Which MicroBacter Should I Use?

Which MicroBacter Product Should I Use?
Brightwell’s MicroBacter line includes several products designed for different stages of aquarium setup and maintenance. Choosing the correct one depends on your current goal.

I am setting up a brand new aquarium (cycling a tank)
Use MicroBacter Start XLM

• Establishes biological filtration

• Introduces nitrifying bacteria

Optional (fishless cycle):
Add MicroBacter QuikCycl

• Provides ammonia to feed bacteria

• Required if no fish are present

I want to cycle a tank without fish (fishless cycle)
Use both:

• MicroBacter Start XLM (bacteria)

• MicroBacter QuikCycl (ammonia source)

These products work together:

• Start XLM = bacteria

• QuikCycl = food for bacteria

My tank is already established and I want better water quality
Use MicroBacter7

• Maintains biological filtration

• Helps reduce ammonia, nitrate, and organic waste

• General-purpose maintenance bacteria

I have buildup, dirty surfaces, or the “ugly stage” in my tank
Use MicroBacter Clean

• Targets detritus and organic buildup

• Helps clean rock, substrate, and surfaces

• Useful for algae-related issues driven by waste buildup

I want to promote beneficial purple bacteria / improve aesthetics and biological diversity
Use MicroBacter Purple

• Adds photosynthetic bacteria

• Supports biological diversity

• Often used for aesthetic enhancement and system maturity

I just cleaned my tank, changed water, or added new livestock
Use MicroBacter7

• Helps stabilize the system

• Replenishes beneficial bacteria

Optional:

• Add MicroBacter Clean if detritus or buildup is present

My tank crashed or lost bacteria (medication, die-off, etc.)
Use MicroBacter Start XLM

• Re-establishes nitrifying bacteria quickly

Optional:

• Use MicroBacter7 after recovery for maintenance

Quick Product Summary

• MicroBacter Start XLM → Starts or restores the nitrogen cycle (bacteria)

• MicroBacter QuikCycl → Feeds bacteria during fishless cycling (ammonia)

• MicroBacter7 → Maintains water quality (general use)

• MicroBacter Clean → Cleans buildup and supports surface cleanliness

• MicroBacter Purple → Enhances biological diversity and aesthetics

Can I use multiple MicroBacter products together?
Yes, but only when their purposes align:

• Start XLM + QuikCycl → Yes (required for fishless cycling)

• MB7 + Clean → Yes (maintenance + cleaning)

• Purple + MB7 → Yes (diversity + stability)

Avoid combining multiple bacteria products during initial cycling unless specifically directed.

If you’re unsure which product to use
Start with this simple rule:

• New tank → Start XLM

• No fish → Add QuikCycl

• Maintenance → MB7

• Dirty / buildup → Clean

• Biodiversity / purple bacteria → Purple