Brightwell Aquatics MicroBacter Start XLM

Brightwell Aquatics MicroBacter Start XLM

Overview

Kick-start a rock-solid biofilter from Day 1. MicroBacter Start XLM delivers an ultra-concentrated culture of marine nitrifying bacteria tailored for new saltwater systems, helping rapidly convert toxic ammonia → nitrite → nitrate so you can complete a controlled fishless cycle and stabilize your reef faster—with less “new tank” drama.

Key Features

• Professional-strength nitrifiers – Densely packed strains selected for marine salinity and pH.

• Fast, predictable cycling – Establishes robust biofilms on rock, sand, and media for reliable ammonia/nitrite control.

• Ideal for fishless starts – Pair with a measured ammonia source to seed without livestock stress.

• Reef-safe – Suitable for use in systems with future corals, inverts, and macroalgae when used as directed.

• Great after resets – Re-seed biofiltration after deep cleanings, media swaps, or major equipment changes.

Directions (New Marine Systems)

1. Prepare – Fill with mixed, aerated saltwater; run return and circulation pumps. Turn OFF UV/ozone and reduce skimming for 24–48 hrs after dosing.

2. Dose – Shake very well. Add MicroBacter Start XLM per label for total system volume.

3. Feed the filter – Add a measured ammonia source to reach the target ppm specified by your cycling plan/test kit.

4. Test – Check ammonia, nitrite, nitrate daily. Re-dose ammonia only per plan; do not “top off” blindly.

5. Ready – When the system converts a known ammonia dose to 0 ppm NH₃/NH₄⁺ and 0 ppm NO₂⁻ within 24–48 hrs, the biofilter is established. Begin stocking gradually.

6. Resume – Restore normal skimming and UV/ozone after the initial 24–48 hrs post-dose.

Maintain strong aeration/oxygenation during cycling. Never exceed the label dose or overfeed ammonia.

Use in Established Tanks

• After large cleanings, media changes, or unplanned die-offs, dose per label to reinforce nitrifier populations.

• Temporarily disable UV/ozone for 24–48 hrs after each dose to improve colonization.

Best Practices

• Keep temperature stable for tropical reefs (typically 77–79°F / 25–26°C) and salinity 1.025–1.026 SG.

• Maintain alkalinity, pH, and phosphate/nitrate within reef-safe ranges.

• Rinse mechanical filters often; high flow across porous media promotes better biofilms.

• Log parameters; let test results (not the calendar) tell you when the cycle is done.

Compatibility

• Safe with live sand, dry rock, ceramic media, refugia, protein skimmers (after the 24–48 hr window), carbon, and phosphate media.

• Avoid dosing concurrently with medications, peroxide, or sterilizers. Space those interventions well away from bacterial additions.

Product Specifications

• Type: Live, non-pathogenic marine nitrifying bacteria (liquid)

• Primary Role: Rapid establishment of ammonia/nitrite-oxidizing biofilms

• Applications: New tank cycling, post-maintenance re-seeding, recovery after biofilter disruptions

• Storage: Keep sealed, cool, and out of direct light. Do not freeze.

• Safety: For aquarium use only. Keep away from children and pets.