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3 answers

Does water conditioner have an expiration date?

2 years, 4 months ago

Zackie

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I know you have already received an answer. All of the products I buy (prominent name brand companies) have expiration dates - or lot numbers (which you can call the company and find out when it was made if necessary) - stamped on them. If you can't find an expiration date, then look to see if the product lists "shelf life" (some will say how long the product will last on shelf and also how long after opened). You can be pretty sure that the products you are getting from Drs. Foster and Smith are fresh with the amount of sales going through this company. When my products arrive, I look at the Expiration dates - and write them larger for easy view. I also mark with permanent marker the date I received the product and store accordingly. Water conditioners are not as critical with expiration dates as bacteria products. You have invested a lot of money on your fish. Use quality products and check bottles for dates. I would not use the products much beyond their expiration dates. Most conditioners I have purchased are stamped with dates three to four years from date of my purchase.

2 years, 1 month ago

4fish

Lima, OH

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Most chemicals do not post expiration dates. I would not use it if it is over 5 years old. I buy only enough that will last a year. If it last a little longer that is fine. If it gets hot like in a storage shed. Toss it out. Keep it in a cool dark place. Heat destroys the chemicals effectiveness. If you leave the cap off the bottle for a day it might not work like it should.

2 years, 4 months ago

sterling

Longmont, CO

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There may be a date on the product, but often times products are useable well beyond the date. I use this product up very quickly, especially during the dog days of summer when the water evaporates so quickly that an expiration date becomes insignificant. Hope this might help.

2 years, 4 months ago

Pezhead

Pennsylvania

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What's the best way to soften my aquarium water?

2 years, 1 month ago

WildBill

St. Louis

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Probably the easiest way to reduce hardness is by adding reverse osmosis or distilled water, but you will have to continue to do so with your water changes. Peat based conditioners or peat filter material can also help. It would help to know why you want to soften your water. Many, though not all, freshwater fish are fairly adaptable to a range of hardness. Important questions are just how hard is your water, what size tank are we talking about, and what specific species are you keeping?

2 years ago

RandyK

Myrtle Beach, SC

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Thank you for your question. We have a nice selection of Amazon/Blackwater Conditioners that do a great job softening freshwater aquarium water. http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.c... If you need more information, please contact our Customer Service Department at 1-800-443-1160 or email CustomerService@FosterandSmithAquatics.com.

2 years ago

Staff3

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how do i reduce nitrates in the water

1 year, 8 months ago

sjj1012

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This is one question that is impossible to answer without listing products. I suggest you do a search of the aquatics section - enter reduce nitrates and many of the products I buy are listed. You will find more products that lower nitrates in the chemical filtration section. You will also find a liquid product that will detox the nitrates in the water conditioner section. Doing regular water changes will also help - but some municipal water supply does have nitrates (my local water supply has nitrates - and other things harmful to fish - hence part of the reason I switched to reverse osmosis water). You can also call the 1-800 number on the site and ask for an aquatics expert. They can help direct you to the best products to try.

Age: 55-65

Gender: female

1 year, 6 months ago

4fish

Lima, OH

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Thank you for your question. To better assist you in this matter, we would recommend directly contacting our Customer Support Department at 1-800-381-7179 ext 226. You can also e-mail us at customerservice@fosterandsmithaquatics.com.

1 year, 8 months ago

DRS1

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I have an old tank about 20 yrs old and now I can not get rid of the fish smell. What product do you suggest?

I have 2 outside filters and an undergravel filter. I just got finished removing all the gravel and washing it.
the filters where completely cleanined. I have small fish and three large rocks.

Age: 45-54

Gender: female

1 year, 6 months ago

Diane1964

San Antonio, TX

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Assuming you do not have live plants I would use a charcoal filter media heavily until you get rid of the smell. It needs to be replaced every 3-4 weeks.

Age: 45-54

Gender: male

3 months ago

TonyVideo

Rushville, IN

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Thank you for your question. Please contact our Customer Service Department at 1-800-381-7179 or email Customerservice@DrsFosterSmith.com as more information is needed to better answer your question.

ajl

1 year, 6 months ago

DRS1

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Does water conditionar have an expiration date?

2 years, 4 months ago

Zackie

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Although most water conditioners do not list expiration dates on them. I would toss out stuff older than 5 years.
All chemicals break down and the purpose of your conditioner( a chemical) is to remove very bad chemicals from the water. Some people will not use stuff over 3 years old.

Personally I do not use anything over a year old if possible. I buy the size bottle that I will use in a year. If it last a little longer it isn't a big deal. I try and keep it as fresh as possible.

Do not use any conditioner that got hot from being in storage or other situation. Heat breaks down chemicals very fast.

If you leave a cap off your conditioner for a day or so it might not be as effective either.

2 years, 4 months ago

sterling

Longmont, CO

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