API stress zyme

So I got a free sample of stress zyme with some gravel the other day, and was wondering what the heck it is. It claims to "break down sludge" in the gravel and make the aquarium healthier. Has anyone used stress zyme before? Does it work?

 

It doesn't work. Tetra Safe Start is a lot better. What it means by 'breaking down sludge' is that it contains live bacteria that eats it. Not that good a product.

 

Ohhhh OK so it's used for jump-starting the nitrogen cycle... I was rinsing some new gravel and the free sample fell out of the bag, I guess the price was right then lol

 

Ohhhh OK so it's used for jump-starting the nitrogen cycle... I was rinsing some new gravel and the free sample fell out of the bag, I guess the price was right then lol

I've never used this product but from what I'm reading it's heterotrophic bacteria that will break down organic matter i.e sludge. It's not nitrifying bacteria and will not jump start your cycle.

 

I had no idea it was different, upon researching I now see they have a "quick-start" bacteria product as well. Thank for the help!