Bio Spira/bottled Bacteria

[Ckutz_fistTimer]

Hello everyone

It was just suggested to me that I try Bio Spira as my tank is in the early process of cycling. I haven't heard of this product but i have read about people using the "bacteria in a bottle" stuff that is bought off the shelf, and i've gathered that it's a complete farse, waste of money, because bacteria can't survive in that condition or something.

So what's up with this Bio Spira stuff? Has anyone used it with success?

Also, the petshops near me don't carry Bio Spira but I think these products are similar, does anyone know for sure?
http/www.petco.com/product/11426/Kordon-...at=OnSiteSearch

http/www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?...77&keepsr=1

 

[TigerIssey]

The products you have shown do not contain any live bacteria. One is just a water dechlorintor, the other is IMO a waste of money.

Bio spira is stored in a refridgerator, you need to buy the correct amount of packets for the size tank you have. You will cycle in a very short space of time but you will get a small mini cycle as if cloning a tank. You need a bioload immediately for bacteria to process. This can be ammonia as in a fishless cycle. When I used it 2 1/2 yrs ago (imported it from america) I added fish like it told you to. My readings were very minimal (hardly anything) for ammonia and nitrite and I got nitrates almost immediately.

Bio spira

EDIT
Having just thoroughly gone over this link, it seems tetra bought out marineland in late 2006. The product they are offering is no longer refridgerated. I don't actually believe the tetra safestart works in the same way as the original refridgerated product did. They still make the refridgerated marine version. Perhaps this is why there are now alot of people who say it does not work. I have yet to meet or speak to anyone that actually believes this new tetra product works. I do know of someone on another forum that conducted an experiment and to be fair it came in at a longer cycling time than normal fishless cycling and the ammonia and nitrite levels went way higher than she was happy with. This is a great shame to freshwater fish keepers in America as the original product was very good and was being used by public aquariums.

The marine version is still available refridgerated.

 

[shelaghfishface]

although ive never used bio spira, i have heard good things about it, infact its the only one i have heard good things about, u will have to do ur own research and make up your own mind.. i would go thru a fishless cycle tho just to gain the knowledge

 

[Inchworm]

Hi Ckutz_fistTimer

There is only one real BioSpira in the USA, although I think there is another brand in the UK. Try looking in an independent lfs because it must be kept refrigerated and the chain stores don't seem to want to go to the trouble. Even if it takes some time on the phone, I think it will be worthwhile.

I've heard mostly good things about this product and would try it myself if I was just starting out.

 

[TigerIssey]

although I think there is another brand in the UK

UK version came out in last 18 months its called Soll Bactinettes, have used that with success aswell after a filter accident, is available from Maidenhead aquatics.

 

[TigerIssey]

Please see edit in earlier post

 

[Ckutz_fistTimer]

well this was a big letdown..
stupid aquatic companies...