Brightwell MicroBacter Dry Rock Starter Kit

Brightwell MicroBacter Dry Rock Starter Kit

Overview

Jump-start a clean, stable biofilter on brand-new reef systems built with dry rock and sterile sand. The Brightwell MicroBacter Dry Rock Starter Kit combines targeted strains of nitrifying bacteria with a controlled ammonia source and organics-reducing microbes to speed the cycle, suppress “ugly stage” films, and help your tank reach rock-solid stability faster.

Key Features

• Purpose-built for dry starts – Formulated for systems without live rock or live sand.

• Complete cycle in a box – Bacteria + ammonia source + organics management work together from Day 1.

• Helps avoid nuisance blooms – Competes with diatoms, film algae, and bacterial slime common in new tanks.

• Reef-safe & invert-safe – No copper, formaldehyde, or harsh preservatives.

• Scales to your build – Suitable for nano reefs up through large display systems (follow bottle directions).

What’s Inside

• MicroBacter Start (nitrifying bacteria): Establishes robust colonies of Nitrosomonas/Nitrospira to convert toxic ammonia → nitrite → nitrate.

• MicroBacter Clean (maintenance bacteria): Helps break down organics and detritus to keep surfaces clearer during the “ugly stage.”

• Ammonia Source (for fishless cycling): Provides a precise, controllable ammonia input so bacteria can establish without livestock stress.

(Specific bottle sizes vary by kit; follow label directions for your aquarium volume.)

How It Works (Dry Rock & Sterile Sand)

1. Prep – Rinse new dry rock and sand; fill with mixed, aerated saltwater and run all filtration. Turn off UV/ozone skimmers for the first few days per label guidance.

2. Seed – Dose MicroBacter Start as directed to introduce high-density nitrifiers.

3. Feed – Add the included ammonia source per label to reach a safe target for fishless cycling.

4. Stabilize – Over the next days, use MicroBacter Clean as directed to reduce organics and surface films while nitrifiers colonize.

5. Verify – Test ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate regularly. When ammonia and nitrite read 0 ppm for 24–48 hrs after a measured ammonia addition, the biofilter is ready.

6. Stock Slowly – Add first hardy livestock gradually; resume skimming/UV as labels recommend and continue routine maintenance dosing.

Always adhere to the dosing and safety instructions on each bottle. Do not overdose ammonia. Ensure strong aeration during cycling.

Ideal For

• New reef aquariums using dry rock and sterile/aragonite sand

• Fishless cycling before introducing livestock

• Hobbyists wanting to minimize the new-tank “uglies”

Ongoing Care Tips

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

• Maintain pH/alkalinity in recommended reef ranges.

• Use quality test kits; log readings daily during the cycle.

• After stocking, dose MicroBacter Clean per label to help keep surfaces tidy.