Good after noon y’all, just saw brightwell just released microbacter purple. I see it will feed your corals while adding beneficial bacteria. Just wondering if anyone got there hands on it and see if there is any long term benefits down the road.
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I'm looking at 2 months old which is the only variable, the nutrients were stable for roughly 1 month prior. The dosing of Nitrate and Phosphate was only started after the introduction of Purple M.Interesting that you report such significant change in Nitrates and phosphates. Also, not sure why the nutrients would start rising again if you are consistently dosing the same. You mentioned this is a new tank. Not sure how new. Days, weeks, months? There's a lot going in in the beginning with the biome. Also, if its a new tank you might be still adding, changing, etc. To do a good test you need NO variables other than the new product you are using. Otherwise, you can't be certain what is causing it.My use of Purple M in my new system dosed at half recommended dosage for a low nutrient system (5ml for 100g) created different results.
Prior to dosing I was reading Nitrates around 20ppm and Phosphate at .127
The week after dosing Nitrates struggled to stay above 5ppm without manually dosing 5ml of NeoNitro every other day. Phosphate lowest was .028ppm after 1 week which during this time I had manually dosed 5ml of NeoPhos twice, and the last 4 days before lowest result I had been dosing phos-feed during the night at 1ml phos-feed per night.
I am 11 days since using Purple M and finally starting to see my Nitrate and Phosphate level out and slowly increase.
In my case I made sure to do the testing over the course of almost 2 months with three different products. Water changes, feeding, lighting, trace element dosing was all the same. NO other bacteria products used at the same time. Testing was done daily with a Hanna ULR Phosphate tester and Hanna Nitrate tester.
Make sure your environment is stable and nothing else is changing and maybe try the testing again for at least 7 days straight with no other changes. Honestly, I can't reconcile in my mind how a tiny 5ml (cap full) of this product would cause all those nutrients to be consumed so fast. No bacterial bloom occurred?
Good luck and let us know if these results are repeatable.
If your tank is only two months old I would lean toward it reaching biological filtration maturity rather than the introduction of the PNS. Though the PNS probably helped that along. I'd be more interested in an already established system that started pns and see what the difference is. That way it's filtration is already mature.I'm looking at 2 months old which is the only variable, the nutrients were stable for roughly 1 month prior. The dosing of Nitrate and Phosphate was only started after the introduction of Purple M.
Hanna test kits were also used to verify nutrient levels. Only other product that have been used since the initial dose of MicroBacter7 to start the cycle was 2 doses of AF Life Source which the last dose had been used 1 week prior to Purple M.
I was surprised with how fast Purple M had consumed the nutrients over a 7 day period with such a low dose. I was testing Nitrate and Phosphate daily to ensure the nutrients were not stripped. Nitrate seemed to take a 75% reduction in the first 2-3 days, Phosphate took longer but saw a steady decline over a 10 day period from the .127ppm to .028ppm
I would like to note this system is only been ghost feed 2-3 times a week for the inverts while fish are going through QT, so i do not have excessive nutrient intake and also the only nutrient export is the use of a filter sock for particles.
The only variable i could think of was that it is such a newer system. No bacteria bloom was noticed during that time. Acros seemed unaffected and noticed no change. I won't be performing anymore testing of Purple M, i will use other methods when needed to safely manage nutrients.
Just giving my experience with itIf your tank is only two months old I would lean toward it reaching biological filtration maturity rather than the introduction of the PNS. Though the PNS probably helped that along. I'd be more interested in an already established system that started pns and see what the difference is. That way it's filtration is already mature.I'm looking at 2 months old which is the only variable, the nutrients were stable for roughly 1 month prior. The dosing of Nitrate and Phosphate was only started after the introduction of Purple M.
Hanna test kits were also used to verify nutrient levels. Only other product that have been used since the initial dose of MicroBacter7 to start the cycle was 2 doses of AF Life Source which the last dose had been used 1 week prior to Purple M.
I was surprised with how fast Purple M had consumed the nutrients over a 7 day period with such a low dose. I was testing Nitrate and Phosphate daily to ensure the nutrients were not stripped. Nitrate seemed to take a 75% reduction in the first 2-3 days, Phosphate took longer but saw a steady decline over a 10 day period from the .127ppm to .028ppm
I would like to note this system is only been ghost feed 2-3 times a week for the inverts while fish are going through QT, so i do not have excessive nutrient intake and also the only nutrient export is the use of a filter sock for particles.
