Dr Tim’s one and only

AlexVic · Sep 9, 2024

Hello, I order Dr Tim’s one and only online and it took a week to deliver. Did all the bacteria die during that time? I heard that it should take two days to prevent it from dying.

Mr. Mojo Rising · Sep 9, 2024

Was the bottle sealed? What is the 'best before' date on the bottle? The bottles sit on store shelves for several months at a time - no reason for the bacteria to die in only 2 days.

Fish Fan · Sep 9, 2024

I think you'll be fine. Unless for some reason that bottle got exposed to extreme high temps in shipping, the bacteria should be fine. Bacteria can persist in that bottle for a long time, they don't need to be "fed", and should be just fine to use.

Are you planning to start your tank and cycle with dead, dry rock and sand, and the Dr. Tim's One and Only? Did you also get his bottled ammonium chloride, or do you have another ammonia source for your cycle?

Jasongtr · Sep 9, 2024

Received a bottle last week, expiry date on it was Nov 25, I doubt 2 days will matter !

AlexVic · Sep 9, 2024

Fish Fan said:
I think you'll be fine. Unless for some reason that bottle got exposed to extreme high temps in shipping, the bacteria should be fine. Bacteria can persist in that bottle for a long time, they don't need to be "fed", and should be just fine to use.

Are you planning to start and your tank and cycle with dead, dry rock and sand, and the Dr. Tim's One and Only? Did you also get his bottled ammonium chloride, or do you have another ammonia source for your cycle?

I was gonna use fish pellet food as my source of ammonia, is that ok? Also should I have my filter on during the cycle?

Fish Fan · Sep 9, 2024

Jasongtr said:
Received a bottle last week, expiry date on it was Nov 25, I doubt 2 days will matter !

If the bottle says it's expired, and I had the option to return it, I probably would return it for a new bottle. But, it's likely just fine even expired. Did you use this bottle yet? Did it work for you?

Fish Fan · Sep 9, 2024

AlexVic said:
I was gonna use fish pellet food as my source of ammonia, is that ok? Also should I have my filter on during the cycle?

That's fine. I asked because I see a lot of posts where people add the Dr. Tim's One and Only and no ammonia source to start the cycle, and they are waiting and waiting and waiting and not understand why nothing is happening. Sounds like you have the right idea

I say, keep your filter on for circulation for sure, but you can remove any mechanical pads, foam or filter socks at this point. You want to encourage the bacteria to populate on your rocks and sands, and not your disposable filter media, at least at this point.

AlexVic · Sep 9, 2024

Fish Fan said:
That's fine. I asked because I see a lot of posts where people add the Dr. Tim's One and Only and no ammonia source to start the cycle, and they are waiting and waiting and waiting and not understand why nothing is happening. Sounds like you have the right idea

I say, keep your filter on for circulation for sure, but you can remove any mechanical pads, foam or filter socks at this point. You want to encourage the bacteria to populate on your rocks and sands, and not your disposable filter media, at least at this point.

Thanks for the help I really appreciate it! Last question should I have my wave maker on during this time to help the circulation?

Jasongtr · Sep 9, 2024

Fish Fan said:
If the bottle says it's expired, and I had the option to return it, I probably would return it for a new bottle. But, it's likely just fine even expired. Did you use this bottle yet? Did it work for you?

Who's bottle had expired?

Mines working great, with the supplied ammonia

Fish Fan · Sep 9, 2024

AlexVic said:
Thanks for the help I really appreciate it! Last question should I have my wave maker on during this time to help the circulation?

Sure, I don't see how that would hurt, it's just circulation, and you do absolutely want to keep your tank circulating at this point (and going forward lol!).