Bottled Bacteria Brand?

[saphbettas]

Hello, I'd like to know what brands of bottled bacteria you all add to your aquariums, if any. I've seen mixed reviews with people stating that their fish passed away after using some, and it scares me. So I'd like to know which brand(s) you all think are best. Thank you! 💙 I apologize if this has been answered before.

Edited April 17, 2022 by saphbettas

[Fish Folk]

On 4/16/2022 at 8:12 PM, saphbettas said:

Hello, I'd like to know what brands of bottled bacteria you all add to your aquariums, if any. I've seen mixed reviews with people stating that their fish passed away after using some, and it scares me. So I'd like to know which brand(s) you all think are best. Thank you! 💙

I’m skeptical about anaerobic bacteria surviving well in sealed bottles on a shelf for loooong periods of time.

But two that I’ve used without problems are:

Dr. Tim’s

FritzZyme 7

[lefty o]

the stuff works, but really only needed in a non established aquarium. my all time favorite is fluval cycle, and can also recommend fritzyme7.

Edited April 17, 2022 by lefty o
incoherent thought lol

[Beardedbillygoat1975]

Fritzyme 7 and Fritz Turbostart. 

[Patrick_G]

I’ve recently used Dr. Tims, and I’m not sure if it’s working or not. The tank was started in early march and the bottled bacteria was added on March 25. Because of the long time frame, when the cycle finally completes it’ll be hard to tell if the Dr. Tim’s helped. 

@saphbettas, If these products are being used in a tank with fish it’s probably because there’s a problem with the cycle. I would suspect that in most cases that would be the cause of fish death, not the bottled BB. 
 

On 4/16/2022 at 5:15 PM, Fish Folk said:

I’m skeptical about anaerobic bacteria surviving well in sealed bottles on a shelf for loooong periods of time.

 Me too, but BRS and many trusted friends on the forum have seen results so I decided to give it a try. 

Edited April 17, 2022 by Patrick_G

[nabokovfan87]

I've used em all, never had issues with anything. I just use whatever the store has, usually a rotating stock. I've used API, Aqueon, Seachem, this other petco brand (black bottle), and probably a few others.

Just check the dates on them.

[TonyVideo]

I have used the Fritz brand successfully. Just check the date. If no fish yet you have to keep feeding the bacteria with ammonia to keep it active in the tank.