Bacteria Additive

[Arnoniko]

Hi there.
I also use stability. for 2 weeks. Tank has not cycled yet. lfs recommended to try the Microbelift products (Special blend & Niteout II). Do you know anything about these?
With bacterial additives - I am wondering if it makes any difference if it is added directly to the water, to the back of power filter or gently added on the bio-wheel of the filter? I have a Marineland 150 with a bio-wheel & after a month I cannot identify any colonies or maybe I just don't know how to identify them???
I'd greatly appreciate any advice on this.

 

[fred]

I've always used stability. I add 2 or 3 capfuls every time I do a PWC. I was told this by a friend of mine who helped me set up my first tank and I've just stuck with it. Now I'm thinking it's not necessary? I use prime as well.

 

[Marconis]

Add it to the water to get it circulating. The bacteria will drop where they please. You won't be able to see the bacterial colonies; they are microscopic. The only way to identify them is by testing your water to see if they are doing their job.

I don't know much about bacterial additives, but in the past I had success with Bio-Spira. So you never know!

 

[Marconis]

I've always used stability. I add 2 or 3 capfuls every time I do a PWC. I was told this by a friend of mine who helped me set up my first tank and I've just stuck with it. Now I'm thinking it's not necessary? I use prime as well.

Dosing everytime you do a PWC is very unnecessary. Just add dechlorinated tap water. Prime is all you need.

 

[fred]

Dosing everytime you do a PWC is very unnecessary. Just add dechlorinated tap water. Prime is all you need.

Good to know it'll save me some money!!

 

[Arnoniko]

what do you think about the Seachem PH stabilizer which removes chlorire, chloromines & amonia? It claims that it can be used instead of a water dechlorinator.

 

[Marconis]

Do you need to stabilize your pH? If not, stick with Prime.

 

[Arnoniko]

Tap water test at 7.6-7.8 after 24 hours.
Tap water also contain ~0.5ppm amonia.
I use the API test kit.

Thanks!

 

[spencelee10]

I just finished cycling a 10 gallon with tetras safe start and it worked extremely well. I fed the tank with fish food for 3 days prior to adding then each day for a week after. My readings were 0 amonia 0 nitrites and 5 nitrates. My ammonia usually spikes to .2 ppm when I add new fish but after a week it goes back down and I'm able to add more fish