MicroBacter Start XLM - FAQ

What is MicroBacter Start XLM?
MicroBacter Start XLM is a concentrated live nitrifying bacteria product designed to rapidly establish biological filtration in new aquariums.

What does MicroBacter Start XLM do?
It introduces nitrifying bacteria that convert ammonia into nitrite and then into nitrate, allowing an aquarium to complete the nitrogen cycle and become safe for livestock.

Is MicroBacter Start XLM safe for fish and corals?
Yes. When used as directed, it can be used with hardy fish during the cycling process. However, livestock should only be added once ammonia and nitrite are confirmed at zero.

When should I use MicroBacter Start XLM?

• When setting up a new aquarium

• After replacing or heavily cleaning biological filtration

• After events that disrupt bacteria (medication, die-off, system crash)

How often should I dose MicroBacter Start XLM?

• Initial cycle: dose a full amount at setup

• If ammonia or nitrite rises above ~0.2 ppm, additional smaller doses can be added as needed

How do I dose MicroBacter Start XLM?
Shake well before use. Add the recommended amount directly to a high-flow area of the aquarium. Typical starting dose is 30 ml per 25 gallons of aquarium water.

Do I need to turn off equipment when dosing?
Yes. Turn off UV sterilizers, ozone, protein skimmers, and remove fine mechanical filtration during the cycling process to allow bacteria to establish.

How long does it take to cycle a tank with MicroBacter Start XLM?
In many cases, cycling can be completed in about 7 days or longer, but only when ammonia and nitrite are zero and nitrate is present.

Can I use MicroBacter Start XLM for a fishless cycle?
Yes, but it must be used together with an ammonia source such as MicroBacter QuikCycl to provide nutrients for the bacteria.

What should I test during cycling?
Test ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate regularly. The tank is only considered cycled when ammonia and nitrite are zero and nitrate is detectable.

Can I use other bacteria products at the same time?
No. Do not use other bacterial supplements during the cycling process with MicroBacter Start XLM.

What happens after the tank is cycled?
After cycling is complete, transition to a maintenance product such as MicroBacter Clean or MicroBacter7 to support ongoing biological stability.

What can slow down or stall the cycle?

• Chlorine or chloramine in the water

• Running UV sterilizers or skimmers during dosing

• Lack of an ammonia source (for fishless cycling)

• Using chemical filtration media too early

Will MicroBacter Start XLM make my water cloudy?
Temporary cloudiness may occur during dosing. This is normal and typically clears as the bacteria establish.

Can I overdose MicroBacter Start XLM?
Minor overdosing is generally not harmful, but excessive dosing is unnecessary. Follow recommended guidelines and test water parameters.