Where can i find Bio-Spyra?

dudemac · 10-03-2006, 10:26 AM

I have looked at 2 local places and these online places: thatfishplace/bigals/doc fosters and nothing.

The research on this stuff sounds awesome.

Anyone used it? and know where to buy it?

**Damon** · 10-03-2006, 10:48 AM

Many here have used it and yes it does work.

As for purchasing on-line................................

http://fishstoretn.com/bio_spira.html

http://www.elmersaquarium.com/h125bio_spira.htm

The Gallonator · 10-03-2006, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Damon

Many here have used it and yes it does work.

As for purchasing on-line................................

http://fishstoretn.com/bio_spira.html

I just got mine from them, they were very helpful

**Scuba Kid** · 10-03-2006, 02:52 PM

You can probably get it from an lfs. That's where I've always purchased mine.

azn1stknightsou · 10-04-2006, 09:37 PM

I read in a previous post somewhere that Bio Spira might be illegal in certain states. Dont ask me why.

**fish_doc** · 10-05-2006, 07:58 AM

Keep in mind that if you are looking for it in your local stores you will need to check the coolers. This needs to be refrigrated until it is used.

**Fishfirst** · 10-05-2006, 09:26 AM

and NOT frozen

dudemac · 10-10-2006, 09:15 AM

got it at a local place, had to call around some.

xerxeswasachump · 10-10-2006, 09:21 AM

I'd go with Bacter-Boost over Bio-Spira. That stuff is crazy. It cycled our 175 gallon tank in 2 days. The bio-spira, never worked for us.

Puffer Pita · 10-10-2006, 09:26 AM

BioSpira is the only readily available product that contains the appropriate live bacteria needed for the biological cycle. There is one other product but it is not available to the general public, its something that public aquariums and other such huge volume places use. Bacter-Boost, Cycle, etc., do not have the right live bacteria and are pretty much useless.

Contrary to popular belief, however, Biospira is fine unrefrigerated for a short length of time, as long as its not allowed to get too warm or frozen. So sayeth Marineland in their FAQ anyway.

harif87 · 10-10-2006, 12:04 PM

They also said that although nitrobacter isnt the nitrifying bacteria in natural settings it can still be the dominant population of nitrifying bacteria just as the nitrospira can in the aquarium setting. So if thats true, why would the addition of bio-spira work better than an addition of nitrobacter? There might be an answer to that, but it just makes me think that its possible that bio-spira and nitrobacter might have the same effect.

Puffer Pita · 10-10-2006, 12:23 PM

Sorry, I'm not a scientist. Just telling you what various scientists have told me and what I've read on the Biospira website. No other product in bottles on shelves have the correct LIVE bacteria necessary to cycle a tank. "Live" is the key word there.

**Damon** · 10-10-2006, 12:25 PM

Nitrosomas convert ammonia to nitrite. Nitrobacter convert nitrite to nitrate. Most forms of algae can use ammonia more readily while fewer can use nitrite. All tanks have algae so less nitrosomas are needed but you still need a viable population to prevent algae outbreaks. bacteria also get first dibs on organic waste. Algae is third (plants are second). In an aquarium Nitrobacter is more prevelant because it has less competition. But nitrosomas are still the foundation of a cycling tank and balance in it.

One source of info..........
http://www.fishdoc.co.uk/filtration/nitrification.htm

You then still have anerobic (o2 depleted areas) in which converts nitrAte back into nitrite and thus nitrobacter are working again

Hope that was clear........ It can be a little confusing.

harif87 · 10-10-2006, 01:26 PM

Sorry Boxermom, i didnt mean to direct my post at what you said, it was just an articulation of a general thought.

Damon were you trying to answer my question? (srry)

**Damon** · 10-10-2006, 01:30 PM

Not really. Just give everyone an idea of what bacteria does what and why they are in the quantities they are when a tank is balanced and mature. Obviously nature has many more organisms that remove docs before they can break down whereas our home aquariums dont.

harif87 · 10-10-2006, 01:34 PM

Thats what makes this hobby more than just throwing fish into some water and placing them on your windowsill. Its an living environment in a glass case.

azn1stknightsou · 10-10-2006, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by harif87

Thats what makes this hobby more than just throwing fish into some water and placing them on your windowsill. Its an living environment in a glass case.

