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Top 4 Nitrifying Bacteria Tank Starter Picks

By , About.com Guides

A number of products are on the market which assist the cycling process in a tank. Some contain a quantity of the nitrosoma and nitrobacter bacteria which will help cycle your tank faster (some as fast as 1 day) than normal. Others contain enzymes which help naturally occurring bacteria grow more rapidly. Some products are added only at set up, others need to be replenished periodically.

1. BioZyme

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Saltwater Biozyme is a combination of living bacteria in concentrated form, which is activated upon introduction to water for the conversion of ammonia to nitrite and then to less harmful nitrate. It has unlimited shelf life as opposed to many liquid enzymes on the market. Recommended to use when starting a new tank or doing water changes.
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2. Hagen Cycle

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A concentrated bacteria that when added to the aquarium or filter chamber will initiate or strengthen the biological removal of ammonia and nitrate by beneficial bacterial strains. One teaspoon per 10 gallons weekly.
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3. Microbe-Lift Nite-Out II

Microbe-Lift Nite-Out IIPhoto by PriceGrabber
Microbe-Lift Nite-Out II by Ecological Labs contains select strains of nitrosomonas, nitrobacter, and nitrospira eliminate ammonia and nitrite. This specialized bacterial additive rapidly breaks down nitrogen compounds. Nite-Out II establishes and maintains the necessary bacterial populations required to efficiently process toxic ammonia to nitrite and then to nitrate.
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4. Right Now! Bacteria

Right Now! Bacteria, made by Hiatt Distributors Ltd, is a state of the art special blend of several naturally occurring bacteria which will cycle a tank in one day when the defined protocol is followed. One dose of these rapidly reproducing bacteria is all that is needed. Right Now! also removes nitrates when used in conjunction with a high grade carbon.

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