MicroBacter Start XLM - 125 ml

Brightwell Aquatics MicroBacter Start XLM is a super-concentrated 15X suspension of live, non-pathogenic nitrifying microorganisms formulated to establish biological filtration and support the natural conversion of ammonia and nitrite.

When used as directed in suitable conditions, it can cycle many new marine and brackish aquariums in approximately seven days. Actual cycling time depends on water preparation, ammonia input, filtration media and the absence of substances that can harm or compete with the bacteria.

Clumps, an earthy odor and temporary aquarium cloudiness are normal characteristics of the live culture. Shake the bottle vigorously immediately before every use.

• Super-concentrated 15X live nitrifying bioculture
• Rapidly establishes biological filtration in new aquariums
• Supports the natural reduction of ammonia and nitrite
• Helps prevent new-tank syndrome
• Supports marine, reef and brackish aquariums
• Helps restore bacteria after extensive cleaning or medication use
• Useful after overcrowding, adding fish or damage to the biological filter
• Supplied in a proprietary base designed for extended longevity
• Typical shelf life of approximately 18 months from manufacture

Important preparation:
Completely remove chlorine and chloramine before use. These substances are lethal to the live bacteria and can cause the product to fail.

Shake vigorously immediately before every use. Add the product to an area of high water flow.

Starting biological filtration in a new aquarium:
Add 30 ml, or 6 capfuls, per 25 US gallons (95 L) of aquarium water.

Remove filter socks and turn off UV sterilization, ozonation and protein skimming for the entire cycling period while dosing this product.

Test ammonia and nitrite daily. If either exceeds 0.2 ppm, an additional reduced dose of 10 ml per 25 US gallons may be added.

The aquarium is fully cycled only when:
• Ammonia measures zero
• Nitrite measures zero
• Nitrate is detectable above zero, with the manufacturer specifying at least 0.25 ppm

Do not add additional fish while ammonia or nitrite remains detectable.

After extensive cleaning:
Add 10–30 ml per 25 US gallons according to the amount of damage to the biological filter and the measured ammonia concentration.

After medications, overcrowding or biological-filter emergencies:
Detoxify ammonia as directed with a suitable product. Add 30 ml or more per 25 US gallons according to the filter damage, then add 5 ml every 30 minutes until ammonia begins to decrease. Monitor ammonia closely.

Fishless cycling:
Use MicroBacter Start XLM with MicroBacter QuikCycl according to the QuikCycl label. Start XLM supplies the bacteria, while QuikCycl supplies the required nutrients.

Super-concentrated suspension of live, non-pathogenic nitrifying microorganisms and enzymes in a proprietary longevity-supporting base.

The complete proprietary species and ingredient composition is not stated by the manufacturer.

Brand: Brightwell Aquatics
Product: MicroBacter Start XLM
Format: Live liquid bacterial culture
Concentration: 15X
Volume: 125 ml
Aquarium types: Marine, reef and brackish
Primary application: Establishing and restoring nitrifying biological filtration
New-aquarium dosage: 30 ml per 25 US gallons
Reduced repeat dosage: 10 ml per 25 US gallons
Post-cleaning dosage: 10–30 ml per 25 US gallons
Minimum product requirement for initial cycling: 1.2 ml per US gallon
Approximate initial treatment capacity: 104 US gallons
Typical shelf life: Approximately 18 months from manufacture

1 × Brightwell Aquatics MicroBacter Start XLM, 125 ml

Before beginning the cycle:

1. Prepare the aquarium with suitable marine or brackish water.
2. Completely neutralize chlorine and chloramine.
3. Provide adequate porous biological filtration media or suitable porous rock.
4. Prepare accurate ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and pH test kits.
5. Shake MicroBacter Start XLM vigorously.
6. Add the correct dose in an area of high water flow.
7. Remove filter socks.
8. Turn off UV sterilization, ozonation and protein skimming during the cycling and dosing period.
9. Test ammonia and nitrite daily.

