Thoughts on Stability by Seachem? Snake oil or Not?

[SimplyDani]

Im interested in knowing yall's opinions on this stuff, any testimonials? I set up a new 40 gallon and need to know if it works? Does it actually cycle your tank in a week? Thanks in advance.

 

[mcgyvr]

"bacteria in a bottle" for the most part seems to have "some" positive effects...
Its not total snake oil but its not what their marketing material makes it out to be either for the most part..

IMO if you are trying to find ways to decrease your cycle for no other reason than to have that process done quicker you are making a HUGE mistake...

NOTHING good happens fast in this hobby....

 

[homer1475]

Is stability even for SW? I use it every now and again in my FW tanks(does work well), but have never considered using it in SW.

I believe FW and SW nitrifying bacteria are 2 different animals.

 

[mcgyvr]

yes Stability is marketed for both freshwater and marine applications (same bottle)..
I believe those types of bacteria can thrive in both types of water..

 

[jlmawp]

I bought a bottle shortly after I started my tank, and have been dosing per the directions every time I siphon the substrate and do a larger cleaning (not on every water change). Not sure how much it does, but I will say that my tank seems fairly stable for a 9g. Once I'm through with the bottle, I probably won't re-up on it though. I doubt it's needed after almost 2 years.

What I tell myself is that I keep the population of bacteria diverse and keep potentially bad ones from taking a foothold as a result. Not sure how much truth there is to that, but I'll bet it's a bunch of BS.

 

[homer1475]

yes Stability is marketed for both freshwater and marine applications (same bottle)..
I believe those types of bacteria can thrive in both types of water..

Yeah I just got off my lazy you know what and looked at my bottle.

I did find this on the web though, just because I was curious.

Although they are different, FW bacteria can live in brackish waters, and FW bacteria can be used to "jump start" the SW bacteria.

I would assume this is why Dr. Tim's one and only, has one for FW and one for SW.

 

[Shamous113]

I used stability when I set up my 150, I did a "fish less cycle (see attached PDF)" by dosing ammonia. It did help speed the process up but it still took 4weeks to complete the cycle.

 

[mcgyvr]

I used stability when I set up my 150, I did a "fish less cycle (see attached PDF)" by dosing ammonia. It did help speed the process up but it still took 4weeks to complete the cycle.

How did you know it sped up the process?
One can typically cycle any tank in 4 weeks with just ghost feeding..

 

[Shamous113]

How did you know it sped up the process?
One can typically cycle any tank in 4 weeks with just ghost feeding..

With my current system I didn't use any live rock, all of my rock was bleached and dipped in acid. At the end of week #4 I could dose my tank to 4ppm of ammonia and it would clear it in 6-8hours, Ive set up tanks in the past using ghost feedings and I was never able To get a tank to clear ammonia that quick at the 4 week mark. maybe I lucked out on this setup.... I'm not saying stability is better then any of the other products available but it does work.

 

[ROlympia]

I'm of the opinion Biospira works better. I didn't care for Stability.

 

[snowlynx]

I like Stability and also did the Ammonia drops, does speed up cycling I think.
Took about 2 weeks for levels to peak and level off.

Stability can be shipped and not sensitive to temps like Biospora, tried that once,
probably great if you can get locally. I ordered Biospor and it must have been dead, too hot
during shipment, summer time.