Seachem Pristine
Seachem Pristine
What is Seachem Pristine?
Pristine™ is Seachem’s next-generation bio-augmentation conditioner that introduces a carefully selected consortium of robust, non-pathogenic bacteria into any freshwater, brackish or marine system. These microbes physically digest sludge, uneaten food, fish waste and oily surface films, converting them into harmless biomass and carbon dioxide while simultaneously binding dissolved organics. The result is visibly clearer water, lower pollutant load and a healthier, more stable aquarium ecosystem.
Why Sludge Happens—and Why It Matters
Left-over food and fish excreta settle into gravel, filter sumps and pipework where conventional nitrifying bacteria struggle for oxygen. In this anaerobic zone, rotting organics release ammonia, nitrite and phosphate, fuelling nuisance algae and raising disease pressure. By actively breaking down that sludge before it decays, Pristine tackles the root cause rather than masking the symptom, giving your existing biofilter a lighter workload.
Key Benefits at a Glance
Five-in-one action – digests sludge, removes oily film, clarifies water, lowers ammonia/nitrite/nitrate, and stabilises micro-flora balance.
Works where nitrifiers can’t – facultative strains remain active in low-oxygen pockets inside décor, rockwork and deep substrates.
Reef & plant-safe – contains no perfumes, flocculants or harsh chemicals; will not alter pH, KH or trace element balance.
Highly concentrated – one capful (5 mL) treats 40 L, making Pristine roughly 5× stronger than typical “bacteria-in-a-bottle” products.
Ideal Applications
| Situation | Benefit of Using Pristine |
|---|---|
| New aquascapes & reef builds | Seeds surfaces with waste-eating microbes, reducing the “ugly brown phase.” |
| Over-stocked community tanks | Keeps detritus under control between maintenance days. |
| Discus & predator setups | Handles heavy protein loads that mechanical filters miss. |
| Marine sumps with refugia | Prevents sludge that can smother macro-algae. |
Detailed Directions & Dosing
Shake vigorously to resuspend the bacterial blend.
Turn off UV sterilisers, ozone or oxidising meds for 48–72 h.
Initial dose: 1 cap (5 mL) per 40 L (10 US gal).
Maintenance: 1 cap per 80 L after water changes, filter cleans or livestock additions.
Wait 2–3 days for bacteria to re-establish before restarting UV/ozone.
Bottle Coverage (initial dose)
• 250 mL treats ≈ 2 000 L • 500 mL treats ≈ 4 000 L
Pro Tips for Best Results
Combine with Seachem Stability® to cover both waste-digesting and nitrifying bacteria niches for bullet-proof biological filtration.
Dose directly into filter intakes to colonise biomedia quickly.
In planted tanks, prune dying leaves first—Pristine breaks down what’s left so algae get fewer nutrients.
Safety, Storage & Shelf Life
Pristine is completely non-toxic to fish, shrimp, corals and plants. Store tightly closed between 4 °C and 35 °C. Shelf life is 4 years unopened; refrigerating after opening can extend viability but is not essential.
Troubleshooting & FAQs
Water looks cloudy after dosing—normal?
Yes. A mild haze can appear for 12–24 h as bacteria proliferate and bind fine particulates; it clears on its own.
Can I overdose?
Pristine’s bacteria are self-limiting. Even double doses are safe, but stick to label directions for cost efficiency.
Compatible with medications?
Remove antibiotics with fresh carbon and a 25 % water change before dosing Pristine; otherwise they will inhibit or kill the bacterial culture.
