Stability's Bacteria

Raul-7 · #1 01-01-2006, 15:44

I've read that the bacteria in Stability isn't the regular bacteria found in normal aquariums (cycled naturally), but why would I want to add other species of bacteria that would compete with the natural bacteria in the aquarium? I mean is Stability's bacteria better than Nirtobactor and Nitrosomas? Or will Stability's bacteria soon be outcompeted and die by the natural bacteria once they become established? Thanks

Tech Support CH · #2 01-03-2006, 11:32

The bacteria in Stability are different. They are a much hardier type of bacteria and will survive conditions that the normal bacteria can not. As the tank cycles both types of bacteria will grow and they will actually compliment each other very well in the tank.

Raul-7 · #3 01-03-2006, 14:23

Is it true cycling isn't important in a planted tank? I mean of course plants are a better biofilter than bacteria, but is it really safe to add a small bioload of fish on the first day of a planted tank?

Tech Support CH · #4 01-03-2006, 16:00

A planted tank will still go through a cycle, even if you don't add bacteria to it. Most planted tanks are maintained at a pH of 7.0 or lower. At this pH all of the ammonia will exist in the ammonium state, which plants use. Ammonium is also nontoxic to the fish. If you have enough plants to consume the majority of the ammonium than you might not see any cycle occur. If not, some of the ammonium that is left by the plants will be consumed by bacteria and changed into nitrite. Nitrite is very toxic in freshwater systems. You can add aquarium salt to decrease the nitrite toxicity but your plants will probably not appreciate this. Adding a product such as Stability will speed you through the cycle and help prevent this from occurring.

Raul-7 · #5 01-29-2006, 16:07

I'm using it to cycle my 20G; but it seems that there is a bacterial bloom - is this normal with the species of bacteria in Stability?

Tech Support CH · #6 01-30-2006, 10:44

All types of bacteria can bloom when there is an abundance of food. It is normal. Some people do not experience a bloom but usually they have low waste levels.

Raul-7 · #7 01-30-2006, 22:34

I'm using it in addition to Purigen; I added both from day one - could it be that the bacteria aren't getting enough N to sustain a colony due to the Purigen?

Tech Support CH · #8 01-31-2006, 09:32

Bacteria bloom when there is an abundance of food, not when its deficient. If they bloomed when it was deficient they would be causing their own death. Purigen is not effective to the point of putting the bacteria out of work. Test your ammonia, nitrite and nitrate and that will give you an idea of where you are in the cycle and what nutrient is abundant. If there is no abundant nutrients than it is probably not a bacteria bloom. If you have excess phosphate or nitrate than it could be the start of an algae bloom. If not that it could be a precipitation caused by a additive to the water.