ZYMBAC Nitrifying Bacteria - similar to Bio Spira??

I have been on the Kordon website for hours yesterday and today reading, reading, reading, printing off info. They sell this product that seems similar to Bio Spira except : it doesn't work as fast in establishing the nitogen cycle; it doesn't cost as much. You can add product 48 hours before or after adding the fish. It's viability is 6 months in the bottle, stored either on shelf or in refrigerator. It can be used with most medications. It is non toxic. I have included the link to read about it.

I am currently using AmQuel Plus, and have been medicating with TriSulfa for 2 sets of 5 days. For the 5 days I have used the A+, I have done no water changes. Parameters have remained normal, except today, Ammon was .2500m. Tomorrow I am doing 25% water change, replacing carbon filter, using the siphon vac on the substrate, adding A+ and leaving Neptune medication free.

Neptune has significant blue regrowth on the top part of his tail, however yesterday all the red on the bottom of the tail shredded off. I am now hoping regrowth will begin in that area. He is spunkier than ever,eats like a pigee; and has succeeded in winning my husband's heart as well. He also thanked me for getting him a cat for his own pet......someone else to pay attention to him!

I felt I had nothing to lose, I ordered this stuff. The smallest bottle is 14 ounces; and treats 40 gallons. It costs $10.17 with your choice of shipping methods - I used Priority Post and it cost $3.85, so I really feel their prices are very fair. Bio Spira would have cost $40USD if I would have been able to get it in Minnesota. They also sell reptile, turtle, pond stuff. If it doesn't work out, it was cheaper than the hundreds of $$$$ I have spent trying other different things to cure Neptune, ( that didn't work) and yet have to keep him in an uncycled tank with daily water changes.

If anyone is interest in this product, I suggest reading the link to this particular product and all the other stuff on the website. I have been comparing it to Bio spira information and they are pretty close. This is not a product you have to keep adding to the tank, but you can. Also read the FAQ sections.

This is just a stab in the dark, but if I can get Neptune healing, and the cycle started , and the meds stopped - it will be such a great thing for both of us. I am throwing it out there if any others may be interested. I am sure it might start a debate regarding pros and cons, and that is what I am hoping for, cuz believe me I am a rookie. However as they say " Information is power"....LOL ....can't hurt to know, and perhaps after reading posts by more experienced fish people ( Ya, I know there is a special name) I will decide against it. Making informed decisions is best.

Again, bottom line, of course they want you to buy all their products, but that's just marketing. I will be interested in some feedback, but please read the info first.

Val :-\

 

You know what Val, I say go for it girl. I read the whole entire thing and it does exactly what Bio-spira does only it just takes 1-2 weeks longer that's all. I see no harm in trying it out if it means there is the slightest chance that it could help with Neptunes fin rot. More power to ya. I'm really proud at the way you are taking chances and making decisions on your own with this. Good luck and let us know how it works out. Natalie

 

We agree with Natalie & wish you the best with it.. reading the page, t sounds like a great product and I like the Kordon products. I bet it'll be great for Neptune. Might get some of that ourselves.. tell Kordon to give you a discount if we do. Neptune's going to be all healthy soon (he IS coming along) and we'll be happy to see him all healed up and you not even thinking about meds.

 

please let us know if the product works!!! Biospira is very expensive!!!

 

please let us know if the product works!!! Biospira is very expensive!!!

amen to that! especially when you add in the overnight shipping, the short time window to use and the amount.. BioSpira's great stuff but hard on the budget.

 

The one review I read indicated that nitrites had started showing within days of adding the Zymbac, but they indicated that they weren't sure if it was in fact the Zymbac or that they had started cycling with ammonia in the weeks prior.

I would say it's totally worth a shot though, and please let us know if you have any success with it as I would love to try some if you do.

 

Yeah, not only is it expensive, but my Bio Spira still hasn't done anything and it's been almost two weeks now. Instant cycle....HA! Instant cycle my butt.....

 

Yeah, not only is it expensive, but my Bio Spira still hasn't done anything and it's been almost two weeks now. Instant cycle....HA! Instant cycle my butt.....

That stinks. it's a shame that an product that costs so much & has a good reputation can fail like that. ??? Maybe the Zymbac-FW is worth a shot? I think we'll try it next tank we get.

 

Yeah, not only is it expensive, but my Bio Spira still hasn't done anything and it's been almost two weeks now. Instant cycle....HA! Instant cycle my butt.....

LOL Eskilvr...That is exactly why I felt I may as well give ZymBac a try, really nothing to lose.  I 'm sure delivery will have a little delay with the Easter holiday, but I will pick it up Monday probably.  I will let everyone know how it goes once I start using it.............meanwhile the AmQuel+ is freeing Neptune/me from daily water changes, and he is on no meds. ( still doing water parameters tho)

He'still battling the finrot, with definite slow signs of repair/regrowth.  He seems silly & happy as usual, in love with his new bridge that he sleeps under and with a new low, broad leaf base plant to hide under. It seems he enjoys all the plants, to rest, to swim in and out and around, and to hide. (silk)

Best of all, I feel so much more relaxed in dealing with it all now - so that is half the battle.

I also have to admit  that today I checked out the bettas at Walmart, and saw a very handsome aqua coloured boy.  My head prevailed however, Neptune needs my full attention!

Oh ya, and Neptune seems to love the cat! Whenever the cat goes to look, or lay in front of the tank, Neptune flies to the front of the tank and shows off. The cat just watches and seems more interested in the long tentacled anemone swaying under the bio wheel.  I think the cat thinks it is high def TV.  LOL  

Neptune thinks I bought him a cat, and the cat thinks I bought him a fish!! :-\

Val

 

LOL.. it's dangerous going near the bettas if you have the betta bug. I'm glad Neptune is showing improvment and with you both the best with that. They're funny to watch with a bridge, aren't they? Sora is the only Betta of ours that's ever been interested in a bridge though.

 

Bio Spira is the only product currently on the market that contains the actual nitrifying bacteria found in a cycled tank. All the others are "accelerators" that may contain bacteria, but not the same bacteria. There's nothing wrong with trying these other products if you have the luxury of time for cycling. Many of them get rave reviews. Bio Spira is supposed to be an immediate cycle for your tank, but there are so many variables that can affect this cycle that some tanks aren't cycled immediately. My experience has always been perfect when I used the bio spira. Let us know how this product works for you, I've never heard of it before, and it might be a good product to recommend to others on the board that run into ammonia and/or nitrite problems with their tanks.

 

Thanks Gunnie.... I cannot get BioSpira up here in Canada...if it didn't need special shipping I would've use it. With all the problems I have been having, I thought I may as well give ZymBac a try. I am thinking my path with fish is meant to be this: I will face every problem and roadblock right out of the gate, and then when I overcome all of them, Neptune and I will lead a quiet life with nothing to report on the forum except his antics or a new brother or sister. LOL

I am trying to keep a bright outlook. ;D Val

 

That's all you really can do Val. There is no point in looking at the negative side every time there is an obstacle in the way. All you can do is think positive and hope for the best. Natalie

 

We relate & wish you the best. You're doing a great job and learning a lot that will help not only your future Bettas, but other people's Bettas as well.