Bio-spira

[musky48in]

I have noticed a lot of posts about a product called bio-spira. This seems very interesting to me in what it does. It clams that it can cycle a tank in 24 hours. I know other products like stree-zyme ect... are pretty much worthless, but bio-spira seems to be the real thing. Does this product really work. I am always hesitant about things like this so what is a safe way of using a product like this? Should I use it and then wait a few days before adding fish or should I add fish after 24 hours?

[DEmigh]

I have no personal experience with the product, but the tech buzz is very positive. I'm subscribing to this thread to see what others have to say.

[beviking]

Same here. Everything I've heard about it is positive. When people ask about other instant "cycle" type products, bio-spira is recommended. No personal experience with it either but yes, you add the fish within 24hrs so the bacteria have a source of food. If you wait a few days, you will starve the bacteria you just paid $ for.

[pinballqueen]

I think someone here did an extensive test on Bio-Spira when it first came out... and the results showed that while it didn't completely cycle the tank immediately, it did drastically reduce the time it takes for a tank to get established. Nothing ever completely lives up to the hype, but it is still a VERY positive step in the right direction.

[musky48in]

So maybe if I use it to start the cycle and then I understand that I still have to feed the cycle once started with bio-spria. Could I use decaying flake food or pure ammonia to feed the bacteria from the bio-spria for and additional couple of days until fish are introduced.

[blitzen25bm]

you just gotta keep it in the fridge until ready to use, there is a shelf life on it though.

[RTR]

Bio-Spira is both nitrification and heterotrophic bacteria, so ammonia alone will not support its full effect. The serious trials I have seen on it gave full ammonia oxidation within 24 hours without any dangerous levels of ammonia during that short time. Nitrite was less certain, some tanks went okay, some needed either partials or re-treatment with the material to hold nitrite below hazardous levels.

NOTE: these were done by non-novice tankkeepers, so they knew what bioloads were appropriate and used such, they also knew testing and its pitfalls and how to monitor other water parameters without panic.

Also worth noting - nobody had any new-tank cloudy episodes, so it likely is more than just nitrification. Sounds to me like the real thing. Pobody's nerfect, but the stuff looks very good.

[musky48in]

Last question that I have on this stuff. Where can you get it? No local place in town has it, so I have to order it on-line. Dr foster's and big a don't carry it and the one place that I found that does is out of it for the next month. Any ideas?

[musky48in]

bump

[750t]

Im not one to list other forums, but if you really want bio sipra go to www.fishgeeks.com

[Gunnie]

If you want some good information on bio spira, go here (http://fishgeeks.com/index.php?name=PNphpBB2&file=viewtopic&t=7372) . Bernie at The Fish Store (www.fishstoretn.com) has been selling this product from day one. I have used bio spira 3 times, and have to tell you that it is the real thing. It is especially nice to have when you have an emergency with a 100 gal. tank like I did. I killed my bio filter in this tank which was housing 2 oscars, 2 jack dempseys, & 1 large pleco. When the tank started smelling like a sewer, I knew I was in trouble. I went to Wal-Mart at 11:30 at night on a Thursday and bought a 55 gal. set-up to temporarily house my babies, and drained the 100 gal. completely. I then refilled it, and ran the filters until my bio spira arrived about 3 days later. I do not recommend using less than what Marineland recommends, but I only used the 3 oz. pkg. of bio spira in my 100 gal. tank. (The recommended amount is 1 oz. per every 30 gals). I then immediately added all my fish back into the tank. I never got an ammonia or nitrite reading, and I started seeing nitrates within 24 hours. That was back in June, and my tank is still doing great. I have always ordered from Bernie because I cannot buy it locally. He is probably their top seller, and he also ships to Canada, and has a liason in the UK for orders over there. I met Bernie online when I started my first fish tanks last year, and needed bio spira. I am now proud to say he is my friend, and have even flown up to his store in Tennessee to meet him and other fish lovers. The next gathering at his store is April 17th & 18th, and all are welcome. If you need bio spira and can attend the gathering, that would be a good time to get it. There is currently a shortage on the stuff though (more than expected demand), so contact Bernie now, and he might have some set aside for you.

[musky48in]

says that they are out already....guess that i will have to just wait like everyone else

[musky48in]

bump

[Gunnie]

Yep, Bernie stated on another forum that Marineland told him he won't be getting any more until September! If you can find it, buy it!