Nutrafin Cycle

Once the tank is cycled, you don't need to use these 'bottled bacteria' products at all. You'll just be wasting your money if you use them as you have all the bacteria, and the right kind of bacteria, that you need. I know they say to use them at every water change but it is not necessary. I fell for that sales talk when I first started but have not used any for years and never had a problem. My betta's tank, the one I fishless cycled in spring this year, is running fine without. It even came through unscathed when I managed to leave the filter unplugged for 24 hours this week - and yes I have been checking the ammonia and nitrite levels since I noticed, and not seen a trace of either.


All you need to add when doing a water change is a dechlorinator. If you want cheap, use pond dechlorinator, Seachem Prime or API tap water conditioner. My water company uses chlorine not chloramine so I use the last one, the dose rate is 1 drop per 3.8 litres (1 American gallon) for chlorine. If your water has chloramine Prime is better, though it does mess with the ammonia test for the first 24 hours after using it.