MicroBacter7 Question..

ocncheffy · Jun 23, 2017

So I'm going to be starting the cycle on my 60g cube build this weekend and I had decided to give this product a try after hearing some positive results on the product. My understanding is this product introduces bacteria to break down ammonia into nitrite and nitrate, but does this product also introduce an ammonia source to feed the bacteria? Or do I still have to provide some source of ammonia separately?

The tank has Caribsea Live sand, and new dry marco rock. I don't believe that on it's own, it would start a cycle, unless the live sand would kick start it. I had even thought about adding a couple chunks of frozen mysis with the MicroBacter7 to help it along as well.

Pife · Jun 23, 2017

No it's just bacteria.

Greybeard · Jun 23, 2017

I've been looking into several bacteria starter cultures, and foods for the same... I'm starting a new tank soon. Eventually, I'm going to end up with running the Triton system, but they don't really offer a new tank startup plan... I'm planning to use the Red Sea Reef Mature kit. Seems like a well thought out method of getting a well established bio filter up and running.

saltyfilmfolks · Jun 23, 2017

I forget. I though mb7 had a carbon source.

@Brew12

seaplane · Jun 23, 2017

MB7 is just bacteria, you will need an ammonia source. I had great success using Dr Tim's One and Only and following his directions with dosing ammonia. Started with dry sand and rock in a BC 29g, cycle was done in about 10 days.

Brew12 · Jun 23, 2017

saltyfilmfolks said:
I forget. I though mb7 had a carbon source.

@Brew12

You are correct, it does have a carbon source. The ammonia does need to be added separately. Adding some mysis is one way to do it if you would prefer to not dose straight ammonia.

saltyfilmfolks · Jun 23, 2017

Brew12 said:
You are correct, it does have a carbon source. The ammonia does need to be added separately. Adding some mysis is one way to do it if you would prefer to not dose straight ammonia.

Thanks.
Its why most are using for an additive to help lower nutrients and feed the corals at the same time(though many don't realise that), similar strategy to Vitamin c dosing I believe. its a shorter living bacterial strain too as I recall. A similar methodology is used in Dr't waste away.

So not the best for cycling, but works.

ocncheffy · Jun 23, 2017

So it seems i'll need an additional source of ammonia to go with the Microbacter 7. Can I get some cocktail shrimp and throw them in the cube, wait for a sign of ammonia, then add the Microbacter?

Brew12 · Jun 24, 2017

ocncheffy said:
So it seems i'll need an additional source of ammonia to go with the Microbacter 7. Can I get some cocktail shrimp and throw them in the cube, wait for a sign of ammonia, then add the Microbacter?

Add the Microbacter first. Then add a preferably raw shrimp although a cooked one will eventually break down too. You can even just ghost feed the tank as if it had fish in it.

Randy Holmes-Farley · Jun 24, 2017

Brew12 said:
You are correct, it does have a carbon source. .

Why do you think that?

Their written descriptions does not suggest so (unless you are referring to the enzymes):

Ingredients:
Purified water, proprietary blend of natural enzymes and non-pathogenic, beneficial microorganisms.

Brew12 · Jun 24, 2017

Randy Holmes-Farley said:
Why do you think that?

Their written descriptions does not suggest so (unless you are referring to the enzymes):

Ingredients:
Purified water, proprietary blend of natural enzymes and non-pathogenic, beneficial microorganisms.

I have exchanged a few emails with their customer support in an effort to find out if the bacteria in the product were active or in a cyst form. They beneficial microorganisms are mostly a bacteria blend that contains multiple strains of nitrifying bacteria along with other bacteria which target other organics. The bacteria blend also includes a carbon source to help extend the time the bacteria stay active along with some stabilizing agents.

Randy Holmes-Farley · Jun 24, 2017

Brew12 said:
I have exchanged a few emails with their customer support in an effort to find out if the bacteria in the product were active or in a cyst form. They beneficial microorganisms are mostly a bacteria blend that contains multiple strains of nitrifying bacteria along with other bacteria which target other organics. The bacteria blend also includes a carbon source to help extend the time the bacteria stay active along with some stabilizing agents.

Then they would seem to be incorrect in either the written description, or what they told you. In any case, it is unlikely to be enough to be important in terms of the effect on the tank.

FWIW, they have a history of "mistakes" and utter nonsense claims.

Brew12 · Jun 24, 2017

Randy Holmes-Farley said:
Then they would seem to be incorrect in either the written description, or what they told you. In any case, it is unlikely to be enough to be important in terms of the effect on the tank.

FWIW, they have a history of "mistakes" and utter nonsense claims.

I would buy either one, and it definitely would do no good to think of it as carbon dosing although the end result may be similar. You should see some of the email exchanges I have had with Fritz.....