Live Bacteria Starter Kits. Good, Bad Or Ugly?

[Zyden]

What's the general opinion on adding bottled bacteria to new fiters to boost maturation? We all know taking mature filter substrate from an established tank is ideal, but what about when this isn't possible?

If good, what brands?

If bad, why?

If ugly, what's your story?

 

[Tizer]

lots of post on here about it, do a quick search and you will get lots of results. generally, the advice is not to bother, its c.rap.

 

[Zyden]

lots of post on here about it, do a quick search and you will get lots of results. generally, the advice is not to bother, its c.rap.

I already checked out some of the scattered posts on searching, but wouldn't it be nice to have it all in one place for the newbies! =)

 

[StandbySetting]

Most are a waste of time, Biospira - a product that used to work has been discontinued, Dr. Tim's do a product though that is said to work.

 

[Tizer]

oh, in your thread and not dozens of others

 

[Zyden]

oh, in your thread and not dozens of others

Maybe you'd like to link a few?

 

[TwoTankAmin]

As far as I know at this time the only one that works is DrTim’s Aquatics One and Only Live Nitrifying Bacteria. If you are going to give it a try please follow this advice:

Ignore almost anything you see posted on this site regarding how to use it, especially by those who say it doesn't work or is garbage. Instead, follow the instructions that come with the product to the letter, especially when it comes to how to prep the tank, how to dose it etc. etc. The reason most folks who use the product do not succeed is that they will ignore the product directions which is almost always going to guarantee failure as opposed to working as advertised when used properly.

Dr. Hovanec is a nice guy and he answers all sorts of questions sent by users or those just interested but who have questions. I have emailed him with a question or two and gotten a prompt informative answer. I have also seen him exchange posts with members on a number of forums as well.

If you want more info on the product and Dr. Hovanec before you make a decision, got to his site at Dr Tim's Aquatics