Living Bacteria Check?

[-JD-]

Just wondering: has anyone ever put any of the "bacteria in a bottle" products under a microscope to see if there's actually anything alive in there? I tried a couple during my fishless cycle, but I don't think they made any difference.

-JD-

 

[fort384]

The products are really hit and miss. If they are stored for too long, or at the wrong temperature, anything living will die. Also, nitrifying bacteria are aerobic... so being sealed in a bottle for too long will kill 'em off.