Brightwell MicroBacter Start XLM New Tank Bacteria

Brightwell Aquatics MicroBacter Start XLM  250ml / 500ml

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
MicroBacter Start XLM 15X creates a nitrifying biological filter in the marine aquarium 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 competing 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.

Instructions

• Important: First, ensure that your water is chloramines and chlorine free when used tap water, as they are lethal to the bacteria in this product and if not removed, will cause it to fail!
• Shake product vigorously immediately before using.  
• Add the appropriate volume of MicrōBacter Start XLM (see below) to the aquarium in an area of high flow to promote dispersion.
• Do not use “live sand” or “dry seeded artificial live rock” until cycling with this product is complete for several weeks! (In fact, Brightwell recommends that you do not use dry seeded artificial "live rock" ever.  The best choices are aquacultured live rock, rock from the ocean, naturally cycled artificial rock sold wet, unseeded dry artificial rock, dry florida aragonite, other natural aragonite, marco rock and the like.  Any rock that already contains a bacteria and is dry, will damage the cycling process and in our experience takes too long to cycle and cycles the wrong nutrients - dry seeded rock will not properly cycle ammonia because it is the wrong species of bacteria)
• To seed Biological Filtration in new aquaria: Add 30 ml (6 capfuls) of MicrōBacter Start XLM per 95 L of aquarium water.
• Add one or more hardy fish.
• Remove filter socks, turn UV-sterilization and/or ozonation and/or protein skimmer off for the complete period of cycling until you are finished dosing this product.
• Test ammonia and nitrite levels daily or as needed, if either are above .2 ppm, then you can dose MicrōBacter Start XLM again at a lower dose of 10 ml per 95 L, if desired.
• At 7 days or longer, Tank is cycled if, and only if, both ammonia and nitrite levels are zero and nitrate is well above zero.
• If either ammonia or nitrite levels are above zero, then the tank is not yet fully cycled and you should not add fish.  if the nitrate is not above zero (at least .25 ppm), then tank is not yet fully cycled and you should not add fish.

To replace bacteria killed by extensive cleaning of substrates and surfaces: Add 10 to 30 ml per 95 L depending on perceived damage to filter bed, and ammonia level.

To replace bacteria killed by medications, overcrowding or emergencies: First, dose the aquarium with Brightwell Erase Cl to detoxify the ammonia until the bacteria can consume it!  Dose daily with Erase Cl, if necessary to keep ammonia under control until the bacteria are fully in control.  Add 30 ml per 95 L or more of MicroBacter Start XLM, depending on perceived damage to filter bed. Then add 5 ml per half hour until ammonia levels come down.

To perform a Fishless Cycle: Purchase a bottle of MicroBacter QuikCyclTM to use simultaneously with this product, MicrōBacter Start XLM according to the QuikCyclTM label. Fishless cycling requires both products to be used together. This product will provide the bacteria and the QuikCycl will provide the nutrients.  GO SLOW WITH QuikCyclTM!  All of the ammonia you put in will become nitrate that you will have to remove later.

Ongoing care after the aquarium is cycled: To provide ongoing biological stability to a cycled aquarium: Switch to MicrōBacterCLEAN after tank is fully cycled and one week has elapsed. This will greatly reduce problems during the "ugly stage."  At that point, you can add Reef BioFuelTM to provide a carbon source for the MicroBacterClean, if desired.  If you want to switch to MicrōBacter7 the best time will be when the aquarium has been running for 4 to 6 months.

Technical Background
MicroBacter 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.