---
product_id: 48578765
title: "Tetra SafeStart Aquarium Starter - with live nitrifying bacteria, allows the rapid introduction of fish in an aquarium, 50 ml bottle."
brand: "tetra"
price: "R301"
currency: ZAR
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 13
category: "Tetra"
url: https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/48578765-tetra-safestart-aquarium-starter-with-live-nitrifying-bacteria-allows-rapid
store_origin: ZA
region: South Africa
---

# 12-month shelf life, no refrigeration Reduces ammonia 14x faster Live nitrifying bacteria Tetra SafeStart Aquarium Starter - with live nitrifying bacteria, allows the rapid introduction of fish in an aquarium, 50 ml bottle.

**Brand:** tetra
**Price:** R301
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Summary

> 🦠⚡ Dive in now—because your fish deserve a flawless start!

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** Tetra SafeStart Aquarium Starter - with live nitrifying bacteria, allows the rapid introduction of fish in an aquarium, 50 ml bottle. by tetra
- **How much does it cost?** R301 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/48578765-tetra-safestart-aquarium-starter-with-live-nitrifying-bacteria-allows-rapid)

## Best For

- tetra enthusiasts

## Why This Product

- Trusted tetra brand quality
- Free international shipping included
- Worldwide delivery with tracking
- 15-day hassle-free returns

## Key Features

- • **Trusted by Thousands:** Join nearly 3,000 happy aquarists who rate it 4.6 stars for reliable water treatment.
- • **Stress-Free Maintenance:** Use after water changes or medication to keep your ecosystem stable and thriving.
- • **Instant Aquarium Balance:** Jumpstart your tank with live bacteria for immediate fish introduction.
- • **Long-Lasting & Convenient:** Store up to 12 months at room temp—no fridge needed, no hassle.
- • **Powerful Ammonia & Nitrite Reduction:** Cut harmful toxins by up to 14x and 10x for a safer aquatic environment.

## Overview

Tetra SafeStart Aquarium Starter is a 50ml liquid treatment containing live nitrifying bacteria that rapidly reduces toxic ammonia and nitrite levels, enabling immediate fish introduction in freshwater tanks. It supports biological balance, prevents nitrite spikes, and remains effective for up to 12 months without refrigeration, making aquarium setup and maintenance faster and safer.

## Description

Product Description Tetra SafeStart makes it possible to introduce fish immediately after setting up a new aquarium. The mix of live bacteria contained within the product instantly creates a safe and biologically active environment, effectively acting as a fast “aquarium starter”. Tetra SafeStart can prevent “nitrite peaks” which typically occur when a biological balance has not been reached in an aquarium and toxic nitrite can't be broken down fast enough. For healthy fish in all freshwater aquariums. Directions store in cool, dry place

Review: Tetra safe start - Good product Works as expected no complaints here
Review: great product - Just what I needed in an emergency situation, so far all is well with aquarium, great product

## Features

- Contains specially bred, live nitrifying bacteria proven to reduce harmful ammonia and nitrite in aquariums
- Reduces the ammonia content by up to 14 times and the nitrite content by up to 10 times
- Ideal in combination with Tetra AquaSafe, which promotes the colonisation of bacteria
- Can be used in setting up a new aquarium, after applying medicine and after each water change
- Can be kept for up to 12 months without the need for it to be kept cool, at temperatures between 2°C and 30°C

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| ASIN | B000S5L59W |
| Batteries Included | No |
| Batteries required | No |
| Best Sellers Rank | 1,706 in Pet Supplies ( See Top 100 in Pet Supplies ) 13 in Aquarium Water Treatments |
| Colour | clear |
| Customer Reviews | 4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars (2,992) |
| Date First Available | 18 Jun. 2007 |
| Item Form | Liquid |
| Item Weight | 60 g |
| Item model number | T168 |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Package Dimensions | 9.3 x 4.6 x 2.3 cm; 60 g |
| Pet Life Stage | All Life Stages |
| Pet Type | Fish and Aquatic^Fish and Aquatic |
| Quantity | 1 |
| Size | 50ml |
| Specific Uses | Indoor^Suitable for Fresh Water |
| Volume | 50 Millilitres |

