Fritz Aquatic TurboStart

[Tom Boyle]

Here's a comparison thread where the Fritz was compared to a variety of other bacteria sources.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/n...-whos-who-and-what-do-they-need.989780/page-8

Sorry last question I have on this. I think I’m going to go with the “add a fish now” route and monitor it. I currently have a powder blue and a hippo tang in my QT tank, which will eventually be put into my SR80. Should I add one of them now, or go get a hardier fish like a clownfish as my first fish added?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Sorry last question I have on this. I think I’m going to go with the “add a fish now” route and monitor it. I currently have a powder blue and a hippo tang in my QT tank, which will eventually be put into my SR80. Should I add one of them now, or go get a hardier fish like a clownfish as my first fish added?

That's hard to say. A smaller fish would be better, but only do it if you have a long term plan to add one. Don't do it just for this purpose. You have the powder blue and the hippo in the same QT tank? Do they fight?

 

[Tom Boyle]

Here's a comparison thread where the Fritz was compared to a variety of other bacteria sources.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/n...-whos-who-and-what-do-they-need.989780/page-8

That's hard to say. A smaller fish would be better, but only do it if you have a long term plan to add one. Don't do it just for this purpose. You have the powder blue and the hippo in the same QT tank? Do th

That's hard to say. A smaller fish would be better, but only do it if you have a long term plan to add one. Don't do it just for this purpose. You have the powder blue and the hippo in the same QT tank? Do they fight?

Yes, I have a powder blue, purple tang and a hippo tang all in my QT right now with the intent to add them to my SR80. I have had them for about 2 months and have been dosing with copper for the last month to make sure none of them have ich

 

[Tom Boyle]

Yes, I have a powder blue, purple tang and a hippo tang all in my QT right now with the intent to add them to my SR80. I have had them for about 2 months and have been dosing with copper for the last month to make sure none of them have ich

Forgot to add, the hippo is about 2 inches and the powder blue is 3. I can also run to to LFS for a pair of clowns if that would be better, but that won’t be until tomorrow

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Forgot to add, the hippo is about 2 inches and the powder blue is 3. I can also run to to LFS for a pair of clowns if that would be better, but that won’t be until tomorrow

Well, there's no rush. The bacteria will last at least a week. I'd vote clowns or hippo.

 

[Tom Boyle]

Well, there's no rush. The bacteria will last at least a week. I'd vote clowns or hippo.

Sounds good, I appreciate all your help! After adding a fish, should I expect the spike in ammonia to indicate the start of the cycle, or did the bottled bacteria just bipass the whole cycle? Sorry for all the questions, first time cycling an aquarium this way.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I'd expect little to no rise.

 

[pippol01]

Good afternoon!

I recently set up an IM SR80 and had a question regarding cycling the aquarium. I was told by my LFS to use Fritz Aquatic TurboStart and it would expedite my cycle. I have never used Live Nitrifying bacteria before, but my LFS said to introduce 10-15 hermit crabs (as a bioload) that I should see an Ammonia spike within 24 hours to "start the cycle". 48 hours later, and I have not see a spike in anything. I know the back of the Fritz bottle says to introduce fish within 24 hours. Should I give it more time for the Ammonia to spike, or should I be adding fish to this now?

Thank you for your help!

 

[pippol01]

I had a 32 gallon tank when I cycled my tank I was told once I put the turbo start 9 in the tank to immediately put the fish in the tank (2 Clown Fish) it's over 2 1/2 years and there still going.

 

[Flame2hawk]

The beauty of turbo start is that often you don’t get any spike. I add turbo and light load of fish at same time. I would add your hippo and feed lightly for about 7 days. Then add the purple and wait 7-10 days. Then add the powder blue. Can usually tell by fish behavior if there’s an issue with ammonia but you can choose to test. If you get a bit of a spike I’d be surprised. But if happens it will pass quickly. I usually add just a. Bit more of Turbo every time I add a fish or 2 or any signs of ammonia. Turbo really does work and makes tank cycle super fast. Just be patient with bionload and all will be good. Good luck.

 

[primalpete]

If you QTed your tangs why add clowns that aren’t QTed?

 

[Tom Boyle]

I'd expect little to no rise.

Hi Randy,
Quick follow up question. So I added the hippo tang on Monday and he is doing great. When I tested today, I noticed the Nitrite might be up alittle bit. Is this expected using the live bacteria? Or should I add some more to bring it down (I also have a bottle of Fritz Zyme 9 if needed)? Also, should I wait awhile to add the purple tang if the nitrite is a bit higher than normal? Thank you again for your help in this! First time using this bottled bacteria to cycle.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

The nitrite may rise as the fish produces more ammonia and it gets converted to nitrite. I’d ignore it as it is no concern at any level you will attain.

 

[Tom Boyle]

The nitrite may rise as the fish produces more ammonia and it gets converted to nitrite. I’d ignore it as it is no concern at any level you will attain.

Sounds good, I appreciate the help! Should I add any more of the bottled bacteria to help? Or just leave it alone? Also, should I wait to add the next fish?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Sounds good, I appreciate the help! Should I add any more of the bottled bacteria to help? Or just leave it alone? Also, should I wait to add the next fish?

I would not add any more.

 

[Tom Boyle]

I would not add any more.

Hi Randy, just wanted to provide a quick update. The nitrite has continued to climb over the last 48 hours. Any cause for concern, or is this just part of the cycle? The blue tang and clean up crew all seem to be doing well still.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Hi Randy, just wanted to provide a quick update. The nitrite has continued to climb over the last 48 hours. Any cause for concern, or is this just part of the cycle? The blue tang and clean up crew all seem to be doing well still.

Not a concern. Nitrite is generally not worth measuring in a reef tank. Lethal levels to marine fish are hundreds of ppm.

Nitrite and the Reef Aquarium by Randy Holmes-Farley - Reefkeeping.com

 

[Tom Boyle]

Not a concern. Nitrite is generally not worth measuring in a reef tank. Lethal levels to marine fish are hundreds of ppm.

Nitrite and the Reef Aquarium by Randy Holmes-Farley - Reefkeeping.com

Would you say it’s safe to add another fish? Both the ammonia and nitrate are 0.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Would you say it’s safe to add another fish? Both the ammonia and nitrate are 0.

Yes

 

[Tom Boyle]

Yes

Hi Randy! Happy holidays! Just a quick update, I have added the purple tang and both fish are doing great. The nitrite still seems to be high, but everything else looks okay. Should I add some more of the live bacteria my lfs sold me (not turbo start) or just let it run its course?