Bottled Bacteria vs. Live Rock Seeding: Best Methods for Cycling a Reef Aquarium
Cycling a new reef aquarium is a critical step in establishing a healthy and stable environment for marine life. Two prevalent methods for initiating this process are using bottled bacteria and seeding with live rock. Each approach has its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
Cycling With Bottled Bacteria
This refers to adding bottled bacteria, such as MicroBacter7 or TurboStart, to a new aquarium to help establish a beneficial microbe population. This is often the preferred approach when using dry rock and sand because it almost eliminates the risk of introducing unsightly pests and algae, both of which are commonly introduced with live rock. While this controlled cycling can be beneficial, biodiversity is limited to what's in the bottle. Introducing other beneficial organisms, such as Copepods and even a few coral frags, can help a new tank establish a diverse and stable microbial foundation.
What is nice about using dry rock is that you can take your time building a functional yet aesthetically pleasing aquascape. Assembling the rocks in a dry aquarium multiple times until your ready to fill it with water and add the bacteria. You are not afforded this same luxury when using live rock.
| Pros | Cons |
| Convenience and Availability: Bottled bacteria products, such as Dr. Tim’s One & Only and Brightwell Aquatics MicroBacter7, offer a straightforward solution for jumpstarting the nitrogen cycle. These products are readily available and easy to use, making them ideal for beginners or those without access to established aquarium materials. | Variable Effectiveness: The efficacy of bottled bacteria can vary based on factors such as product quality, storage conditions, and expiration dates. Some hobbyists have expressed skepticism about the viability of bacteria in bottled form, especially if the product has been improperly stored. |
| Controlled Introduction: Using bottled bacteria allows for a controlled introduction of specific bacterial strains, reducing the risk of unwanted pests or hitchhikers that can accompany live rock. | Limited Biodiversity: While bottled bacteria can establish the necessary nitrifying bacteria, they do not introduce the diverse microfauna found in live rock, such as copepods and amphipods, which contribute to a balanced ecosystem. |
| Accelerated Cycling: When used correctly, bottled bacteria can expedite the cycling process, allowing for the earlier introduction of livestock. Some aquarists have reported successful cycles in as little as a week when combining bottled bacteria with an ammonia source. | Dependence on Additional Inputs: To sustain the introduced bacteria, an ammonia source is required. This necessitates careful monitoring to ensure appropriate ammonia levels, adding complexity to the cycling process. |
Seeding with Live Rock or Media
This process involves live rock or bio-media that has been "cycled", which means the media contains live beneficial bacteria. When placed in a brand new aquarium, the bacteria and other organisms living on the live rock or media can then populate and reproduce, effectively cycling the aquarium. This results in a fast and stable aquarium cycle, but you do have less control over the organisms that are introduced alongside the beneficial bacteria, pests or otherwise.
In days past, we used to exclusively use live rock in our reef aquariums as it was thought to be the only way to maintain a healthy and stable reef. Today, live rock is still an option, but you can also choose to "seed" the tank using only a small portion of live rock, mixed in with sterile dry rock. This seeding approach is also how we use cycled bio-media; simply add the live media to the filtration system of a new aquarium, regardless of the type of rock you choose.
When using live rock or cycled media, it must be quickly placed into oxygenated water so the bacteria living on its surfaces and deep in its crevices can stay alive and continue to populate your aquarium. If the media or rock is left to dry completely, the bacteria and various other aquatic organisms will have long since died.
| Pros | Cons |
| Rich Biodiversity: Live rock introduces a wide array of beneficial organisms, including bacteria, microfauna, and coralline algae, fostering a robust and resilient ecosystem. | Potential for Unwanted Hitchhikers: Live rock can harbor undesirable organisms such as Aiptasia anemones, bristle worms, or mantis shrimp, which may pose challenges in the aquarium. |
| Natural Filtration: The porous structure of live rock provides ample surface area for bacterial colonization, enhancing biological filtration and contributing to water quality stability. | Higher Cost: Compared to dry rock or bottled bacteria, live rock is generally more expensive, both in terms of initial purchase and shipping, due to its weight and the need to keep it moist during transport. |
| Aesthetic Appeal: Live rock often comes with encrusting organisms and coralline algae, adding immediate visual interest and a mature appearance to the aquarium. | Risk of Die-Off: If live rock is not properly cured, the die-off of organisms can lead to ammonia spikes, necessitating careful monitoring and potentially prolonging the cycling process. |
*Editor's Note* There are many ways to cycle an aquarium, and I have had the best luck using a hybrid approach. I cycled a dry rock aquarium by adding coral frags (from a healthy, pest-free reef), live copepods, a variety of different bottled bacteria products (not all at once), and finally, a hardy pair of captive-bred clowns, all within the first 30 days. I have found this to be a fast, effective, and relatively pest-free approach. Additionally, using Ocean Direct Live Sand is one of the most effective steps in quickly establishing a diverse population of beneficial bacteria and microbes.
Check out this video and accompanying article, "Setup For Success: How To Biome Cycle Your Aquarium" for more information on achieving a strong and pest-free cycle.
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