That was almost the exact thing that my teacher said to me when I told him my senior project was to aquascape a tank. Made me sad a little bit to see how naive the public can be on things.

loach<3r · 11-15-2006, 07:45 PM

I also found a product called Turbo Start. I've read some blogs / articles and its reputed to work better than bio-spira. "TURBO START #700 contains concentrated Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter nitrifying bacteria cultures." - from the website : http://www.fritzpet.com/turbo700_main.html I plan on trying it to cycle my new quarantine tank. Apparently if you add it into a spiked tank you can "fishless cycle" with it. You can get turbo start from:
http://www.everythingfishy.com & http://poseidonsrealm.com/
I have yet to actually purchase it, but I'll post about it later if it turns out to work well.

Puffer Pita · 11-15-2006, 08:10 PM

Yup, TurboStart is reportedly as good as BioSpira. It isn't as readily available as BioSpira though, which is why I try to remember to always say BioSpira is the only one "commonly available" that quick cycles.

BTW, BioSpira is now available from drsfostersmith.com too.

10-03-2006, 10:26 AM	#1
dudemac Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 39	Where can i find Bio-Spyra? I have looked at 2 local places and these online places: thatfishplace/bigals/doc fosters and nothing. The research on this stuff sounds awesome. Anyone used it? and know where to buy it?

10-03-2006, 10:48 AM	#2
Damon Aquatic Naturalist Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Dayton, Ohio Age: 32 Posts: 14,982	Many here have used it and yes it does work. As for purchasing on-line................................ http://fishstoretn.com/bio_spira.html http://www.elmersaquarium.com/h125bio_spira.htm __________________ For in much wisdom [is] much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow. Member of the AGA (Aquatic Gardner's Association) Member of the IBC (International Betta Congress)

10-03-2006, 02:52 PM	#4
Scuba Kid Moderator Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: RI Age: 18 Posts: 4,224	You can probably get it from an lfs. That's where I've always purchased mine. __________________ Current setups: 1800 gallon koi pond, 10 gallon planted, 150 gallon reef, other FOWLR tanks

10-04-2006, 09:37 PM	#5
azn1stknightsou Shark Bait Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Sacramento Age: 19 Posts: 84	I read in a previous post somewhere that Bio Spira might be illegal in certain states. Dont ask me why. __________________ God has a sense of humor. Want proof? Just go to Walmart and look at people.

10-05-2006, 07:58 AM	#6
fish_doc Advisor to Neptune (Mod) Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Northern Illinois Age: 40 Posts: 3,835	Keep in mind that if you are looking for it in your local stores you will need to check the coolers. This needs to be refrigrated until it is used. __________________ Dave (fish_doc) A World of fish

Members currently in the Chat:0
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10-05-2006, 09:26 AM	#7
Fishfirst Fish Guru Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Northern Wisconsin Age: 24 Posts: 3,546	and NOT frozen __________________ 210 Gal Reef w/ 55 Gallon Sump/Fuge, 125 Gal Fish Only, 65 Gal Seahorse-29 Gallon Sump, 55 Gal FOWLR, 54 Gal Corner FW Community, 20 Gal Nano FOWLR, 55 Gal Piranha, 29 gallon QT "All the yellow tangs and clownfish in the world can't save you now! hahahah" Peter from Family Guy

10-10-2006, 09:15 AM	#8
dudemac Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 39	got it at a local place, had to call around some.

10-10-2006, 09:21 AM	#9
xerxeswasachump no snakes alive... Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ Age: 24 Posts: 237	I'd go with Bacter-Boost over Bio-Spira. That stuff is crazy. It cycled our 175 gallon tank in 2 days. The bio-spira, never worked for us. __________________ 46 Gallon Planted Tank: 1 bolivian ram, 1 angelfish, 12 glo-lite tetras, 2 colomesus asellus, 8 japonica shrimp

10-10-2006, 09:26 AM	#10
Puffer Pita Puffer Enthusiast Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 1,677	BioSpira is the only readily available product that contains the appropriate live bacteria needed for the biological cycle. There is one other product but it is not available to the general public, its something that public aquariums and other such huge volume places use. Bacter-Boost, Cycle, etc., do not have the right live bacteria and are pretty much useless. Contrary to popular belief, however, Biospira is fine unrefrigerated for a short length of time, as long as its not allowed to get too warm or frozen. So sayeth Marineland in their FAQ anyway. __________________ Tina Puffers: Auriglobus silus x2 Colomesus asellus x1 Tetraodon travancoricus x1 Tetraodon biocellatus x2 Tetraodon nigroviridis x1 Tetraodon baileyi x2 Tetraodon lineatus x1 Tetraodon palembangensis x1 The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way in which its animals are treated. - Mohandas Gandhi

