Brightwell Aquatics MicroBacter Dry Rock Starter Kit – Bacteria for Reef Tanks

Brightwell Aquatics MicroBacter Dry Rock Bacteria Starter Kit is a complete solution designed to accelerate the nitrogen cycle in new marine or freshwater aquariums using dry rock. This kit introduces a powerful blend of nitrifying and waste-degrading bacteria that colonize surfaces, substrates, and filtration systems, ensuring a stable and healthy environment from the start.

🌟 Key Features and Benefits

• Accelerates biological filtration in aquariums using dry rock

• Rapidly establishes beneficial nitrifying bacterial colonies

• Helps control ammonia and nitrite spikes during initial cycling

• Supports long-term stability and water clarity

• Reduces the risk of nuisance algae caused by excess nutrients

• Safe for use in reef tanks, freshwater aquariums, and planted systems

📦 What’s Included

• MicroBacter Start XLM: A live bacterial inoculant that seeds nitrifying bacteria

• MicroBacter Clean: A carbon-based solution that enhances bacterial growth and breaks down organic waste

These two products work together to ensure a fast and efficient cycling process, even in systems starting with sterile rock and substrate.

🧴 How to Use

1. Prepare the Aquarium: Ensure the system is fully set up with dry rock, substrate, and an active filter.

2. Shake Well: Shake both bottles thoroughly before use.

3. Initial Dosing (Day 1):

   • Add 4 drops per gallon (1 mL per 5 gallons) of MicroBacter Start XLM

   • Add 1 mL per 5 gallons of MicroBacter Clean

4. Maintenance Dosing (Days 2–14):

   • Continue dosing MicroBacter Clean daily at 1 mL per 5 gallons

5. Monitor Water Quality: Regularly test for ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates. Once ammonia and nitrites reach 0 ppm, the system is cycled and ready for livestock.

🔬 Ingredients

• MicroBacter Start XLM: Contains Nitrosomonas, Nitrobacter, and Nitrospira strains

• MicroBacter Clean: Contains heterotrophic bacteria, enzymes, and a carbon source for enhanced nutrient reduction

💡 Why It's Important

New aquarium systems, especially those started with dry rock, lack the bacterial foundation needed for safe and efficient cycling. This kit provides a scientifically formulated approach to establishing that foundation quickly. It reduces the risk of toxic spikes, minimizes the need for chemical interventions, and promotes a cleaner, more stable aquatic environment from day one.

🏁 Conclusion

The Brightwell Aquatics MicroBacter Dry Rock Starter Kit is an essential tool for anyone starting a new tank with dry rock. By combining powerful nitrifying bacteria with an effective nutrient source, this kit helps aquarists achieve a fully cycled, biologically stable aquarium faster and more reliably than traditional methods. Ideal for reef tanks, freshwater systems, and everything in between.