Preferences of Nitrifiers

Available Formulas:

• FRITZ-ZYME #7 Freshwater Nitrifying Bacteria contains Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter bacteria.
• FRITZ-ZYME #9 Saltwater Nitrifying Bacteria contains Nitrosococcus and Nitrococcus.
• TURBO START #700 is a concentrated version of FRITZ-ZYME #7 with Nitrosomonas & Nitrobacter.
• TURBO START #900 is concentrated FRITZ-ZYME #9 with Nitrosococcus and Nitrococcus bacteria.

TURBO START #700 & #900 both contain 15 times the cell count per ounce than that of the FRITZ-ZYME formulas and must be kept refrigerated until used. Use TURBO START whenever sensitive fish or inverts are living in the tank, when stress is seen in the animals or when levels are above 1 ppm. TURBO START users have cited the elimination of ammonia and nitrite in as little as 36 hours; standard dosages fully cycle systems (with up to 3 ppm ammonia) in less than 5 days. Experienced hobbyists can begin with beautiful, sensitive fish. New hobbyists should start with starter fish and can successfully add sensitive fish much sooner. As ammonia increases, the Nitrosomonas/Nitrosococcus populations will multiply, decreasing the ammonia level and causing the nitrite to rise. The Nitrobacter/ Nitrococcus populations will then increase, eliminating the nitrite.

• Medication & Nitrifying Bacteria: Nitrifiers are gram (-) rods up to 2 microns long; most pathogens are also gram (-). Most antibiotics equally effect both nitrifiers and pathogens. Other inhibitory chemicals include: formalin, formaldehyde, chlorine, chloramine, malachite green, methelyn blue, acriflavine, disinfectants (ex: Windex™), copper (at 0.20 mg/L or higher), potassium permagenate and chloraquin. Always perform a 30% water change and add FRITZ SUPER ACTIVATED CARBON after using any of these chemicals to assure residual by-products have been removed. Then add FRITZ-ZYME™ or TURBO START™ to re-introduce nitrifiers.

• Chemical Ammonia Removers & Nitrifiers: Ammonia Removers must be examined on a case-by-case basis, since different formulations pose different risks. Avoid any containing formalin- whether you are cycling or not. Formalin (a form of formaldehyde) is inhibitory to nitrifiers already established in the filter, as well as those contained in both FRITZ-ZYME and TURBO START. Many ammonia removers drop pH; others are loaded with phosphates. If your tap water contains chloramine (chlorine bonded to ammonia), you should use FRITZ GUARD™ and follow with the immediate addition of FRITZ AMMONIA REMOVER. This unique formula is 100% formalin/formaldehyde/phosphate free, doesn’t alter tank pH and will not harm the nitrifiers.

• UV Sterilizers, Protein Skimmers & Ozone Generators: Nitrifiers prefer to remain attached in the filter after the initial inoculation, which takes approximately 5 days. Until attached, the bacteria are in danger of being removed via mechanical/chemical filtration equipment. Turn off UV Sterilizers, Ozone Generators, Protein Skimmers & remove sub-micron mechanical filter media (5 microns or less) before adding bacteria. Allow 7 days before turning them back on.

• Temperature & Salinity: Cycle all systems within the optimal range of 77-86ïF. After cycling, cold water tanks can be safely lowered slowly over several days. If systems cannot be cycled within this range, use double the standard dosage; expect cycling to take slightly more time. Nitrobacter/Nitrococcus are more sensitive to low temperatures, thus cold water tanks are more likely to develop nitrite problems. Freshwater nitrifiers are tolerant of salinities (salt levels) of 0 - 6 PPT while saltwater nitrifiers prefer salinities ranging from 6 - 44 PPT.

• pH & Alkalinity while cycling: Due to the pH preferences of their nitrifying bacteria, fresh and saltwater systems differ in their tendencies to accumulate ammonia/nitrite. Marine hobbyists should pay particular attention to nitrite levels while cycling, and freshwater hobbyists should watch for ammonia. The stability of the pH is incredibly important to the bacteria. Through nitrification, a decrease in bicarbonates and an increase in carbon dioxide occurs, lowering the pH. If alkalinity is initially low, the pH swing can be large. Initial bicarb levels of 100-200 mg/L are desirable.

• Dissolved Oxygen: Below 2-3 mg/L Dissolved Oxygen (DO), nitrification won’t occur. Complete oxidation of ammonia requires 4.57 mg. oxygen per 1 mg. ammonia. For best results, D.O. levels should be above 80% saturation (at least 6 mg/L). Nitrobacter/Nitrococcus are very sensitive to low D.O. levels; at low D.O. levels, nitrite problems begin. Bio-filters often accumulate sludge, restricting flow though parts of the filter; this is called channeling. Channeling cultivates anaerobic bacteria, produces toxic compounds and inhibits nitrifiers. Frequently adding “tank-cleaners” as found in FRITZ-ZYME #360 Gravel Cleaner will eliminate these pockets of sludge and prevent anaerobic areas in both the filter and gravel.

• Odor & Appearance: Nitrifiers have a slightly earthy smell and are rosy to dark brown in color. Batches vary slightly in color and odor. Neither color nor odor are indicative of viability of culture. Each batch is individually tested and must pass quality control before shipping. Always use before expiration date printed on bottle.