Brightwell Aquatics MicroBacter Start XLM is a 15X-concentrated liquid of live nitrifying bacteria that lets you cycle a new marine aquarium in roughly 5–7 days – and add your first hardy fish on day one. It is also the go-to rescue product when your biological filter has been knocked back.
Use it when
- Starting a brand-new saltwater or reef tank (prevents “new tank syndrome”).
- After heavy cleaning, filter changes or gravel vacuuming.
- After medication that has damaged the biological filter.
- When adding many fish at once.
Why it works
- Live, concentrated nitrifying bacteria that immediately start processing ammonia and nitrite.
- No refrigeration needed; tolerates up to 5× the normal dose in emergencies.
How to use (new tank)
- Dechlorinate water first – chlorine and chloramine kill the bacteria.
- Shake well and add 30 ml (6 capfuls) per 25 US gal (approx. 95 L), then add hardy fish.
- Test daily. If ammonia or nitrite exceeds 0.2 ppm, add 10 ml per 25 US gal.
- The tank is cycled when ammonia and nitrite read 0 and nitrate is at least 0.25 ppm.
- After cleaning: 10–30 ml per 25 US gal.
Good to know
- While cycling, switch off UV, ozone and the skimmer and remove filter socks; avoid carbon, GFO and phosphate removers for the first 30 days.
- Do not mix with other bacterial products during cycling.
- Store below 27 °C (refrigeration ideal); do not freeze.
Specifications
| Brand | Brightwell Aquatics (Made in USA) |
| Size | 250 ml – starts up to approx. 200 US gal (750 L) at the new-tank dose |
| Suitable for | Marine fish-only and reef aquariums |
Shipped across India from Chennai by Indian Aquarium (Astra Aquatics).