Loaches Online Forum

Hello

I'm just starting up a new tank and the LFS advised me to use Soll Bactinettes as opposed to filter start. The advice was to add the Bactinettes to the top of the filter (Fluval 305), add the filter sponge from my old filter to the filter sponge already there, and to add the fish a bit later on the same day.

This seems better than the fill the tank with water and then add the fish approach, but I'm holding back as it seems rather too good to be true and I want to get this right.

Has anyone had experience of using these and can you advise on the best way to ensure all is going as it should?

I'm assuming that if I put the bactinettes in (not the filter sponge as I need that for the existing filter) and monitor the water chemistry this would be better, but if I do this how quickly should I expect to see the cycle going and should I still be feeding the bacteria if there are no fish in the tank (if so, can I use the ammonia surrounding the bactinettes for this?)

Advice/experience all gratefully received.

Fiona

There are many types of microorganisms in an established aquarium. The most important are the bacteria that remove ammonia and nitrite and turn it into nitrate. The group of bacteria that do this are Nitrospiros and certain relatives. These bacteria are packaged as Tetra Safe Start and as Dr. Tim's One and Only.

All other 'bacteria in a bottle' products do not contain the proper species of bacteria. They may contain other sorts of decomposers and other microorganisms, but I would not waste money on them.

If either of the two correct products are not available then do the fishless cycle starting with some cycled media from a healthy tank to jump start the cycle. You could start the fishless cycle with no added bacteria at all, the right bacteria will find the tank and grow. Do not cycle with fish.

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