This thread got spicy!
My thoughts:
- Based on the manufacturer's recommendations, the monthly costs of dosing ProBio, Special Blend, and MB Purple are wildly different. That's math that's worth a look.
- The marketing for PNS ProBio has changed as the product has evolved, it's a bit of a moving target, so I guess I'll need to sample another bottle.
- I don't know what "high-density" means, as lot-specific spectrophotometric analysis or viable plate count data has not been provided, nor do I know that that density is maintained lot over lot.
- The bottles of PNS ProBio and Special Blend that I tested were polycultures. Lots of different bugs in both bottles, and the data can be reviewed over on Humblefish.
- "Strains" are mentioned in this thread, but I think most of y'all mean species. AquaBiomics does not test down to the strain. Only species.
- If I remember correctly, Hydrospace obtained the rights of a specific strain of PNSB (was it B111?) for use in ProBio. Maybe there's legitimate value there, or maybe that's a marketing tool used for differentiation.
- Much like "These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration....," these products have not been proven to help you be a better reefer. There is evidence that they may help, but doing nothing might help. Dosing NOPOX/vinegar/vodka might help. Water changes might help.
- If dosing bacteria makes you feel like you're doing something good for your tank, I say do it.
And as you might expect, those who received their free bottles of MB Purple are already touting the product's value. After a few weeks. Without sharing data. The bottle I bought from SWA will arrive (maybe) this week, and I'll get the sample sent out posthaste.