## Product Details

- **Brand:** Tetra
- **Item form:** Liquid
- **Item weight:** 0.06 Kilograms
- **Liquid volume:** 50 Millilitres
- **Manufacturer:** Spectrum Brands

## Images

![Tetra SafeStart Aquarium Starter - with live nitrifying bacteria, allows the rapid introduction of fish in an aquarium, 50 ml bottle. - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61J+qHyYFfL.jpg)
![Tetra SafeStart Aquarium Starter - with live nitrifying bacteria, allows the rapid introduction of fish in an aquarium, 50 ml bottle. - Image 2](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/21MqKHlDUqL.jpg)
![Tetra SafeStart Aquarium Starter - with live nitrifying bacteria, allows the rapid introduction of fish in an aquarium, 50 ml bottle. - Image 3](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/21LQhxVpDIL.jpg)

## Questions & Answers

**Q: Hi when do you add fish when using aquastart?**
A: I add it the same day I add the fish, as it needs the ammonium from the fish to feed it & keep it alive.  I put some directly in my filter, and the rest all over the gravel.  If I'm starting a new tank, I will add the whole bottle in one go.  Just don't go vrazy and add a massive bioload, or you'll need a much larger bottle.  Also used these to cycle a new air filter sat in a bucket, and added a large pinch of crumbled fish food to feed it ammonia.  Tested daily with API test kit, all levels settled exactly as they should do for completing a cycle.

**Q: My tank has a 12L capacity how much should I use 10ml?**
A: It is advised on the back of the bottle, 5ml for every 10ltrs of water, as this is a conditioner to remove chemicals such a chlorine, I can advise that for a 12ltr tank, 10ml is fine, just make sure you let it sit for at least 5-10 minuets to make sure the solution has done its job, this goes the same for changing your water, fill the container used to top the tank up with fresh water and add the solution, mix well and let it sit, then just add in, if your fish are tropical, I would advise making the solution a few hours before so it can get up to room temp and this will then be tempred water, your fish can sometimes be shocked by the sudden change in temperature.

Hope this helps

**Q: Im currently using api quick start without much of a result, can i also use this product or will i have to perform a huge water change before hand**
A: I think you should be okay to use this without a water change, as the bacteria won't harm the fish and will just die if there isn't enough ammonia to feed them.

**Q: Is this product similar to/same as api stress zyme?**
A: Not really. SafeStart includes bacteria to help with 'new tank syndrome' by breaking down ammonia and nitrite, allowing introduction of fish much quicker and kick starting the nitrogen cycle. Stresszyme claims to breakdown ammonia and nitrite somewhat, but it is mainly composed of bacteria which breaks down organics (sludge) in the filter and tank, helping to keep the filter, substrate and glass clean (enabling less maintenance). 

Stesszyme can be helpful as a weekly maintenance boost product but isn't really worth the money (your aquarium and filter will already have the bacteria to breakdown organics). You should only need to use SafeStart when starting up a new aquarium (if you insist on adding a few fish straight away), but it is expensive. SafeStart should not be needed for maintenance unless you are doing something wrong, or your filter is not up to standard. It may however be useful after using antibiotics etc. Hope this helps.

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Tetra safe start
*by K***Y on 19 February 2026*

Good product Works as expected no complaints here

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ great product
*by H***E on 9 February 2026*

Just what I needed in an emergency situation, so far all is well with aquarium, great product

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Fish are ok with this product.
*by T***N on 11 December 2025*

Good product

## Frequently Bought Together

- Tetra SafeStart Aquarium Starter - with live nitrifying bacteria, allows the rapid introduction of fish in an aquarium, 50 ml bottle.
- Tetra AquaSafe to Turn Tap Water into Safe and Healthy Water for Fish and Plants, 100 ml
- Tetra EasyBalance - long-term care for biologically healthy aquarium water and a reduced number of water changes, 100ml

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*Product available on Desertcart South Africa*
*Store origin: ZA*
*Last updated: 2026-03-11*