Can you overuse quick start in cycle?

[Tiber]

I bought some quick start to start my cycle when I was buying some rock and wood online.

I ended up buying two bottles by accident. Which got me thinking, does using a bit too much do any harm?

I know that API have a recommended amount per litre on the side of the bottle, but if you are doing a fishless cycle do these limits actually matter or is it better to use a bit extra when kicking off the cycle?

 

[connorlindeman]

I bought some quick start to start my cycle when I was buying some rock and wood online.

I ended up buying two bottles by accident. Which got me thinking, does using a bit too much do any harm?

I know that API have a recommended amount per litre on the side of the bottle, but if you are doing a fishless cycle do these limits actually matter or is it better to use a bit extra when kicking off the cycle?

I know that with tetra safestart you can use as much as you want but im not sure about quickstart.

 

[Tiber]

I know that with tetra safestart you can use as much as you want but im not sure about quickstart.

I imagine its all pretty similar

 

[Rocky998]

This guy I like to watch on you tube whotakes care of his ponds and tanks well was setting up a new tank and he went: "And imma go ahead and add some of this quick start here" first he only added a capful but then he poured like half of the large bottle in

 

[connorlindeman]

I imagine its all pretty similar

After a bit of online research I found that no, you can't overdose on bacteria. Unless you pour like a gallon in you should be fine.

 

[outofwater]

In theory you could... as in adding the whole damn bottle at once. But then what would happen is that you either get a quick bloom, or if there isn't enough ammonia the colony will "downsize" itself. Unless it's listed on the label this shouldn't be an issue for your fish, assuming you're doing a fish-in cycle.

When I had to do that when I got back in the hobby, I actually was doing double the dosage and it did speed up the process.

I've read a few people recommending adding another dose each time you add new fish or after a deep clean (If/when that's ever needed) so, keeping the extra is an option too.

 

[Tiber]

In theory you could... as in adding the whole damn bottle at once. But then what would happen is that you either get a quick bloom, or if there isn't enough ammonia the colony will "downsize" itself. Unless it's listed on the label this shouldn't be an issue for your fish, assuming you're doing a fish-in cycle.

When I had to do that when I got back in the hobby, I actually was doing double the dosage and it did speed up the process.

I've read a few people recommending adding another dose each time you add new fish or after a deep clean (If/when that's ever needed) so, keeping the extra is an option too.

I don't have any fish in the tank, just plants

 

[outofwater]

You'll be just fine then, even if fish were present it wouldn't hurt them unless it was expressly noted so on the package/directions. If you're trying to speed up the cycling adding extra can be helpful, but a cycle is a cycle and it takes at least 2 weeks to be stable and measurable. As to what to do with the "extra" it doesn't "go bad" but it will certainly lose "potency" over time if you go past the use date. Unless you foresee getting more tanks, I'd try returning the extra bottle. Good luck with your cycle!