Can I add Bacteria to my ATO?

[NC AL]

There are several products of beneficial bacteria that can be used after cycling a tank (MIcrobacter7, Microbe-lift special blend, etc.). Could these be placed into an ATO as a means of regularly "dosing" it? Lets start the conversation with an assumption that the tank has a pretty consistent evaporation rate. This would be for a 20 gallon tank that has a 1 gallon reservoir that is filled up approximately every 5 days. This is for my son's tank so purchasing another dosing device isn't really in the budget.

Any reason why this would be a bad idea?

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

The important bacteria is on the surface's in your tank. The bacteria in your tank is vastly more than what can be stored in a bottle. I've read articles that only a tiny percentage (4%-5%) of bacteria can be successfully stored in a bottle.

If the tank is cycled, then what does periodically adding small amount of bacteria will do? Is there any research or info on this?

I don't know if the bacteria would survive being in freshwater, it is saltwater bacteria after all.

I know some folks does MB7 to their tanks regularly, I've tried this too, and have found zero benefit. IMO it was a waste of money.

Just my 2 cents

 

[piranhaman00]

DI water will lyse the cell wall of the bacteria.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I know it’s not the point of the question, but I agree that adding bottled bacteria without an apparent reason (say, to displace dinos) is not something I recommend.


That said, here are a few considerations.

The diluted bacteria may begin to die without food.

The di issue mentioned above is a serious one.

The living bacteria may adhere to the surfaces of the ATO system and not entirely make it to the tank.

 

[NC AL]

If the tank is cycled, then what does periodically adding small amount of bacteria will do? Is there any research or info on this?

I know it’s not the point of the question, but I agree that adding bottled bacteria without an apparent reason (say, to displace dinos) is not something I recommend.


That said, here are a few considerations.

The diluted bacteria may begin to die without food.

Some of these can be used as a food source for coral.

My thought is in a smaller system, there could be larger swings in the absence of bacteria. Small additions from time to time could help this?

Would the bacteria, not run out of a food source in the bottle, or is sustenance placed in along with the bacteria?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Bacteria as a food source for filter feeders is an Ok use, IMO. I just worry about the biome getting skewed to look like the new bacteria.

I drove bacteria with vinegar, partly so the bacteria and the acetate directly would feed filter feeders.

Bacteria in a bottle are usually in a state where they are not actively growing. But may become so when diluted into more water.

 

[Fish Fan]

DI water will lyse the cell wall of the bacteria.

I agree, I don't believe a bacterium could possibly survive in nearly pure water. A cell lyses when outside water is forced in, causing the cell to literally swell and burst. I would think this would happen if bacteria are added to RODI water.

I'm not any kind of expert, but I haven't seen any convincing reason to continually add nitrifying bacteria from a bottle to an already established tank. This one, I really believe, was started by the people that make the bacteria in a bottle products :)

Good luck!