Professional 15 X strength live tank starter nitrifying bioculture for cycling new freshwater aquaria 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. Sizes 125ml | 250ml | 500ml | 2L MicroBacter Start XLF 15X creates a nitrifying biological filter in freshwater aquaria of all types and is particularly useful for new startups, resulting in cycling in about 5 to 7 days in most cases. It quickly removes toxic ammonia and nitrite naturally through nitrifying bacterial action. Even though this product is potent, it may be overdosed at up to 5 times rated dosage during aquarium upsets. It should be your first choice to remove ammonia during emergencies where the filter has been inadvertently killed. Technical Background MicroBacter Start XLF 15 X is a highly concentrated, selective complex of live, extremely effective microbes and enzymes that rapidly reduces the concentrations of organic nitrogen, ammonia, and nitrite in freshwater ecosystems, leading to greatly improved water quality and much faster cycling. Use of MicroBacter Start XLF 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 for clumps to form in the product and for the product and the aquarium to have an “earthy” smell or smell “off” and for the aquarium water to become cloudy and the smell and cloudiness to 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. Brightwell recommends that you not use any other type of bacteria product until your cycle with this product is complete. There are no other bacteria species that will be compatible with this nitrifying bacteria product until the cycle is complete! To add other bacteria will significantly lengthen the time it takes to cycle!Storage: Although product can withstand elevated temperatures for short periods of time, for best longevity and highest potency, keep below 80 deg F and if possible, refrigerate at 50 degrees F. Do not freeze! Freezing can kill the bacteria.Caution: Keep out of reach of children. Not for human consumption. Instructions & Guidelines Important: First, use Brightwell Erase-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! Shake product vigorously immediately before using. Consult our website for the latest information and cycle schedule! Add the appropriate volume of MicroBacter Start XLF (see below) to the aquarium in an area of high flow to promote dispersion. Do not use any other bacteria product until cycling with this product is complete!To seed Biological Filtration in new aquaria: Add 30 ml (6 capfuls) of MicroBacter Start XLF per 25 US-gallons (95 L) of aquarium water. Add one or more hardy fish. Remove filter floss, turn UV-sterilization 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 again at a lower dose of 10 ml per 25 US-gallons, 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.To replace bacteria killed by extensive cleaning of substrates and surfaces: add 10 to 30 ml per 25 US-gallons (95 L) depending on perceived damage to filter bed, and ammonia level.To replace bacteria killed by medications: add 30 ml per 25 US-gallons (95 L) 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 QuikCycl to use simultaneously with this product, MicroBacter Start XLF. Fishless cycling requires both products to be used together. This product will provide the bacteria and the QuikCycl will provide the nutrients. Do not add fish, inverts or plants until the tank is cycled!Ongoing care After the aquarium is cycled: To provide ongoing biological stability to a cycled aquarium: Switch to FlorinBacter Clean or FlorinBacter 7 after tank is fully cycled and one week has elapsed. This will greatly reduce problems while the aquarium is maturing. At that point you can add Florin Axis to provide a carbon source for the FlorinBacter, and plants if desired.
