Brightwell MicroBacterSTARTXLM 4L (1gal)

MicrōBacter Start XLM

Professional 15x strength powerful live tank starter nitrifying bioculture, with much fewer temperature and shelf life restrictions than competing products, for rapidly cycling new marine fish and reef aquaria and brackish aquariums, and for recovering from overcrowding or disasters where the bacteria bed has been damaged or when adding new fish. It is also quite useful after re-arranging decorations or performing major maintenance, such as cleaning substrates or biological media to "recharge" the nitrifying bacteria population.

Overview

• Super concentrated 15X Suspension of LIVE non-pathogenic microbes, specifically formulated to extremely rapidly establish biological filtration in new aquarium set-ups, and to enhance the rate of nitrification in existing systems.
• Useful for rapidly re-establishing nitrification bacteria in case of an emergency
• Particularly useful in aquaria with high population densities and when adding new fish
• Helpful to re-establish nitrifying bacteria after cleaning rocks and surfaces and after use of medications.

1. Rapid reduction of ammonia, and nitrite.

2. Prevents “New Tank Syndrome.”

• Supplied in a proprietary base which provides for maximum longevity
• Formulated utilizing extensive data compiled by microbiologists.

Description

MicrōBacter Start XLM 15X creates a nitrifying biological filter in marine & brackish aquaria of all types and is particularly useful for new startups, resulting in cycling in about 7 days in most cases, if directions are followed, and no competeing bacteria or nothing toxic is added (please read this whole webpage.) It quickly removes toxic ammonia and nitrite naturally through non pathogenic nitrifying bacterial action. Even though this product is extremely potent, it may be overdosed at up to 5 times the rated dosage during aquarium emergencies. It should be your first choice to remove ammonia during emergencies where the filter has been inadvertently killed or when experiencing overcrowding.

Technical Background

MicrōBacter Start XLM 15X is a highly concentrated, selective complex of live, extremely effective microbes and enzymes that rapidly reduces the concentrations of organic nitrogen - i.e. ammonia, and nitrite in marine and brackish ecosystems, leading to greatly improved water quality and much faster cycling. Use of MicrōBacter Start XLM does not alleviate the requirement for regular partial water changes to help maintain proper concentrations of elements that are vital to long-term health and survival of aquarium inhabitants.

Notes - It is normal that clumps may form in the product and the product and the aquarium may have an “earthy” smell or smell “off” and the aquarium water could become cloudy and the smell and cloudiness could remain for many hours after using. This is due to the bacteria themselves and is an indication of quality and is the reason it is necessary to shake product well immediately before using.

Pitfalls: There are several reasons why hobbyists do not achieve a fast 7 day (approximately) cycle with this product. These are all controllable if careful attention is paid. Even when these factors are present, the tank will still cycle, it will just take more time.

1) Failure to dechlorinate properly. Always use Brightwell Erāse-Cl to completely remove chloramines and chlorine from tap water. Chloramine and chlorine are lethal to the bacteria in this product and if not removed, will cause it to fail!

2) The overuse of ammonia or using household ammonia! Ammonia is toxic to bacteria, even though they consume it, just like it is to fish and invertebrates, so if you overdose the ammonia, it will kill some of the bacteria and it will take longer to cycle! You will still achieve an excellent and strong cycle, it will just take longer, possibly much longer. Also, if you purchase household ammonia, it may have toxic additives, dyes, surfactants and cleaning agents that will stunt the multiplication of the bacteria in the product. Brightwell recommends that you use MicroBacter QuikCyclTM as directed and test so that you don't overdose!

3) In a brand new aquarium, there can sometimes be surfactants, mold release compounds or oily chemicals that coat brand new glass, acrylic, tubing and pumps. These compounds can negatively affect the cycle. It is therefore recommended that you clean all new parts with a mild soap and water and then RINSE THEM VERY WELL! (Do not use antibacterial soap!) This should remove the compounds that can stunt the multiplication of the new bacteria

4) Brightwell recommends that you not use any other type of bacteria product until your cycle with this product is complete !!! Do not even use MicrōBacter7 or MicrōBacterCLEAN until the cycle is complete (then you will want to use one of them to help through the "ugly stage". (MicrōBacterCLEAN will work best for this.)

5) Do not use live sand and particularly DO NOT USE dry seeded artificial live rock until cycling is complete. There are no dry bacteria species that will be compatible with this nitrifying bacteria product or that are useful to cycle an aquarium at all! To use a dry bacteria will only lengthen the time it takes to cycle by many weeks and increase your work many times! Wet cycled live rock or even previously cycled wet man made rock will work fine (although this may be a bad idea due to the possibility of introducing parasites or pathogens from another aquarium). Dry sand is fine to use, but not bagged, so called "live sand" because the