eSHa AQUABACTER : the nitrifying bacteria for start-up and maintenance
eSHa AQUABACTER is a concentrated culture of nitrifying and heterotrophic bacteria essential to the proper biological functioning of a freshwater aquarium. At start-up, it dramatically speeds up the establishment of the nitrogen cycle (from 6 weeks down to 7-10 days). For maintenance, it keeps the bacterial population stable.
🦠 Why use bacteria in an aquarium
Nitrifying bacteria (Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter) convert toxic ammonia into nitrites, then nitrites into far less toxic nitrates. Without these bacteria, an aquarium quickly becomes lethal to its inhabitants.
Heterotrophic bacteria complete the action by breaking down organic waste (food remains, dead plants), reducing build-up at the bottom of the tank.
⚡ Dosage and uses
AQUABACTER is used in 3 situations :
- Start-up : 1 dose every 2 days for 1 week, then weekly for 1 month
- Ongoing maintenance : 1 dose per week after a water change
- After a medication treatment : 1 dose every 2 days for 1 week
The 27 ml bottle treats up to 750 L on a standard start-up course.
🛡️ Safety and compatibility
AQUABACTER is 100 % natural and safe for all tank inhabitants: fish, shrimp, snails, plants, filter. No active chemicals.
Shake the bottle well before use to reactivate the bacteria. Store away from heat and light.
📊 Technical specifications
- Brand : eSHa Labs (Netherlands)
- Type : nitrifying and heterotrophic bacterial culture
- Format : 27 ml dropper bottle
- Capacity : up to 750 L
- Bacteria : Nitrosomonas, Nitrobacter, heterotrophs
- Use : start-up, maintenance, post-treatment
- Fish compatibility : all (freshwater)
- Shrimp and snail compatibility : excellent
- Plant compatibility : excellent
- Made in : Netherlands
🛠️ Practical guide
Setup : apply in the filter's flow zone, ideally in the evening with the lights off to encourage bacterial colonisation.
Typical use : start-up = 1 dose every 2 days for 7 days then weekly for 1 month. Maintenance = 1 dose per week.
Mistakes to avoid : do not use during an antibiotic or copper treatment (the bacteria would be killed), shake well before use.
Maintenance : resume AQUABACTER after every medication treatment, after a large water change, or after a deep clean of the filter.