10-10-2006, 12:04 PM	#11
harif87 Minor Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Age: 21 Posts: 996	They also said that although nitrobacter isnt the nitrifying bacteria in natural settings it can still be the dominant population of nitrifying bacteria just as the nitrospira can in the aquarium setting. So if thats true, why would the addition of bio-spira work better than an addition of nitrobacter? There might be an answer to that, but it just makes me think that its possible that bio-spira and nitrobacter might have the same effect. __________________ sorry for beating you senseless "The human torch was denied a bank loan"

10-10-2006, 12:23 PM	#12
Puffer Pita Puffer Enthusiast Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 1,677	Sorry, I'm not a scientist. Just telling you what various scientists have told me and what I've read on the Biospira website. No other product in bottles on shelves have the correct LIVE bacteria necessary to cycle a tank. "Live" is the key word there. __________________ Tina Puffers: Auriglobus silus x2 Colomesus asellus x1 Tetraodon travancoricus x1 Tetraodon biocellatus x2 Tetraodon nigroviridis x1 Tetraodon baileyi x2 Tetraodon lineatus x1 Tetraodon palembangensis x1 The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way in which its animals are treated. - Mohandas Gandhi

10-10-2006, 12:25 PM	#13
Damon Aquatic Naturalist Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Dayton, Ohio Age: 32 Posts: 14,982	Nitrosomas convert ammonia to nitrite. Nitrobacter convert nitrite to nitrate. Most forms of algae can use ammonia more readily while fewer can use nitrite. All tanks have algae so less nitrosomas are needed but you still need a viable population to prevent algae outbreaks. bacteria also get first dibs on organic waste. Algae is third (plants are second). In an aquarium Nitrobacter is more prevelant because it has less competition. But nitrosomas are still the foundation of a cycling tank and balance in it. One source of info.......... http://www.fishdoc.co.uk/filtration/nitrification.htm You then still have anerobic (o2 depleted areas) in which converts nitrAte back into nitrite and thus nitrobacter are working again Hope that was clear........ It can be a little confusing. __________________ For in much wisdom [is] much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow. Member of the AGA (Aquatic Gardner's Association) Member of the IBC (International Betta Congress)

10-10-2006, 01:26 PM	#14
harif87 Minor Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Age: 21 Posts: 996	Sorry Boxermom, i didnt mean to direct my post at what you said, it was just an articulation of a general thought. Damon were you trying to answer my question? (srry) __________________ sorry for beating you senseless "The human torch was denied a bank loan"

10-10-2006, 01:30 PM	#15
Damon Aquatic Naturalist Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Dayton, Ohio Age: 32 Posts: 14,982	Not really. Just give everyone an idea of what bacteria does what and why they are in the quantities they are when a tank is balanced and mature. Obviously nature has many more organisms that remove docs before they can break down whereas our home aquariums dont. __________________ For in much wisdom [is] much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow. Member of the AGA (Aquatic Gardner's Association) Member of the IBC (International Betta Congress)

10-10-2006, 01:34 PM	#16
harif87 Minor Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Age: 21 Posts: 996	Thats what makes this hobby more than just throwing fish into some water and placing them on your windowsill. Its an living environment in a glass case. __________________ sorry for beating you senseless "The human torch was denied a bank loan"

11-15-2006, 07:45 PM	#18
loach<3r Fishy Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 10	I also found a product called Turbo Start. I've read some blogs / articles and its reputed to work better than bio-spira. "TURBO START #700 contains concentrated Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter nitrifying bacteria cultures." - from the website : http://www.fritzpet.com/turbo700_main.html I plan on trying it to cycle my new quarantine tank. Apparently if you add it into a spiked tank you can "fishless cycle" with it. You can get turbo start from: http://www.everythingfishy.com & http://poseidonsrealm.com/ I have yet to actually purchase it, but I'll post about it later if it turns out to work well.

11-15-2006, 08:10 PM	#19
Puffer Pita Puffer Enthusiast Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 1,677	Yup, TurboStart is reportedly as good as BioSpira. It isn't as readily available as BioSpira though, which is why I try to remember to always say BioSpira is the only one "commonly available" that quick cycles. BTW, BioSpira is now available from drsfostersmith.com too. __________________ Tina Puffers: Auriglobus silus x2 Colomesus asellus x1 Tetraodon travancoricus x1 Tetraodon biocellatus x2 Tetraodon nigroviridis x1 Tetraodon baileyi x2 Tetraodon lineatus x1 Tetraodon palembangensis x1 The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way in which its animals are treated. - Mohandas Gandhi

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