The Puffer Forum

Ok I have read on here that these are all good sources of live bacteria that you can use: Amquel, tetra safe start, Dr. Tim’s, or BioSpira. Are these correct? I could not find any of these, so my LFS gave me TLC, is anyone familiar with this product? Also, why do you have to add this to water changes if your biofilter is already set?

Once your bio filter is established you don't need to add any type of live bacteria. When you do a water change you do need a dechlorinator like Amquel, Prime, or something of that sort. These do not contain any type of live bacteria but do neutralize chlorine, chloramines, ammonia (with some), and some heavy metals. Dr. Tims Bio Spira and Safe Start are for emergency cycling, treating a mini cycle, or if you're like me too impatient to wait for a regular fishless cycle. I have never heard of TLC before so I can't give you any info on it.

Amquel does not contain any bacteria. The ONLY products that contain LIVE bacteria are: tetra safe start, Dr. Tim’s, or BioSpira. Everything else contains either dead bacteria or the wrong kind of bacteria.

TLC does not contain live bacteria. The guy at the lfs (I don't like or go to) told me that TLC is used to help nitrates in a saltwater aquarium. I have a bottle but I've never used it.

Ok thanks guys. I do use Prime. So, I guess I will take the TLC back and keep looking for the 3 other products.

Some of those 3 products are specified for FW & others are only for SW. Be sure to read the package, because I never can remember which is which.

Dr Tims has freshwater, saltwater and reef.

Bio-Spria by instant ocean is Saltwater

Tetra safestart is Freshwater.

Ok so is there anywhere online that I can get these products? And which one is cheapest?

http://www.drsfostersmith.com


For Dr. Tims

Do you need any of the live bacterias? Are you using this to cycle your tank or just do water changes on an established tank? I'm confused. If your tank is already cycled you don not need anything with live bacteria, only the Prime to take out the chlorine or chloramines.

thanks edmlfc1.

Im getting the live bacteria because I am setting up a couple new tanks 10gal, 20gal, and 55gal. But I do have 2 established tanks a 10gal and 20gal.

Ahhh! I got it! I thought you were using it with water changes......

Is this it?

Don't forget the DFS rebate!

Yah I have not thanked you PufferPunk, on that other thread about where to buy stuff, about the rebates. So, thank you and I did register, but have not bought anything yet.