Kordon Tidy Tank

laurenrocksth

laurenrocksth

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Jun 24, 2008
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So my 125 has been getting some brown growth on the gravel and acrylic. I can clean it off the walls of the tank but I really don't want to fish out all of the gravel in that large of a tank and probably get bitten by one of my Oscars in the process. I have no idea what it is... algae of some sort? I do weekly 50% (at least) water changes. My parameters have always been perfect.

I bought some Kordon Tidy Tank today at my LPS. The label says that it contains only naturally ocurring beneficial bacteriaand will break down organic debris in the gravel and filter. Is this stuff ok to use? Will it mess up my existing bacteria? I haven't opened the bottle yet... wanted to wait and ask the pros :)
 
from the website

http://www.novalek.com/kordon/tidytank_fresh/index.htm

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:
Tidy Tank contains a specifically developed sludge removing bacteria used to remove organic debris from aquarium gravel, filters, tubing, etc. Tidy Tank contains billions (2 billion colony forming units per milliliter) of heterotrophic bacteria. These Bacillus species bacteria rapidly consume carbohydrates, proteins, starches, fats and cellulose that build up in aquariums as the result of feeding, fish waste, decaying plant matter and other organics. As well as eliminating unsightly sludge from the aquarium, these bacteria will also reduce odors that are produced as a result of organic decay. Tidy Tank eliminates debris accumulation in biofilters, preventing the formation of toxic anaerobic zones within the filter media. Tidy Tank will also decrease channeling inside of filters, allowing faster water flow and increased filter efficiency. The Bacillus species in Tidy Tank can function in aerobic and anerobic conditions allowing these organisms to function in the best and worst of aquarium conditions. Using Tidy Tank augements the beneficial microbes already present in the aquarium. Tidy Tank is very stable and has a long shelf life
 
It could be diatoms. I run an AC 110, an FX 5 and a 16W UV sterilizer. This is a fairly well established tank. Isn't that a problem with new tanks... or do I have no idea what I'm talking about?

So... don't do it?
 
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These Bacillus species bacteria rapidly consume carbohydrates, proteins, starches, fats and cellulose that build up in aquariums as the result of feeding, fish waste, decaying plant matter and other organics.
Click to expand...

If these bacteria really eat that quickly their metabolism probably doesn't allow them to live a normal shelf life without a food source...my guess is you'd be buying dead bacteria, but just my opinion.

Nothing a WC can't do either...
 
bacilli: spores or hibernate?

If I've understood the informed literature I've read, bacilli don't die of hunger or even thirst so much. They either metabolically slow down to a near standstill or somehow become spores or cysts or something like that. So any product where they actually bothered to grow and package anthing real (I have read that some products to seem to contain any bacteria upon close examination!) should arrive with living, though likely dormant, bacteria.

I wonder why somebody doesn't culture some of these products in petri dishes and try checking for the presence of live bacteria that way or with a microscope - swab some of the product up and smear it on a glass slide, put it under the scope and there you have it!

I'd do it myself but I'm disabled and on VERY limited income.

I wonder if Micro Lift's product, "Special Blend" is similar to "Tidy Tank." I've been told it can accelerate cycling a fishtank but haven't found it personally to be true. I do like "Special"s hydrogen suphide smell; it makes me feel like I'm really doing something important and nitty-gritty when I open up that bottle and dose my tank!

Oh, does anybody know exactly or even approximately which genus' and species are in ANY of these products? Heterophyllic bacteria is pretty broad.I'd love to know more. Nitrospira isn't a very specific term either, especially when used as a blanket to cover nitrosospira, nitrosomonas, etc.
 
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Wow. I started this thread FOREVER ago!

You know, I've also always wonderred what exact type of bacteria it is that exists in our tanks. After taking what felt like a million microbiology classes in my undergrad, you'd think I'd know the answer :)
 
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