Cycle (the product)

[smoochxoxo]

I totally understand what you are saying but I read a while back that for example products like Biospira had active or live bacteria that needed to be added within 24 hours or whatever. Cycle claims their bacteria is dormant. I did find this information....

Cycle's Product Description:
The only way to make sure the correct number and types of bacteria are available is to inoculate the aquarium with them. Current research indicates the minimum level to initiate competitive exclusion starts at 100 billion bacteria per milliliter on a regular inoculation schedule. Only Cycle and Bio Care products reach this remarkable concentration. The unique processing technology ensures the bacteria in the bottle are dormant. Many other products are still active when packaged, requiring nutrients and oxygen to survive. Often, they have already started their life cycle in the bottle before being added to the aquarium. Cycle's bacteria are dormant and will generally remain suspended for long periods of time. A minimum shelf life of two years is guaranteed. Weekly Maintenance (maintains optimal biological filtration, promotes competitive exclusion): *5 ml (one capful) per ten gallons weekly. New Aquarium Installations: 10 ml (two capfuls) per ten gallons. Repeat every seven days for two weeks. Thereafter switch to weekly maintenance dosage. For marine systems, double dosage is recommended. After Medication: remove medication with carbon or other filtration before application: 10 ml (2 capfuls) per ten gallons. Revert to weekly dosage thereafter. Addition of New Aquarium Specimens: makes fish introduction safer and less stressful and reduces lag time required to achieve low levels of ammonia and nitrite: 5-10 ml (one to two capfuls) per ten gallons.

Bacteria can be in a dormant state so I can't see why this wouldn't work. If a food source is removed then the bacteria falls into a dormant state or slows down greatly at the very least. This webpage also explains about the dormant states of Nitrosomonas Bacteria and Nitrobater ...http://www.koioriental.com/article-introduction-to-the-microbial-world.php

I take it all with a grain of salt...do I agree that it will last for 2 years...probably not but there is a good possibility that there is a benefit of this product. I think alot of the times people say OH this doesn't work and tell a friend and friend say yup that stuff sucks and has never experienced it. Like I said before, my 5 gallon cycled in about 2-3 weeks showing 5-10 ppm of nitrates by the end of week 2. I never had an ammonia spike or a nitrite spike. I checked water params every single day. AND I used cycle. I can't be that lucky. If I was I should have played the lotto!
lol

 

[jpappy789]

According to The V bacteria can stay dormant for 4-6 months in good conditions (ie stable temp). They do not need a constant food source during this time.

 

[Just Prince]

I have had great success with API's version of cycle.

 

[colinsk]

The product cycle made no difference in my tank that I tried it in. A handful of soil from my yard worked much better in the other tank.

 

[Jalo Reefa']

I used this once and it made a dramatic difference, visible reduction of ammonia levels within hours - though no noticeable change to nitrite - no reduction of nitrite that is, obviously levels rose as ammonia fell. My own conclusion was that it was an effective source for the bacteria responsible for converting ammonia, not so much for the nitrite guys.

Just thought I'd throw a positive in there seeing as most of these threads turn into a "flame the product" rants about how these companies are out to make money (ya think?)

In short... I just don't think someone like Kashta can say the kinds of things said and be universally correct. Forget about universal, some of those things are just wrong (like the statement that bacteria need a "living tank" environment to survive.) As already stated, most don't die, they just go dormant.

 

[colinsk]

I got mine at the local Petco. I wonder how long it had been on the shelf? More interestngly I found one that could be over-nighted cold. I can't remember the name but it is one of the successors to BioSpira and it also made no difference. It was about $50 with shipping. If I remember right it was from Dr. Tim's new company and not the company that owns the rights to biospira.

 

[tcarswell]

Actually I have it on very good word this product DOES work. If you have not used it please do not speak up thanks.

 

[tcarswell]

I used this once and it made a dramatic difference, visible reduction of ammonia levels within hours - though no noticeable change to nitrite - no reduction of nitrite that is, obviously levels rose as ammonia fell. My own conclusion was that it was an effective source for the bacteria responsible for converting ammonia, not so much for the nitrite guys.

Just thought I'd throw a positive in there seeing as most of these threads turn into a "flame the product" rants about how these companies are out to make money (ya think?)

In short... I just don't think someone like Kashta can say the kinds of things said and be universally correct. Forget about universal, some of those things are just wrong (like the statement that bacteria need a "living tank" environment to survive.) As already stated, most don't die, they just go dormant.

:dance: They stay in spores in the cycle product they dont neccesarily live in the bottle but they they collect in to spores.

 

[Fish-Addict]

I have to steel our thread really quick, has anyone actually had a good experience with this stuff actually speeding up the cycle process?

I always use this ande have been able to add fish within 2 or three days. Many will disagree with that, but it is true, and te fsh were fine with their fins erect etc.

 

[LouRey]

Ok, let's say this product IS good. Should I use it for life or just on the start up of my aquarium? What purpose does it serve once my tank is cycled and has been running for 6 months?