The only variable i could think of was that it is such a newer system. No bacteria bloom was noticed during that time. Acros seemed unaffected and noticed no change. I won't be performing anymore testing of Purple M, i will use other methods when needed to safely manage nutrients.
mature or not, i did not see anyone ask for only mature systems but for any experience while using it.I'm not knocking you, thanks for your input.Just giving my experience with itmature or not, i did not see anyone ask for only mature systems but for any experience while using it.
I'm not knocking you, thanks for your input.
Someone wants to test it on their tank your welcome to take this bottle of magic juiceThanks again for your results. I just can't explain it. Certainly, with the tank being so young, and without ALL the details about this tank, its hard to draw conclusions. But, it seems hard to understand how a cap full of this Purple M would drive your nutrients to zero virtually immediately. Especially, since with high PO4 in the water prior to this you would have definitely had a lot of PO4 bound up with the calcium molecules in the calcium carbonate rock (assuming you are using Marco rock or other live rocks). So that PO4 "sink" would have had to be drawn down first before seeing any real long term control of the PO4 in the water column.Hopefully my experience will inform someone newer in the hobby or with a newer system know the possible dangers. Tested all parameters today and still struggling to keep nutrients up. I should not have to be daily dosing to keep up with Nitrate and Phosphate at this point.
I also used this bacteria in my 3 year old 29g nano with same results. I just did not record the results or keep up with it so did not mention it, tank kinda got put on the back burner the last few months. But same results as the larger newer system, which it stripped the nutrients seeing I had a cyano outbreak and zoas look like trash. Last time I tested Nitrates after the Purple M dose they were almost undetectable.
If someone was to blindly use this bacteria not knowing it could potently lead to nutrient issues it could take them down a bad path fast. I'm not sure if I just got a really good bottle compared to the rest or whatSomeone wants to test it on their tank your welcome to take this bottle of magic juice
I test the phosphate added with my DIY PNSB, so consider trying the following: Fill a 1-gallon milk jug with RODI. Test the phosphates of that water three times. Refill the jug with RODI. Add 1.25 mL of your PNSB of choice, shake it vigorously, and retest the jug three times. I found that my immediate increase is 0.14-0.15 ppm. I performed the same test after centrifugation of the PNSB solution (to rule out Hanna's method releasing phospholipids from the bacteria), and found a very similar increase in phosphate. Do those numbers align with what you're seeing?Bought a bottle of the MBPurple for my 120 gallon tank I tested my nutrients before I left for a 5 day trip had my brother in law look after the tank. I tested before I left and my reading from my Hannan checkers showed NO3 23ppm PO4 0.32. I came back expecting my nutrients to be way off I tested again NO3 26ppm and PO4 0.35.
I was quite happy with the test as my PO4 only went up 0.03. Now looking at the bottle of MBPurple wanting to reduce my nutrients as the person at my LFS sold me on it being the solution. I dosed it accordingly 1.25ml per gallon taking out the volume of equipment and rock I used 90 gallons as my water volume to be safe. I added 112.5 Milliliters of MBPurple turned off my UV and Skimmer for 24 hours tested my nutrients again and my PO4 went up to 0.41. I thought maybe because I stirred up my sand bed to clean up for being away for a week. I added another dose of MBPurple 112.5ml waited two days and tested my PO4 0.49. Completely confused thinking that the MBPurple was increasing my PO4 I dosed the 112.5ml dose waited an hour for everything to mix up tested my PO4 and got 0.61!!!!!!!!! Am I doing something wrong with this product I’m completely confused. MBPurple has double my PO4 in the course of about a week. The corals are not reactive negatively so I’m not going to start stripping the water with a massive water change until I see I’ll affects. I have two theory’s at the moment MBPurple has PO4 in the bottle or the strange pigments described in a earlier post is messing with the Hannan tester.
