Bactozym

[Boxa]

Has anyone ever used this stuff?

Setting up a new Species tank and have seen Bactozym scattered about in the LFS, it claims to enable you to add fish in just 24hrs, has used this stuff?

http/www.tetra-fish.co.uk/tetratropical/...p?productID=196

 

[OohFeeshy]

Don't bother, it doesn't do anything.

 

[nogsnellin]

What about Tetra 'Safestart'? This is a new product here in the UK similar to Bio-Spira in the U.S.A.
Its supposed to work with 'live' bacteria not the type used in 'cycle' and other similar products.Has anyone tried it yet? Any reports ?

 

[campbellmay]

What about Tetra 'Safestart'? This is a new product here in the UK similar to Bio-Spira in the U.S.A.
Its supposed to work with 'live' bacteria not the type used in 'cycle' and other similar products.Has anyone tried it yet? Any reports ?

I believe Tetra Safestart is, like Bio-Spira, based on Nitrospira bacteria, which has been identified as the main nitrite-producer in the cycling process. However, Bio-Spira is refrigerated to keep the bacteria alive. If Tetra found some amazing new way to keep bacteria alive at room temperatures, wouldn't Marineland update Bio-Spira and market it that way as well? After all, refrigerated products are much more difficult for stores to stock than the ones that go on shelves. Since Marineland has given no indicators that they will be selling room-temperature Bio-Spira, I think it's safe to say that the two products are not equals, though I can't say exactly how good of a substitute Safestart is.

I would be wary of the product, until you find a trustworthy, unbiased source that approves of it.

 

[ImperfectFaerie]

I think it's funny that the site says you can add the 'first' fish within 24 hours, meaning you can't add a full load and you are most likely going to end up cycling it anyways. Useless- fishless cycle instead.

 

[nogsnellin]

If thats the case does anyone know where /if you can get Bio-Spira in the U.K.?
Otherwise anybody actually used it here yet?
How can Tetra market something if it doesn't actually work!!!?

 

[ImperfectFaerie]

Same way McDonalds can claim thier meals are chock full of nutrition.

 

[campbellmay]

How can Tetra market something if it doesn't actually work!!!?

Because there's a market for it. As long as people will buy it, companies will sell it. Simple as that, unfortunately.

Of course, with no one on hand that has actually used it, we can't really judge fairly. But for the most part, products like Safestart are either completely ineffective, or end up being more trouble than they're worth.

Bio-Spira is hard to get your hands on in the US, let alone in the UK. I called every LFS within ten miles of me (about fifteen stores) and found ONE store with ONE pack left, that I was very quick to snatch up. I've searched for online sellers, but have so far come up dry. You might try calling Marineland customer service and asking them, but I have a feeling it will cost a bundle to get it shipped no matter what. Marineland needs to get their act together, because it's definitely a product that would sell if only it was stocked and appropriately advertised to the masses. I think there's so much skepticism regarding cycle-boosting products that people aren't willing to find out if Bio-Spira actually works. Which it does.


On a side note: When has McDonald's ever made such an outrageous claim?

 

[ImperfectFaerie]

HA- besides the fact that they market thier food as a meal for the family, they also market thier salads as 'healthy' alternatives when in reality they ring in around 25g of fat on average.

Back to the Fishies!

 

[OohFeeshy]

How can Tetra market something if it doesn't actually work!!!?

In the case of some of the thingys, when you read it it actually just contains something that 'stimulates' the bacteria, which is pretty useless when you can buy a bottle of ammonia that will last you probably every tank you will ever cycle for less.

 

[Callum]

Tetra safestart does not have to be refrigirated but must be kept under 30 degreees centigrade so is this bio spira or not?

 

[campbellmay]

Tetra safestart does not have to be refrigirated but must be kept under 30 degreees centigrade so is this bio spira or not?

You know, now that I read this on the Marineland website, I'm not so sure. According to the Marineland FAQ page:

BIO-Spira® is an active bacteria culture. Refrigeration provides the optimal long-term storage. If BIO-Spira® is left out of the refrigerator at room-temperature, it will still perform at optimal conditions. However, it is best to return BIO-Spira® to refrigeration when possible. Use the following as a guide:

a. Long Term Storage (1 year): 50°F (10°C)
b. Mid Term Storage (6 months): 39°F-87°F (4°C-31°C)

As far as I can tell, Tetra does not ever require refrigeration. But it sounds like Bio-Spira can survive in room temperature for a while as well. Does anyone know for sure what the difference between the two is?