Bacteria in a bottle

[breaktime]

Whats the real deal with the quick start cycling in a bottle? What is the product of choice? I've read a little about it and decided to get everyone 's opinion. I like the idea of shortening the cycle process.  I plan on adding fish slowly,  I was told 20 in a 125 would be a good start. Someone mentioned a product called  smart sense but I am unable to find that.  I am curious how many people in here use a bacteria in a bottle to help with their cycle process.

[Steve]

I'm personally not a fan of bacteria in a bottle, I don't think anything can take the place of a proper cycling of a tank, just my own personal opinion...BUT with that said. About 5 months ago I did have to set up a 29g in a hurry to house some fish and  I used Start Smart Complete with pretty good results.

Do you have an existing tank running? if so then just seed it with some of the media from that and you'll be ready to go in a few days after seeding.

[Maize-N-Blue-D]

Whats the real deal with the quick start cycling in a bottle? What is the product of choice? I've read a little about it and decided to get everyone 's opinion. I like the idea of shortening the cycle process.  I plan on adding fish slowly,  I was told 20 in a 125 would be a good start. Someone mentioned a product called  smart sense but I am unable to find that.  I am curious how many people in here use a bacteria in a bottle to help with their cycle process.

Startsmart Complete - IT WORKS...Just used it on a 180 and a 55, added the product and all my fish in and the tank cycled overnight...

But as Steve suggested it is best if you can seed a filter prior to setting up the tank...

[djlamonica]

I have uses smart start complete on a few tanks now with good results.  I would be a bit wary using it on a brand new set up of more then 60g or so.

[breaktime]

I'm personally not a fan of bacteria in a bottle, I don't think anything can take the place of a proper cycling of a tank, just my own personal opinion...BUT with that said. About 5 months ago I did have to set up a 29g in a hurry to house some fish and  I used Start Smart Complete with pretty good results.

Do you have an existing tank running? if so then just seed it with some of the media from that and you'll be ready to go in a few days after seeding.

I don't have a tank running, this is my first tank a 125 gal. Looks like I won't be getting it before Christmas. The carpet I ordered for the room the tank is going in isn't in yet. I like the idea of getting a sponge etc that is seeded to throw in my sump under the 125 tank.

[breaktime]

Whats the real deal with the quick start cycling in a bottle? What is the product of choice? I've read a little about it and decided to get everyone 's opinion. I like the idea of shortening the cycle process.  I plan on adding fish slowly,  I was told 20 in a 125 would be a good start. Someone mentioned a product called  smart sense but I am unable to find that.  I am curious how many people in here use a bacteria in a bottle to help with their cycle process.

Startsmart Complete - IT WORKS...Just used it on a 180 and a 55, added the product and all my fish in and the tank cycled overnight...

But as Steve suggested it is best if you can seed a filter prior to setting up the tank...

That's 2 for the seeded media. How many fish do you suppose I can put in a 125 ? 20 sound right?

[breaktime]

I have uses smart start complete on a few tanks now with good results.  I would be a bit wary using it on a brand new set up of more then 60g or so.

Why would you be wary? I am getting a 125 soon.

[LoveTheFishies]

I like to start an extra sponge filter in an existing tank.  Run it for a couple of weeks.  Then put in your new tank along with the bacterial starter.  You can keep the sponge filter until the tank is established.  Then take it out or keep it for an "emergency". 

I have a Hydro Sponge IV and V cooking now for my 195.  Have large pieces of holey rock in the extra tanks.  Looking forward to the new year.

Been pretty lucky, I haven't had any fish loss from cycling.   

[Maize-N-Blue-D]

I'm personally not a fan of bacteria in a bottle, I don't think anything can take the place of a proper cycling of a tank, just my own personal opinion...BUT with that said. About 5 months ago I did have to set up a 29g in a hurry to house some fish and  I used Start Smart Complete with pretty good results.

Do you have an existing tank running? if so then just seed it with some of the media from that and you'll be ready to go in a few days after seeding.

I don't have a tank running, this is my first tank a 125 gal. Looks like I won't be getting it before Christmas. The carpet I ordered for the room the tank is going in isn't in yet. I like the idea of getting a sponge etc that is seeded to throw in my sump under the 125 tank.   

Stop into Bruce's Pond shop, tell him what you are doing and take with you some filter sponge, give it too him and ask him if he would throw it in an filter to get seeded.  Go back a couple of weeks later and pick up the seeded sponge. Once you have a seeded sponge the beneficial bacteria will quickly multiply inside your filter, remember do not let the seeded sponge dry out, that will kill all the beneficial bacteria..  I did the same thing with Kee's up by me when I set up my first tank... NOTE:  you will need to have the fish ready to put in the tank when you add in the seeded filter sponge,  the beneficial bacteria will need the fish waste to survive and multiply...

Good Luck !  and Yes 20 fish is a good starting point for a 125 gallon tank,

[Marty]

As long as your tank doesn't have something in it like chlorine or a medication that kills bacteria, you should be fine with bacteria in a bottle.  The instant addition of a large colony of bacteria is essentially skipping a month long buildup of letting a tank cycle on it's own.

If you have multiple tanks, adding an established sponge filter is doing the same thing without the cost.

The club was sent a large number of free sample bottles of TLC Smart Start Complete and all the feedback I've received has been positive.  Here's a link if you're interested in ordering:

http://www.tlc-products.com/startsmart-complete/

Use promo code "MCA20" for a 20% discount.

[breaktime]

As long as your tank doesn't have something in it like chlorine or a medication that kills bacteria, you should be fine with bacteria in a bottle.  The instant addition of a large colony of bacteria is essentially skipping a month long buildup of letting a tank cycle on it's own.

If you have multiple tanks, adding an established sponge filter is doing the same thing without the cost.

The club was sent a large number of free sample bottles of TLC Smart Start Complete and all the feedback I've received has been positive.  Here's a link if you're interested in ordering:

http://www.tlc-products.com/startsmart-complete/

Use promo code "MCA20" for a 20% discount.

I just ordered startsmart and thank you for the promo code. I will be using prime to get rid of the chlorine in my water.

[Maize-N-Blue-D]

FYI - Wet Thumb (Anchor Bay, Mi) sells this for $12.50 and You won't have to pay for shipping....

http://www.wetthumbaquatics.com

STARTSMART COMPLETE... It is your all purpose bacterial additive for aquariums with three great uses:
1. instant cycling with one dose with even cronic ammonia or nitrite problems solved in 24 hours. 2. One
small but powerfull weekly dose keeps an aquarium fully cycled, digest sludge, and maintains perfect balance.
3. Eliminates "pea soup" and hair algae problems without use of chemicals.
H219...12 oz...$12.50

[breaktime]

FYI - Wet Thumb (Anchor Bay, Mi) sells this for $12.50 and You won't have to pay for shipping....

http://www.wetthumbaquatics.com

STARTSMART COMPLETE... It is your all purpose bacterial additive for aquariums with three great uses:
1. instant cycling with one dose with even cronic ammonia or nitrite problems solved in 24 hours. 2. One
small but powerfull weekly dose keeps an aquarium fully cycled, digest sludge, and maintains perfect balance.
3. Eliminates "pea soup" and hair algae problems without use of chemicals.


I ended up getting a 12 and 24 oz for $31 and change  after 20% off using the code Marty gave me and free shipping

[African cichlid Keeper]

I like using aquarium safe start.