Description

A new filter has no bacteria in it, so ammonia from fish waste has nothing to convert it. That is the “new tank syndrome” that kills the first batch of fish. Seeding the filter with live nitrifying cultures shortens the process considerably – typically from five or six weeks down to two.

This is a genuine live culture, not a nutrient solution, so it needs an ammonia source to feed on. Dose it and then add ammonia (or a very small fish load) or the bacteria starve.

Dosage

• New tank: 10 ml per 40 litres daily for the first week.
• After a filter clean or media change: 5 ml per 40 litres.
• After medicating: 10 ml per 40 litres, since most treatments damage the bacteria colony.

Important

• Do not dose alongside chlorine or any antibacterial medication – it will kill the culture.
• Test for ammonia and nitrite before adding livestock. Both must read zero.
• Store below 30 °C and out of sunlight. Refrigeration extends shelf life.
• Bacteria supplements shorten cycling. They do not eliminate it – keep testing.