Bacteria, the race for billions…

Bacteria, the race for billions…

- Categories : News

The increasing number of bacteria products on the aquarium-keeping market can bewilder beginners and experienced aquarists alike in terms of choosing the product that best meets the needs of their aquarium.

We are currently seeing what we call a “bacteria bidding war” whether in terms of the billions of products on sale, the billions of bacteria in them, or the billions of euros spent on marketing.

But how can an aquarist find the right bacteria product with such a vast choice? How can they be told apart, compared, and the best one chosen?
In this article, we help you to better understand the role of bacteria products and what to expect from them.

EFFECTIVE AND MULTI-PURPOSE, NOT BOASTING ABOUT BILLIONS

The primary function of an aquarium bacterial product is obviously short- and long-term effectiveness. However, aquarists do not have an endless supply of money, so first and foremost it is preferable to buy a bacteria product that is as versatile as possible, meeting as many aquarium needs as possible, whether reef or saltwater.

However, be aware that versatility is not the same as having billions of bacteria! A billion bacteria in one product does not mean it can perform that many functions. The opposite often applies, because dense cohabitation is rarely fertile or viable.

Consequently, a versatile, effective product does not necessarily require a vast amount of bacteria, but rather very high quality bacteria, not too many and with a carefully designed functional mix. It necessarily takes years of research and development with scientists in the laboratory as well as many compositional and aquarium trials to establish a flawless and sustainable, and therefore effective and versatile, alchemy.

THE MINIMAL ROLE OF A BACTERIA PRODUCT

You should therefore expect the following functions from a bacterial product, at minimum:

  1. Lower NO₃ and PO₄ so as to keep the aquarium parameters regular.
  2. Combating cyanobacteria and invasive algae: filamentous algae, diatoms, Bryopsis.
  3. Development of biofilm both during the start-up phase and for ongoing aquarium upkeep, and the development of vital microfauna.
  4. Stones that breathe, with pores and alveoli that are not clogged, as well as sand without sediment, residue or algae.
  5. Clear, bright water, energised fauna and flora, with colourful fish full of vitality, likewise any corals installed.

Some current products are able to deliver these minimum functions, or even more, having found the best possible equilibrium of bacteria.
It goes without saying that, at daphbio, research lies at the core of our development, and we ceaselessly pursue these effectiveness, versatility and quality objectives. The priority we give to live products is currently delivering unmatched results in aquariums.

Benoît Lo Cascio, Daphbio MD