I'm using BioMax as my bacterial population host, and my tank is 10 gallons. I'd been using NutraFin Cycle that was included in my aquarium kit, however, it seems gimmicky and never seemed to do anything. I am currently using SeaChem's Stability, which seems to be working but at a slow rate.

I was wondering if there were any "real," true bacterial supplementation that're available in Canada? There was one that's available in the States (I forget the name), but due to customs restrictions it's unavailable to Canada.

The only other thing I can find is Biozyme Freshwater. And something else called N3000 by Bacta-Pur. The only thing w/ Bacta-Pur is that it's designed for ponds, so I have no idea if it's a good idea to use in my aquarium.

Any tips? Would really like to grow some yummy bacteria.

Also I've had my tank for about a month and a half. The fish are fine, I've been doing regular water changes, the ammonia level has gone down, but of course, the nitrite rate is still a little high. The only problems I ever had w/ one the fish is when it constipated b/c I overfed it in my earlier days (oops).

The kind of bacteria that are available in liquid form (suspended in water) and can be poured into the tank are kickstart bacteria that may or may not survive the cycling process. What you really need to make that yummy bacteria grow is a place for the organisms to hide, breed and grow strong.

The filterbox is the very best place to provide this environment. Because it is has flowing water that carries oxygen best and because it is (much overlooked) dark. This is a healthy environment for them !

You can put a variety of material in your filterbox. You need layers and something that will house the bacteria -i.e has some small holes. Ceramic loops and filter sponges (without zeolite)etc. I'll find you a link..

Have a look at this. This thread includes pics of inside my tank filterbox-
loops etc

sorry try again;
loops etc

Thank you. I have the BioMax which are the glass/ceramic tubes that the bacteria grow on. I have a AquaClear Mini filter as well. I just wish the bacteria grew at a greater rate or something.

By the way, the mini pond in your aquarium is pretty cute.

Thanks

I see. Well you're doing what you can then. It takes a while . They thrive at a high pH and warm water with lots of air current. Wierd fact-you can actually start to smell them when they get abundant- its a pleasant smell like after the rain.

what would be the approximate optimal pH range for the bacteria?

One of my tanks has a pH of 8.4 and this tank has the best and strongest beneficial bacterial load= healthiest fish, crystal clear water, some good flourishing beard algae. I don't know if there is a particular pH that is best for them or not, I have just heard that the good bacteria prefer high pH :)It would have to be stable of course.