Experience with "Quick Cycle" products

[JakeH]

If the claim is that autotrophs are not present in Stability, then I doubt that this is the case. However, I have to admit that I don't really know for sure, since the formulation is proprietary (and I asked them). The good news is that over the long-run, it really doesn't matter. I say this because eventually, the bacterial demographics of the mature biofilter will reflect the composition of the aquarium water being processed. I'm sure that the bacterial populations change over time in response to ammonia levels, feeding regimen, number of fish, etc. For example, the presence of ammonia will provide a selective growth advantage for that bacterial species which is most efficient at oxidizing it. Same with nitrite. As long as products like Stability assimilate the ammonia and nitrite initially and allow a stable biosystem to become established (pending possible substitution by other types of bacteria), they are an asset in my opinion.

Well said my friend, well said.

 

[HarleyK]

Howdy,

I have had very good experience with Sera Nitrivec. It now comes in a new formulation with dormant bacteria on powdered volcanic rock suspension .

HarleyK

 

[IrnGynt]

The good news is that over the long-run, it really doesn't matter. I say this because eventually, the bacterial demographics of the mature biofilter will reflect the composition of the aquarium water being processed. I'm sure that the bacterial populations change over time in response to ammonia levels, feeding regimen, number of fish, etc. For example, the presence of ammonia will provide a selective growth advantage for that bacterial species which is most efficient at oxidizing it. Same with nitrite. As long as products like Stability assimilate the ammonia and nitrite initially and allow a stable biosystem to become established (pending possible substitution by other types of bacteria), they are an asset in my opinion.

I agree. I tried Stability and followed the instructions with limited success. My ammonia levels zeroed in a little over a week, but it took about 6 weeks for my nitrite levels to zero. I'm guessing the bottle I bought may have been a little too old?

So my only beef with BB in a bottle products is the lack of a "born on date".

As far as autotrophs being in the bottle, my understanding is they require oxygen. So I'd imagine BB in a bottle products don't contain them and if they did their shelf life would be extremely limited.

For long run aquarium health, autotrophs vs. heterotrophs, probably really doesn't matter. I imagine the autotrophs will eventually out-populate the heterotrophs.

It would be nice if they were a little more up front with what exactly is in the bottle and how long it's been in there.

 

[dodgefreak8]

i didn't see anyone mention bio-spira. it works if you can still get it. It's actual live bacteria, or so I was told

 

[thorpbrian]

i didn't see anyone mention bio-spira. it works if you can still get it. It's actual live bacteria, or so I was told

Freshwater Bio-Spira has been replaced by Tetra Safe Start.