Microbe-Lift Special Blend, Does This Work?

[rpgmomma8404]

I am feeling like I am being rushed to get fish in the tank by my boyfriend. We went to petco today and bought some stuff suggested to use called microbe-life special blend that was claimed to get the tank ready in two weeks. I feel like this is just a bad idea and not sure if I should even use this stuff. I was willing to wait as long as possible but it just doesn't seem like it is going to happen. I don't want to buy a bunch a fish to have them die on us then my son be upset (boyfriend doesn't seem to understand this). Anyone used this and had any success with it?

 

[Mamashack]

Most of the bacteria in a bottle products don't appear to work so don't waste your money and risk injuring the fish.
There is only one product that I've seen actually recommended on here a couple of times and that's Dr Tim's One and Only.
I'm setting up a new tank in the not too distant future and have ordered some to try tho I'll be doing rigorous water testing before actually adding fish. It will be mid July before it arrives as I think it is coming from the US so I'll not have any more info before the end of July I would think.

 

[rpgmomma8404]

Most of the bacteria in a bottle products don't appear to work so don't waste your money and risk injuring the fish.
There is only one product that I've seen actually recommended on here a couple of times and that's Dr Tim's One and Only.
I'm setting up a new tank in the not too distant future and have ordered some to try tho I'll be doing rigorous water testing before actually adding fish. It will be mid July before it arrives as I think it is coming from the US so I'll not have any more info before the end of July I would think.

Thanks for the reply. I kind of figured this. We don't even have a heater so I'm not even sure if anything will grow even if we use this. I have the receipt so I am going to have him take it back. 

 

[daizeUK]

This product is advertised for use with both fresh and salt water systems which makes it highly dubious, since these systems use different bacteria.
 
That doesn't mean it's completely useless and it shouldn't do any harm.  If you are not going to do a fishless cycle then I would go ahead and add this stuff, it cannot hurt and it might give you some seed bacteria to get going.  If your boyfriend insists on cycling with fish then they will need all the help they can get!
 
If you do use it then make sure you follow the instructions, shake the bottle well and let us know the results!

 

[rpgmomma8404]

This product is advertised for use with both fresh and salt water systems which makes it highly dubious, since these systems use different bacteria.
 
That doesn't mean it's completely useless and it shouldn't do any harm.  If you are not going to do a fishless cycle then I would go ahead and add this stuff, it cannot hurt and it might give you some seed bacteria to get going.  If your boyfriend insists on cycling with fish then they will need all the help they can get!

 
If you do use it then make sure you follow the instructions, shake the bottle well and let us know the results!

Thanks for the information. I decided not to use it so I took it back today. I just didn't trust it. Traded it in for some more fake plants....lol

 

[Mamashack]

Daize you've used Dr Tim's O&O haven't you? How quickly were you able to add fish after adding the One & Only?

 

[daizeUK]

For me, One & Only took about 3 weeks to fully cycle the tank.  That might not be representative because I had a problematic tank and suspicious test readings along the way.  Most people report that it will work in 2 weeks and I believe it is capable of that.  Tetra SafeStart is reported to be a very similar product and should give good results as well.

 

[CJH0825]

From what I understand about reading up on this type of stuff ( could be wrong ) that Tetra SafeStart is made by a former employee of Dr Tims.

 

[Mamashack]

I'll be trying the One & Only myself soon so I'll let you know how it goes. I did it just adding ammonia last time and it took 5 weeks from the start to getting 0ppm ammonia and nitrIte in 24 hrs then adding a betta after a massive water change so will see how it compares.