keeping my bacteria alive

[Rudiger]

I need to keep the bacteria colony in my tank alive so that when I introduce an octo there isnt an ammonia spike. I could add some black mollies or a piece of thawed shrimp, or I could just slightly overfeed the clown that is in my tank. What do you guys suggest? Also do you agree with the opinions expressed in this post: http://www.reefcentral.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?s=&threadid=86200 especially in post 7 (thats the 6th reply)

pat

 

[OctoMonkey]

hi Pat,

well, i dunno about the heavy feeding thing???/ I wouldnt think that is necessary but I do respect the other person's opinion.

I would probably stick in a 1/2 dozen mollies or something and just let it tick over. Probably just feed normal and do normal checks on parameters.

Then, when you get your new octo, remove the mollies and just keep an eye on the water.

I have a tank which is running constantly with just a few crabs and stuff. Its one of those "just in case" tanks....... LOL so that when the LFS phones me to say he got a cyanea or something *wishes*

I am uncomfortable with the shrimp idea...... I agree that is an accident waiting to happen.

There are lots of different products available you can use to add beneficial bacteria to a set up. Since I am in Scotland; maybe someone else can recomend a brand you can get there???

I think you are going about this the right way..... keep going!

C

 

[cephalopoder]

Pat the bacteria culture I use is called fritz zyme #9 it works well and I have used it on all my tanks. Perhaps that is the kind of thing colin is talking about.
On another note, All the eggs I got from you failed and most seemed to be infertile. This is not uncommon from talking to Dr Roy for this species.
However I did luck out and have one litte guy hatch today. He is in the same hatch out tank with a dusting of live san, some shells, and plenty of copepods and amphipods.Hopefully the litte guy will do ok.
chris

 

[Rudiger]

Sorry to hear that about the eggs. I wish you luck with the one little guy that made it so far. How do you use the fritz zyme? Should I add a dose of it before the octo arrives, or would it not work until the octo is introduced and there is actually an amonia spike to take care of?

pat

 

[cephalopoder]

Pat
Fritz zyme #9 is just a bunch of live bacteria in a bottle. Thry make it for both fresh and salt water tanks. You can add it at any time. It seeds sand beds and new filter media. It will also combat a ammonia /nitrite spike if one is present.
I am glad at least one little one hatched. He has that whole 5 gallon tank to himself with plenty of food in it. Hopefully it will do ok. Mercatoris young are soooo tiny lol. I thought it was a little snail at first. It likes to stick to the side of the tank. Plenty of other hiding places though....

 

[Rudiger]

Hey chris, is stress zyme the same as fritz zyme? My LFS only has stress zyme and it appeared to be very similar. Is one better than the other? I can check out another store though, they might have fritz zyme.

 

[cephalopoder]

Stress zyme is not as good in my opinion. Sea World in salem NH sells it. You can order iot too.