That's interesting. Are you also saying that you saw phosphates rise after using their product? That was one of my head scratcher observations as well when I tried testing purple m. My first seven day test run should personally know Improvement overeating regular hetrophic bacteria. But I tried doing a second 7 Days test where I used significantly more of this product. Significantly more, like 4 times as much, as the recommended dose. Results? The phosphates went up! LolI test the phosphate added with my DIY PNSB, so consider trying the following: Fill a 1-gallon milk jug with RODI. Test the phosphates of that water three times. Refill the jug with RODI. Add 1.25 mL of your PNSB of choice, shake it vigorously, and retest the jug three times. I found that my immediate increase is 0.14-0.15 ppm. I performed the same test after centrifugation of the PNSB solution (to rule out Hanna's method releasing phospholipids from the bacteria), and found a very similar increase in phosphate. Do those numbers align with what you're seeing?
I'm saying that I see it with my DIY PNSB. I can't speak to their product, but it's something that can easily be tested. Very easily.That's interesting. Are you also saying that you saw phosphates rise after using their product? That was one of my head scratcher observations as well when I tried testing purple m. My first seven day test run should personally know Improvement overeating regular hetrophic bacteria. But I tried doing a second 7 Days test where I used significantly more of this product. Significantly more, like 4 times as much, as the recommended dose. Results? The phosphates went up! Lol
I am using the Hannan HI774 tank was set up in February the last test was conducted and got 0.49 then the MBPurple was added 60minutes passed tested again got 0.61 waited thirty minutes used a ICP syringe filter tested again got 0.60 PO4 I am now noticing my skimmer is skimming out a green liquid for the firstHi BluesClues. I also saw no measurable benefit in using MB purple. I am not sure the exact type of bacteria in their product cuz they will not share it. But I'm pretty sure there is artificial dye in there to make it look like it contains high concentrations of purple non sulfuric bacteria. My guess is it's mostly regular run of the mill heterotrophic pseudomonas and bacillus bacteria that can be easily grown and is likely already in your tank.
Regarding your results. It would be hard for us to give any advice based on what you shared. The rate of change in your phosphate levels in extreme and leads me to suggest error in testing. So the first question in my mind is what tester you use and are you sure your techniques were consistent between tests. Unless this is a brand-new tank, or you just added a bunch of live rock, or some fish or Coral just died in your tank between testing, it's almost impossible to explain that kind of change with the readings.
If you're looking for some feedback or suggestions, please share information such as:
- age of tank
- what other husbandry methods do you use to maintain PO4 and general water quality i.e. water changes, carbon dosing, skimmer, etc.
- did you change anything with your daily routine between these reading changes such as introducing a new type of food or additional fish, Etc.? Did anything die?
I dosed DIY PNSB heavily 05-12 May. When not dosing, you can expect consumption to lower the phosphate levels, but given the phosphate content (~60 milligrams of phosphorus in the medium I'm using), the rise in phosphate levels is expected when dosing.Tested almost 24 hours later number have move in a downwards trend
Thanks for the extra info. This tank is so new that there is really not much stability yet. At this stage of your aquarium setup consistent large water changes are probably your best bet for trying to maintain good water quality. Just my opinion.Bought a bottle of the MBPurple for my 120 gallon tank I tested my nutrients before I left for a 5 day trip had my brother in law look after the tank. I tested before I left and my reading from my Hannan checkers showed NO3 23ppm PO4 0.32. I came back expecting my nutrients to be way off I tested again NO3 26ppm and PO4 0.35.
I was quite happy with the test as my PO4 only went up 0.03. Now looking at the bottle of MBPurple wanting to reduce my nutrients as the person at my LFS sold me on it being the solution. I dosed it accordingly 1.25ml per gallon taking out the volume of equipment and rock I used 90 gallons as my water volume to be safe. I added 112.5 Milliliters of MBPurple turned off my UV and Skimmer for 24 hours tested my nutrients again and my PO4 went up to 0.41. I thought maybe because I stirred up my sand bed to clean up for being away for a week. I added another dose of MBPurple 112.5ml waited two days and tested my PO4 0.49. Completely confused thinking that the MBPurple was increasing my PO4 I dosed the 112.5ml dose waited an hour for everything to mix up tested my PO4 and got 0.61!!!!!!!!! Am I doing something wrong with this product I’m completely confused. MBPurple has double my PO4 in the course of about a week. The corals are not reactive negatively so I’m not going to start stripping the water with a massive water change until I see I’ll affects
I am using the Hannan HI774 tank was set up in February the last test was conducted and got 0.49 then the MBPurple was added 60minutes passed tested again got 0.61 waited thirty minutes used a ICP syringe filter tested again got 0.60 PO4 I am now noticing my skimmer is skimming out a green liquid for the firsttime![]()

I agree. If someone is putting in a dye to deceive its customers that would be crossing a big line. No one is saying that's what they're doing. I did not go through any steps of having the contents tested. But it is indeed a possibility. The fact that the stain remained unchanged for a month on the paper towel while the stain from the hydro space pns probio faded slowly over time raises the possibility that it is some sort of inorganic coloringCurious about the implication that Brightwell is putting red dye in the bottle to resemble the PNS bacteria.
