I've been using Seachem Pristine in my overstocked African cichlid tank for about six months now, and it's been a game-changer. The first thing I noticed was how quickly it cleared up that persistent cloudy film I used to get after feedings.

What really surprised me was the reduction in sludge buildup under my thick sand substrate. Before Pristine, I'd dread vacuuming that area - it smelled like a swamp. Now, when I do maintenance (yes, you still need to do some!), the sand underneath looks cleaner and there's noticeably less gunk.

The bottle lasts forever - I use just 5mL per 40L during my weekly maintenance. Pro tip: shake it like a cocktail before dosing! My water parameters have never been more stable, and I've cut my water changes by about 30% without any ammonia spikes.

One funny side effect: you might see some tiny white worms appear after starting treatment. Don't panic! They're actually beneficial detritus eaters that come with the bacterial blend. My cichlids eventually started snacking on them anyway.

Is it pricey? Sure. But when I calculated how much I was spending on other "budget" sludge treatments that didn't work half as well, Pristine actually saved me money in the long run. My fish are visibly healthier, and my tank stays crystal clear between cleanings - worth every penny for serious aquarists.