Brightwell Aquatics MicroBacter Start XLF – Concentrated Freshwater Nitrifying Bacteria – Quick Start Fish Tank Starter, Lift Microbe Levels & Water Filtering – Aquarium Water Treatments, 4.22 fl oz
$11.76
Price: $11.76
(as of Mar 21, 2025 21:29:11 UTC – Details)
Brightwell Aquatics MicroBacter Start XLF Experience a new level of aquarium care with Brightwell Aquatics MicroBacter Start XLF – the ultimate solution for achieving a balanced and thriving aquatic environment. Our concentrated formula is designed to boost the nitrogen cycle in your aquarium, ensuring the rapid establishment of biological filtration and creating a stable habitat for your aquatic companions. It’s particularly useful for new startups, resulting in tank cycling in 5 to 7 days in most cases. This shrimp safe advanced blend works effectively to break down organic waste, keeping your aquarium water pristine. It is meticulously formulated to enhance water quality and eliminate ammonia and nitrite spikes. Whether you’re setting up a new tank or maintaining an established one, MicroBacter Start XLF is your go-to solution. Its versatility extends to fish and invertebrate freshwater aquariums and is particularly effective for live planted aquariums, providing powerful support for a diverse range of aquatic environments. FEATURES AT A GLANCE Super concentrated 15x strength formula Useful for rapidly re-establishing nitrification bacteria in case of an emergency Usually cycles in 5-7 days Ideal in aquaria with high population densities and when adding new fish Best used post-cleaning of rocks and surfaces or after use of medication Prevents “New Tank Syndrome” Supplied in a proprietary base for maximum longevity Formulated utilizing extensive data compiled by microbiologists AMERICAN-MADE EXCELLENCE Trust in the quality and excellence of Brightwell Aquatics, an industry-leading brand committed to providing innovative and scientifically backed aquatic care products. Made in the USA, we consistently strive to deliver advanced superior quality solutions to elevate the vibrancy and health of your aquarium.
Package Dimensions : 4.72 x 1.61 x 1.61 inches; 4.97 ounces
Item model number : BACSTARTXLF125
Date First Available : April 10, 2020
Manufacturer : Brightwell Aquatics
ASIN : B086Z6VTJW
Country of Origin : USA
HIGH-POWER TANK STARTER – MicroBacter Start XLF is a powerful 15x concentrated blend designed to kickstart biological filtration in new tanks and existing freshwater aquariums. It enhances water quality, providing a flourishing underwater environment with live, non-pathogenic microbes
RAPID WATER CYCLING – Optimize your aquarium’s health swiftly with this shrimp safe fast-acting solution. Quickly accelerate the tank’s beneficial nitrifying bacteria population for balance and stability in just 5-7 days. It’s the ideal solution when time is crucial
FOR HIGH-DENSITY AQUARIUMS – A scientifically blended formula that caters to crowded tanks and effectively reduces ammonia and nitrite levels, all while supporting population density. Supplied in a proprietary base, providing maximum longevity in shipping and in your aquatic ecosystem. It has a shelf life of over a year at room temperature.
ADVANCED TANK RECOVERY – Perfect for all levels of aquarium enthusiasts and compatible with various sand and rock substrates. Best used post-cleaning or after use of medications. This ammonia remover accelerates the re-establishment rate of fish tank bacteria, ensuring your fish thrive
AMERICAN-MADE EXCELLENCE – Brightwell Aquatics is an industry-leading brand committed to providing innovative and scientifically backed aquatic care products. Made in the USA, we consistently deliver advanced superior quality solutions to elevate the vibrancy and health of your aquarium
Customers say
Customers find that the aquarium pond water treatment works well to reduce ammonia and nitrite levels. They also like the fish health, water clarity, and ease of use. However, some customers have reported that it did not work as expected and did not improve the tank’s condition compared to other bacteria products. Opinions vary on the cycle speed and value for money.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
8 reviews for Brightwell Aquatics MicroBacter Start XLF – Concentrated Freshwater Nitrifying Bacteria – Quick Start Fish Tank Starter, Lift Microbe Levels & Water Filtering – Aquarium Water Treatments, 4.22 fl oz
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$11.76
Z –
Multi-purpose
I got it to do two things: Keep the water clear in my pond, and help make liquid fertilizer. If you didn’t know, you can put grass clippings and other organic stuff into water, and the water will leach out a lot of the good stuff. Eventually this progresses into a fermentation, and finally, nitrization. That’s when bacteria start really turning the nitrogen in the liquid into something plants can use.Well, my liquid fertilizer mixture is still sitting, but not long after I added some of this, the water turned black. This is a good sign and shows that everything’s working, and quickly! As for my pond, it looks great and has no problems.I recommend this item to people getting into homesteading, aquaculture, regenerative agriculture, making their own fertilizer, etc.
AJ –
Tank cycled quicker than I expected.
This worked surprisingly well.
Lisa M –
Great stuff!
I am on my second bottle of this. I used it to assist in the cycle of a heavily planted 20 gallon tank. Never had an ammonia issue. All shrimp, snails and fish added have done well. I have started using it in all my tanks after water changes.
RDM –
Consistent quality bacteria boost
This product has always given a boost to my aquarium’s beneficial bacteria after a water change or when changing the media in my canister filter. Its a little pricey, but quality products usually are.
Brandon Buffington –
Great product
Great product
Ronald –
Rookie Mistake!
Hello Follow Aquarists. I set up a 40-gallon breeder tank with ADA Aqua Soil and ECO Complete as the base layer, and of course adding MicroBacter StartXLF. I’m trying out the Dark Start Method for aquarium. In short, for those of you who may not know what that is, you allow your tank to run about a month with the lights off to allow the ammonia in the soil gas out and most importantly establish good bacteria to support your future fish and plants. See, Youtube for detailed information about the process. I ran my tank for 4 weeks and noticed how cloudy it was, you expect some cloudiness in tank with soil but not this much. So, I changed half the water and got a little improvement, but still very cloudy. After that, I changed out 15 gallons every other day for two weeks, still cloudy. I also filtered my water with high density filer pads during this time, no change. After, doing a web search of my problem, I realized that my MicroBacter StartXLF was outdated. I had forgotten that I purchased it several years ago. In short, I bought a new bottle and within a week. I have crystal clear water.
Jacqueline –
Helped fix a crashed cycle
After many other bottled bacterias that didnât work, I tried this one. It drastically sped up the cycle process after my cycle crashed. Itâs a pretty big bottle and worth every penny!
FortyOne –
No addition of bacteria for tank
Did absolutely nothing to help cycle my tank. I assume the bacteria was dead or just an overall poor product.