Exo Terra's water conditioners

I have no experience with these products but as I have been keeping water in some sort of glass for 35+ years I can tell you that there is no product on the market that will ever replace good basic husbandry. Regardless of the type or inhabitants you always need the same basics.

Set-up the tank based on the specific needs of the intended inhabitants well in advance of their arrival.

Allow time for the normal biological cycling to occur or, in the case of a land set-up, the establishment of the proper microfauna.

Establish a routine cleaning program and follow it. For aquariums use aged tap water at the proper temperature and test parameters regularly. Always keep a log to look for trends that may indicate early problems. For terrestrial set-ups spot cleaning is important to remove uneaten food and animal waste. I also recommend a quarantine set-up be kept at the ready. A basic quarantine set-up can be a simple plastic tub with a tight fitting ventilated lid or a spare aquarium with a few clean hides ready in case you need them on short notice.

Lastly, never stop reading and learning. I remember starting my first Saltwater tank with a corner bubbler with charcoal and floss. It worked just fine but then it was Undergravel, Wet/Dry, natural, Plenum systems, Deep Sand Bed, Fluidised Sand filters, and now bare bottoms. In the end we learn from experience and adapt. So skip the snake oil and rely on your knowledge and experience. Most of these helper products are harmless and some even will actually help. If you are prepared, you will not need them and may find it more rewarding.

Sorry for the incredible long response. The kids are baking a cake and I had 35 minutes to sit and wait. :)
 
The kitchen has flour and sugar on every visible surface but the cake is indeed good. Thanks.
 
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  • stanleyc:
    @Thorninmyside, I Lauren chen
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  • Clareclare:
    Would Chinese fire belly newts be more or less inclined towards an aquatic eft set up versus Japanese . I'm raising them and have abandoned the terrarium at about 5 months old and switched to the aquatic setups you describe. I'm wondering if I could do this as soon as they morph?
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    sera: @Clareclare, +1
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