I mean if a product doesn’t do what is promised by the manufacturer as so often happens in this hobby, that’s one thing. Putting a dye into something to intentionally deceive is taking it one step further.
I’d prefer my bogus products to at least be inert and maybe not do what is promised but at least not cause harm
Is the fact that it dries red on a paper towel conclusive evidence though?
I tested multiple times after to see what the variance in the test was about 0.02+\- I don’t believe my rocks are leaching phosphates immediately after doing the product twice. I understand the phosphate sink my phosphates have been very stable I’m been trying to bring them down after my live phyto culture had excess PO4 in it from the F2. Started the tank with dry rock February 10th I’ve seen the phosphate slowly rise also but almost doubling my phosphate after dosing the product something is up. Not sure if I got a bad batch going to do some more testing this weekend if I have time.Thanks for the extra info. This tank is so new that there is really not much stability yet. At this stage of your aquarium setup consistent large water changes are probably your best bet for trying to maintain good water quality. Just my opinion.Bought a bottle of the MBPurple for my 120 gallon tank I tested my nutrients before I left for a 5 day trip had my brother in law look after the tank. I tested before I left and my reading from my Hannan checkers showed NO3 23ppm PO4 0.32. I came back expecting my nutrients to be way off I tested again NO3 26ppm and PO4 0.35.
I was quite happy with the test as my PO4 only went up 0.03. Now looking at the bottle of MBPurple wanting to reduce my nutrients as the person at my LFS sold me on it being the solution. I dosed it accordingly 1.25ml per gallon taking out the volume of equipment and rock I used 90 gallons as my water volume to be safe. I added 112.5 Milliliters of MBPurple turned off my UV and Skimmer for 24 hours tested my nutrients again and my PO4 went up to 0.41. I thought maybe because I stirred up my sand bed to clean up for being away for a week. I added another dose of MBPurple 112.5ml waited two days and tested my PO4 0.49. Completely confused thinking that the MBPurple was increasing my PO4 I dosed the 112.5ml dose waited an hour for everything to mix up tested my PO4 and got 0.61!!!!!!!!! Am I doing something wrong with this product I’m completely confused. MBPurple has double my PO4 in the course of about a week. The corals are not reactive negatively so I’m not going to start stripping the water with a massive water change until I see I’ll affects
I am using the Hannan HI774 tank was set up in February the last test was conducted and got 0.49 then the MBPurple was added 60minutes passed tested again got 0.61 waited thirty minutes used a ICP syringe filter tested again got 0.60 PO4 I am now noticing my skimmer is skimming out a green liquid for the firsttime![]()
Regarding your testing for phosphates. It's good to see you using a Hannah colorometer to test po4 but testing back to back or testing every hour doesn't probably reveal much except the inherent variability in the test itself. As a general rule you want to try and test no more than once a day and do it at the same time each day with all the other processes being done at the same time of the day as well such as feeding, water changes, other chemical dosing , etc.
Also, when it comes to phosphate there's an added complexity for testing the effects of treatments. That complexity is due to the fact that phosphate molecules will stick to calcium ions in the rock structure. You didn't mention what kind of rock you're using but assuming it's calcium carbonate based please realize that with the high phosphate levels you had before there's probably a lot of phosphate "stuck" to the Rock. This will create a phosphate "sink" in your tank. As you try and get your phosphate down to accept a levels below 0.1 the phosphate bound to the rock will start leaching out and be working against your efforts. It usually takes about 2 to 4 weeks to Leach out all the phosphate that is bound to the rock. So you must have patience with whatever technique you end up using. Good luck!