---
product_id: 12463993
title: "TLC Products StartSmart Complete Freshwater Aquarium Cycle Starter & Beneficial Nitrifiers, Supports Clear Water & Biofiltration, Reduces Excess Sludge, 12 oz (355 ml)"
brand: "tlc products"
price: "€ 24.52"
currency: EUR
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 10
category: "Tlc Products"
url: https://www.desertcart.ie/products/12463993-tlc-products-startsmart-complete-freshwater-aquarium-cycle-starter-and-beneficial
store_origin: IE
region: Ireland
---

# Clear water & less sludge Simple, precise dosing Rapid 24-72h nitrification TLC Products StartSmart Complete Freshwater Aquarium Cycle Starter & Beneficial Nitrifiers, Supports Clear Water & Biofiltration, Reduces Excess Sludge, 12 oz (355 ml)

**Brand:** tlc products
**Price:** € 24.52
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Summary

> 🐠 Transform your tank from startup to stunning in days!

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** TLC Products StartSmart Complete Freshwater Aquarium Cycle Starter & Beneficial Nitrifiers, Supports Clear Water & Biofiltration, Reduces Excess Sludge, 12 oz (355 ml) by tlc products
- **How much does it cost?** € 24.52 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.ie](https://www.desertcart.ie/products/12463993-tlc-products-startsmart-complete-freshwater-aquarium-cycle-starter-and-beneficial)

## Best For

- tlc products enthusiasts

## Why This Product

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

## Key Features

- • **Safe for Your Aquatic Family:** Formulated for fish, shrimp, snails, and plants, ensuring a healthy ecosystem without harm.
- • **Trusted by Aquarists Worldwide:** Highly rated with 4.8 stars and proven to maintain biological stability even after water changes.
- • **Crystal Clear Water, Every Time:** Breaks down excess organics to reduce sludge and cloudiness, keeping your tank pristine.
- • **Tailored Dosing for Every Tank Size:** Easy liquid dosing—1 oz per 10, 20, or 40 gallons—so you never over or under dose.
- • **Kickstart Your Aquarium’s Biofilter:** Establish beneficial nitrifiers in just 1-3 days to prevent toxic ammonia and nitrite spikes.

## Overview

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.

## Description

StartSmart Complete is the Gold Standard of Live Bacteria for Aquariums. Multi purpose product, independently to work as advertised by Aquarium Fish International. For use in Freshwater aquariums.

Review: 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 desertcart too. In stores this bottle costs the same price as an 8oz bottle so you get a better value from buying it from desertcart. I have now been using smartstart for about 2 years now and I highly recommend!
Review: Amazing Product - Amazing Product. Have been using it for 4 years. All my tanks are always crystal clear.

## Features

- Cycle Starter. Rapidly establishes nitrification to help prevent ammonia and nitrite spikes in new or established freshwater aquariums/fish tanks.
- Supports Clear Water & Biofiltration. Breaks down excess organics, supporting clearer water with less sludge and cloudiness and enhances biofilter performance.
- New-Tank Cycling Guidance. Use after dechlorination; cycling typically completes within 24–72 hours, ideal for community and planted setups.
- Simple Dosing. 1 oz/10 gal for cycling, 1 oz/20 gal for clarity support, 1 oz/40 gal for routine maintenance; easy liquid dosing across multiple tank sizes.
- Aquarium-Safe Use. Suitable for fish, shrimp, snails, and plants when used as directed. Not for human consumption.

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| 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. |

## Product Details

- **Brand:** TLC Products
- **Item Form:** Liquid
- **Item Weight:** 0.85 Pounds
- **Liquid Volume:** 12 Fluid Ounces
- **Manufacturer:** TLC Products-Pets

## Images

![TLC Products StartSmart Complete Freshwater Aquarium Cycle Starter & Beneficial Nitrifiers, Supports Clear Water & Biofiltration, Reduces Excess Sludge, 12 oz (355 ml) - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71O8Y4tXj9L.jpg)
![TLC Products StartSmart Complete Freshwater Aquarium Cycle Starter & Beneficial Nitrifiers, Supports Clear Water & Biofiltration, Reduces Excess Sludge, 12 oz (355 ml) - Image 2](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71jOXuQNnsL.jpg)
![TLC Products StartSmart Complete Freshwater Aquarium Cycle Starter & Beneficial Nitrifiers, Supports Clear Water & Biofiltration, Reduces Excess Sludge, 12 oz (355 ml) - Image 3](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/816W2InFW7L.jpg)

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Took years to find something that works like this.
*by H***0 on September 23, 2020*

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!

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Amazing Product
*by L***S on May 4, 2025*

Amazing Product. Have been using it for 4 years. All my tanks are always crystal clear.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great product, really cleared out my tank.
*by K***E on February 2, 2013*

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.

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*Product available on Desertcart Ireland*
*Store origin: IE*
*Last updated: 2026-02-21*