Instant Ocean BIO-Spira (Bacteria in a Bottle) - Snake Oil or Does it Work?

[that Reef Guy]

Should I get this Product?

http://www.petco.com/product/116002/...-Additive.aspx

Instant Ocean BIO-Spira (Bacteria in a Bottle).

Would it help Cycle the Tank Faster?

Or is it Another "Snake-Oil" Liquid Product like Purple Up?

 

[BryanS4]

Works like a charm. Order it and get that tank going.

I've started 4 tanks with it now.

 

[redfishbluefish]

As long as it hasn't been sitting on the shelf for years, it works great. Jump starts your nitrate cycle.

 

[that Reef Guy]

I forgot to mention this though.

My Tank has been up for 15 Days now.

Is it too Late to add this?

1. Being that it is not Day 1 is this Stuff now Irrelevant if I Dose it - Not going to do anything and therefore being a Waste of Money?
2. Being that it is not Day 1 could I Negatively Harm the Tank by adding it at this Stage in the Cycle?

 

[Shep]

"Make your marine aquarium fish-safe instantly. With patented nitrifying bacteria, Bio-Spira accelerates the establishment of the bio-filter in newly set up saltwater aquariums. The live bacteria start working immediately to provide a safe and healthy environment for your fish without the long wait. Bio-Spira can also be used after a water change, when adding new fish or after medicating. Live nitrifying bacteria start working immediately to reduce dangerous ammonia and nitrite. The patented mix of Nitrococcus, Nitrosomonas, Nitrosospira and Nitrospira is proven to work."
Based on this I do not see how it could cause problems, I say go for it

 

[BryanS4]

Not to sound rude, but you have your answer already, it works, add it and test.

 

[Mmbra]

I used Dr. Tims One and Only in my 55g and added 2 clowns. Tank has been set up about 2 months now and just tested my ammonia, nitrite and nitrate are all sittin pretty at 0. Worked like a charm and ill use again if i do another tank.

 

[Dtackett]

dr tims is the best. so long as you dose the right amount (or more) for your tank size and filtration you can fully stock a tank in the same day. but you pay for that ability. its not cheap and most places don't carry it.

 

[NeuroticAquatics]

I'm not sure you can fully stock a tank the same day you add DrTims but I do think it works great. I suggest adding it with the ammonia they sell. Follow the instructions and you are good to go in under two weeks.

 

[Dtackett]

personally, I wouldn't fully stock a tank after adding. but ive seen plenty of people do it with great success and 0 losses. personally I don't add anything but ammonia until after the diatoms are done

 

[Kungpaoshizi]

Just like many products that receive mixed reviews, many have very specific uses.

Does biospira work, yes. How well? It depends on several things.

 

[that Reef Guy]

Just like many products that receive mixed reviews, many have very specific uses.

Does biospira work, yes. How well? It depends on several things.

What would those Several Things be?

 

[that Reef Guy]

I was Wondering.

How does the Bacteria Live in a Bottle without a Food Source?

 

[reefbeard]

Should I get this Product?

http://www.petco.com/product/116002/...-Additive.aspx

Instant Ocean BIO-Spira (Bacteria in a Bottle).

Would it help Cycle the Tank Faster?

Or is it Another "Snake-Oil" Liquid Product like Purple Up?

Yes, it definitely helps speed up the cycle. Be sure to check the expiration date on the bottle before purchase if possible. Also, the bacteria will die at or above 120° f. In the back of a ups truck in a box during summer months could reach high temps. Something to keep in mind if you plan on having it shipped.

 

[Shep]

I was Wondering.

How does the Bacteria Live in a Bottle without a Food Source?

There are a number of ways bacteria can survive for extended periods of time. Spores, slowed metabolism and so forth

 

[Kungpaoshizi]

Bacteria are survivors. People say "omg it can't live in a sealed bottle for more than 6 months!!"
Well, depending upon the bacterial strain and what else is in there, we can't make that call.
There was some bacillus that was removed from the leg of a bee, that was encased in amber, and the spores were successfully revived.
It was from some amber that was more than 1,000 years old.. (or was it an old bio-spira bottle?)

 

[Reefrookie220]

I prefer microbacter7, had better luck with it. I cycled my 90 in under 7 days.

The bacteria feeds off of ammonia so they put a food source in these bottles. Just make sure it's no where near the date on the bottle.

 

[that Reef Guy]

Bacteria are survivors. People say "omg it can't live in a sealed bottle for more than 6 months!!"
Well, depending upon the bacterial strain and what else is in there, we can't make that call.
There was some bacillus that was removed from the leg of a bee, that was encased in amber, and the spores were successfully revived.
It was from some amber that was more than 1,000 years old.. (or was it an old bio-spira bottle?)

Wow! That is Crazy.

 

[that Reef Guy]

I prefer microbacter7, had better luck with it. I cycled my 90 in under 7 days.

The bacteria feeds off of ammonia so they put a food source in these bottles. Just make sure it's no where near the date on the bottle.

So is that just Brightwell's Version of the Same Thing?

I have heard of people using that a lot though (After the Tank is Cycled).

I only hear hear of people using BIO-Spira to Cycle a Tank and never again after that.

So they must be different. Right?

 

[Reefrookie220]

Bio is more soleLy for seeding biological filtration. Microbacter7 is for the seeding of filtration as well as adding more bacteria for maintenance of your biological filter as well if that makes sense.

For new aquarium use 5ml/25g.

For established aquarium it's 5ml/50g.

Improves water clarity and can be used for fresh water too not just marine aquaria.