet Type | Fish | | Target Species | Fish | | UPC | 317163100561 | | Unit Count | 1 Count | ## Product Details - **Brand:** API - **Item Form:** Liquid - **Item Weight:** 4.1 Pounds - **Liquid Volume:** 64 Fluid Ounces - **Manufacturer:** Mars Fishcare ## Images ![STRESS ZYME Freshwater and Saltwater Aquarium Cleaning Solution 64-Ounce Bottle - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81VdRQaYCRL.jpg) ![STRESS ZYME Freshwater and Saltwater Aquarium Cleaning Solution 64-Ounce Bottle - Image 2](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81DP-svsA7L.jpg) ![STRESS ZYME Freshwater and Saltwater Aquarium Cleaning Solution 64-Ounce Bottle - Image 3](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91Wlg1zGY2L.jpg) ![STRESS ZYME Freshwater and Saltwater Aquarium Cleaning Solution 64-Ounce Bottle - Image 4](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91M80WNPvvL.jpg) ![STRESS ZYME Freshwater and Saltwater Aquarium Cleaning Solution 64-Ounce Bottle - Image 5](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91rbAhq0W4L.jpg) ## Available Options This product comes in different **Color, Size** options. ## Questions & Answers **Q: Can I mix this with API Quick Start and API Stress Coat+ in a gallon every time I do water changes weekly? Or just pour it directly in my 5.5 tank?** A: In short, you don't need the Stress Zyme if you already are using the Quick Start. Here's a longer answer:The API Stress Coat is primarily a de-chlorinator and has aloe added to help maintain a healthy slime coat on the fish so this should always be added to the water and mixed before adding to the tank. The API Quick Start is meant to jump start the biological cycling of a tank and is only needed for new tanks or potentially semi established tanks that have a spike in ammonia and nitrite levels which could be caused by adding more fish. You can stop using this once your water chemistry has stabilized. API Stress Zyme is very similar in function to the Quick Start and is generally chosen to improve water clarity or stabilize chemistry in more established tanks. You don't need to use both simultaneously and would probably never see the difference compared to using just one. On another note, I always add my bacteria after there is no chance there is any chlorine so they have a better chance of proliferating. I would add either the Quick Start or the Stress Zyme the day after a water change, directly into the tank. **Q: can i mix stress coat, stress zyme and tap water conditioner? if so what amount of each should i mix? doing this harm my fishes?** A: Stress Coat and water conditioner is the same. ( stress Coat is water conditioner ). if you use both at the same time that you double it up. Maybe it is nothing will happening . But, it is not necessary to do that. **Q: How long this product can be stored before it expires? Also, would its effectiveness reduce during long time storage?** A: As for length of time you can store, I use it weekly and it lasts for about four months or so. Does not seem to lose effectiveness in that time. **Q: What is the expiration date on this Stress Zyme? It seems very inexpensive.** A: There is an expiration date on the bottle, however, these are live bacteria and once the bottle is open the shelf life is cut in half. Same as Seachems Pristine. Buy the size bottle for your tank. There is 250ml and 500 or 750ml, depending on the brand. My personal and professional advice is buy the smaller one 1st and see how much you go through, follow the instructions completely. They work well, keeps the glass cleaner longer. Also very important, make sure the aeriation is adequate and they say to change the filters 1st. If you have the $$ go for it. Best and least expensive and just as sufficient, is to change them half way before you normally change out your filters. API Stress zyme seems to keep its life span quite a while after opening. But trust me, you'll use it up way before it expires. Compared to the other similar products, this one seems to leave more of a brownish pile on the corners or underneath Ornaments, whis in turn will have to be vacuumed, netted or a baster for cooking depending on the size of your tank. 👍 ## Customer Reviews ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I can see clearly now! *by D***Y on May 25, 2026* This product is highly effective! If you're seeking a solution to clarify your tank water and diminish the amount of sludge, which in turn reduces any unpleasant fishy odors, this is an essential purchase. I've been utilizing this product for several months to aid in the general maintenance of my fish tanks. Its application is straightforward; simply follow the instructions provided, and you'll find it impossible to make a mistake. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Keeps filter clean and biofiter optimum *by A***R on October 15, 2017* I add this once a week. The first three months of using it I went to clean my canister filter and was surprised to see virtually no gunk! Normally there was a lot of build up. This made a huge difference. My tank is crystal clear because of this and it's enhancement of the bio filter. This stuff eats all the sludge on your biofilter and makes it work better. This is NOT nitrifying bacteria like quick start. This product will not cycle your tank. This just keeps maintence low and healthier fish. I now wait 5 to 6 months to clean my two fluval 406s. I have a 40g African cichlids tank that is heavily over stocked and they are dirty fish! Thank you API! Update 10/18/2019 I just wanted to reiterate how happy I am with this additive. I also notice that my nitrates are consistently almost zero and I hardly get anything out of vacuuming the gravel. (Only fresh large poop) I used to pick up a cloud of dirt everywhere with my siphon. I do run carbon to help sparkle the water because I have driftwood that tries to turn it yellow but the clarity is crystal with this stuff. And always my Fluval 407 (now) hardly has any build up and the biohome ultimate is perfectly clean. I briefly tried seachem’s pristine but this seems to be the best. Fish are very happy. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you have fish you need this *by H***I on July 28, 2026* Works great to keep a tank clean and fish healthy. Use it every water change and weekly. Wouldn’t do without it. Definitely cleaning the tank less now ## Frequently Bought Together - API STRESS ZYME Freshwater and Saltwater Aquarium Cleaning Solution 64-Ounce Bottle - API STRESS COAT Aquarium Water Conditioner 64-Ounce Bottle - API QUICK START Freshwater and Saltwater Aquarium Nitrifying Bacteria 32-Ounce Bottle --- ## Why Shop on Desertcart? - 🛒 **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** — Serving international shoppers since 2016 - 🌍 **Shop Globally** — Access 737+ million products across 21 categories - 💰 **No Hidden Fees** — All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price - 🔄 **15-Day Free Returns** — Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members) - 🔒 **Secure Payments** — Trusted payment options with buyer protection - ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** — Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews **Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/17563414-stress-zyme-freshwater-and-saltwater-aquarium-cleaning-solution-64-ounce](https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/17563414-stress-zyme-freshwater-and-saltwater-aquarium-cleaning-solution-64-ounce) --- *Product available on Desertcart South Africa* *Store origin: ZA* *Last updated: 2026-09-08*