These Bacterial Additives: How would you rank them?

[SOULJAA]

What would you all suggest as being the best bacterial addititve for cycling a new tank (i.e. setting up)? It seems that BIO-spira may be the best (thus says the price, but more importantly I've seen a few other members recommend it), but I'm curious if there are any strong/worthy alternatives.

So, how would you all rank the following additives:
     
                   * Nitromax Fresh (made by Tropical Science)
                   * Stability - New Tank Stabilization (made by Seachem)
                   * Biozyme
                   * Cycle

[geoff_tropheus]

Re: These Bacterial Additives: How would you rank them?

Never used Stability, but Seachem does make some really good products.

Biozyme, I would not use.  Cycle, I have used before, and I believe this product does not work.

Nitromax Fresh never herd of that.  Where did you see it?

Geoff

[SOULJAA]

Re: These Bacterial Additives: How would you rank them?

Geoff, I'll be moving over the next few days. The tanks are already in place, just gotta add water and get them going. I will use substrate (lava rocks) that I have in a couple of 75's (1 has been up for about 2 yrs. and the other since the Longhorns won the Rose Bowl) to jump start the bacteria. The plan is to put it in a sack and just lay it on top of the gravel in the "new tanks"...the ol' stocking technique just magnified. I also will be using some deco from established tanks (i.e. extra large river cobblestones, driftwood, etc...) in the "new tanks". I do have a Eheim 2260 for the 200 gal, but it hasn't been in use for about a year. The 135 will have either an Eheim 2250 or 2028...can't remember which one but it's brand new.

The largest filters I have in use right now is an Aquaclear 500 and a Fluval 304. All my others are smaller/average HOB's (Aquaclear 30's, Whisper 60's...that sorta thing). That's why I'm looking for a pretty decent/reliable bacterial additive that's reasonable priced. Price is an issue, whether it's said or not. But I'm not too much trippin' on that, just don't want to pay more than I have to IF I don't have to. I'm not sayin' I'm goin' to go the "Top Fin product" route, but I'm not tryin' to spend 2-3 hundred $ either. Ya Feel Me?!?!?!!!

Geoff, you said you've had success w/ ECCO-START by Kent Marine? Where did you find that at, and is it made for Marine aquariums but can be used for Freshwater?

Nitromax Fresh is made by Tropical Science, and I've only seen it in Drs. Fosters magazine.

[supadave]

Re: These Bacterial Additives: How would you rank them?

Soulja-

I used the Stability on a 75 Gal tank and it worked. I just followed the directions on the bottle and everything turned out fine.

[SOULJAA]

Re: These Bacterial Additives: How would you rank them?

Geoff, ideally I would like to wait 2-3 before adding "my" fish. So just to test the water, I use a few larger goldfish. But I will wait as long as possible b4 adding fish. The thing is...when you have as many fish that's as large as I have, it's like only the tub will suffice.

Quick question: Could I use the water in my established tanks to help cycle the new tanks?

[geoff_tropheus]

Re: These Bacterial Additives: How would you rank them?

You can use cycled water to help, but what helps best is dirty media if you can find ways to use it.  I would still use your smaller filters for that 2-3 weeks.  If you do not have fish in there, feed the tank with some food about every other day or three.

The Ecco-Start by Kent Marine I got from Tropical Fish Depot on Almeda Genoa and slightly off I-45. It is for freshwater aquariums.

It is a hard product to find, because I believe there were some issues with patents infringement with Bio-Spira.  It is still out there.  I would call Tropical Fish Depot first before you came up here to get some.

[geoff_tropheus]

Re: These Bacterial Additives: How would you rank them?

When in doubt go right to the source.  I called Kent Marine, and they still sell the product and it is availible here thru the distributor Central Pets.

I saleswoman named Sue, at Kent Marine, is also sending me a cut-sheet for the product if you want that.

Anyway...give Tropical Fish Depot a call before you come up.

That stuff is the Shiznit of Biological products. :wink:

[SOULJAA]

Re: These Bacterial Additives: How would you rank them?

After looking around on the net, I seen that all-too familar white bottle that it comes in!!! I have used that b4 w/ really good results too!!! It was when I 1st moved here to TX a couple of yrs. back. So now I just gotta find. Man, Geoff, I had forgotten all about that stuff!!!

I'mma give Depot a call to see if they have any in stock. Otherwise, where is Central Pets...just in case I need to get it from there? Also, what is a cut-sheet?

I'm pulling out all stops, so yes I will be using my smaller filters to help cycle faster.

SupaDave...I'm thinking about giving Stability a shot on a tank or two also b/c I like the results I've gotten from the Seachem line of products.

[Anonapersona]

Re: These Bacterial Additives: How would you rank them?

Can you run the new filter alongside the old filter in the old tanks for a week or so? Feed heavily for that time, then move the new filter to the new tank and stock lightly, feed lightly, using Prime as needed to keep measured values to reasonable levels. Change small amounts of water if you need to. A touch of salt to help with nitrites if needed. Test daily and observe closely.

If you have an existing tank, you ought to be able to transfer bacteria pretty easily with out spending any money at all, but for some Prime maybe.