For the most predictable cycling process, avoid competing bacterial products, carbon, phosphate-removal media, GFO, filter resins and bactericidal additives during the initial cycle.

The manufacturer advises against using bagged live sand or dry artificial rock pre-seeded with bacteria during cycling because competing bacterial cultures may extend the process.

For maximum longevity and potency, store below 80°F (27°C). Refrigeration at approximately 50°F (10°C) is recommended to extend shelf life but is not required.

Do not freeze. Freezing can kill the live bacteria.

If the product arrives frozen, allow it to thaw naturally at room temperature. Never thaw it in a microwave.

Typical shelf life is approximately 18 months from the manufacture date when stored appropriately.

Keep the bottle closed and avoid contaminating its contents.

The aquarium has not cycled after seven days:
Seven days is an approximate result, not a guarantee. Continue testing. Chlorine, chloramine, excessive ammonia, competing bacteria or unsuitable media can extend the cycle.

Ammonia or nitrite remains detectable:
The aquarium is not fully cycled. Do not add additional livestock. Test daily and follow the manufacturer’s repeat-dosing directions when either measurement exceeds 0.2 ppm.

No nitrate is detected:
The cycle is not complete. The manufacturer specifies that nitrate should be detectable at a minimum of approximately 0.25 ppm while ammonia and nitrite are zero.

The product contains clumps:
Clumping is normal for the live bacterial culture. Shake the bottle vigorously before use.

The bottle or aquarium smells earthy:
An earthy or unusual odor can be normal and is associated with the live bacteria.

Aquarium water becomes cloudy:
Temporary cloudiness can occur after dosing and may remain for several hours.

Cycling is progressing very slowly:
Confirm that all chlorine and chloramine were neutralized. Avoid overdosing ammonia, household ammonia containing additives, competing bacterial products and bactericidal aquarium treatments.

Live sand or pre-seeded dry rock is already in use:
The manufacturer states that competing bacteria may lengthen cycling by 2–4 weeks. Additional Start XLM may be required, but ammonia, nitrite and nitrate testing must determine when cycling is complete.

The product was frozen:
Thaw it naturally at room temperature. Never use a microwave. Repeated freezing and thawing should be avoided.

What is MicroBacter Start XLM?
It is a concentrated live nitrifying bacterial culture used to establish or restore biological filtration in marine, reef and brackish aquariums.

How quickly can it cycle an aquarium?
Many systems may cycle in approximately seven days when the directions are followed and no harmful or competing substances are present. Testing determines when cycling is complete.

How much is required for a new aquarium?
Add 30 ml per 25 US gallons. The manufacturer states that at least 1.2 ml is required for every gallon of aquarium capacity.

How much water can the 125 ml bottle initially treat?
At the standard starting dosage, it treats approximately 104 US gallons.

How do I know when the aquarium is cycled?
Ammonia and nitrite must both measure zero, while nitrate must be detectable above zero. The manufacturer specifies at least 0.25 ppm nitrate.

Can it be used for fishless cycling?
Yes. Use it with MicroBacter QuikCycl according to the QuikCycl label.

Does it require refrigeration?
No, but storage at approximately 50°F can extend its shelf life and preserve potency.

Can it be frozen?
No. Freezing can kill the bacteria.

Should the protein skimmer and UV sterilizer remain on?
No. Remove filter socks and turn off protein skimming, UV sterilization and ozonation throughout the cycling period while dosing the product.

Can MicroBacter7 or MicroBacter Clean be added during cycling?
The manufacturer recommends waiting until the Start XLM cycle is complete before introducing other bacterial products.

Are clumps, odor and cloudiness normal?
Yes. Clumps, an earthy odor and temporary cloudiness may occur because of the live bacterial culture.

Does it replace water changes?
No. Regular partial water changes remain necessary for long-term aquarium maintenance.