Starter additives

[CKW]

What new tank starter additive works?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

You mean for cycling?

 

[CKW]

Yes, thanks

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

If you are using dry dead rock to start, I recommend Fritz Turbo 900 for cycling.

If you use live rock, especially real ocean rock, there is no need for added bacteria.

 

[Peer.Boerner]

FWIW I used Fritz Turbo Start and it works just like the directions said. I was skeptical but I’d recommend it. You do need a fish to provide an ammonia source. I used the proverbial clown fish

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

FWIW I used Fritz Turbo Start and it works just like the directions said. I was skeptical but I’d recommend it. You do need a fish to provide an ammonia source. I used the proverbial clown fish

I recommend just dosing ammonia as the source.

 

[Peer.Boerner]

FWIW I used Fritz Turbo Start and it works just like the directions said. I was skeptical but I’d recommend it. You do need a fish to provide an ammonia source. I used the proverbial clown fish

I recommend just dosing ammonia as the source.

Yes. That’s a better idea.

 

[CKW]

Excellent thanks. That’s what I’ll use. BTW live ocean rocks. BTW I live in Myrtle Beach and have access.

 

[Fish Fan]

Excellent thanks. That’s what I’ll use. BTW live ocean rocks. BTW I live in Myrtle Beach and have access.

Please just be careful not to violate any local laws by removing rock from where that may be frowned upon

From both my experience, and from having followed A LOT of "how do I cycle my tank" threads here on R2R, I would say:

• 'Real', wet live rock from a reputable local fish store, another hobbyist, or, ideally, from an ocean mariculture facility such as Tampa Bay Saltwater - nearly instant cycle. Even using a small percentage of live rock/dry rock can be helpful to 'seed' you system with beneficial microbes.
• Fritz TurboStart specifically can work in a very short period of time - 24 to 48 hours for "fish safe", if you will. This product may or may not contain the organisms that would be responsible for processing nitrogenous waste in our tanks long-term, but who cares, in my opinion? It seems to work and fast
• Almost all other methods, such as the "shrimp" method, and almost all other bottled bacteria such as Dr. Tim's One And Only, Microbacter7, and others will take about 3 weeks, give or take.

I hope this helps; good luck!

 

[dloberry]

I dosed a small amount of ammonium to bring ammonia to about 3ppm then I put in a bottle of Fritz Turbo Start 900. It was cycled fairly quick

 

[Gumbies R Us]

I've used Dr tims one and only and never had any issues with it