SPECIFICATIONS
Contains live aerobic saltwater ammonia oxidizing bacteria and live aerobic saltwater nitrite oxidizing bacteria.
MODE OF ACTION
ZymBac Saltwater contains both ammonia and nitrite oxidizing species of nitrifying bacteria. These bacteria produce their own food from carbon dioxide (chemoautotrophs) and utilize inorganic nitrogenous compounds (ammonia and nitrite) as primary sources of energy. Ammonia oxidizing bacteria use ammonia present in the aquarium from fish urea and waste, uneaten foods, etc as their food source and convert this ammonia into nitrite. The nitrite oxidizing bacteria do the same thing with the nitrite producing nitrate. Nitrate is much less toxic to aquatic life than either ammonia or nitrite and is removed from the aquarium during the course of regular water changes.
Nitrifying bacteria have a limited shelf life inside of bottles because they cannot form spores. For this reason each bottle of ZymBac is clearly marked with an expiration date. ZymBac will last for up to six months on the shelf if kept at normal room temperature. You may refrigerate ZymBac without harm.
In a typical new aquarium setup ZymBac used at a recommended dosage will complete cycling in about two to three weeks. Because water chemistry, the amount of ammonia and nitrite present, temperature, feeding and other factors vary from aquarium to aquarium each individual aquarium's cycle time may vary greatly. It is recommended that you use AquaTru Ammonia and Nitrite test kits to accurately determine when the aquarium has finished cycling. Consult with your local fish store about the appropriate number of fish to use when cycling the aquarium. Using greater than label dosage does not guarantee a faster cycling time.
When ZymBac is initially added to the aquarium it is free floating in the water. During this time ZymBac is vulnerable to being killed if it is exposed to ozone or ultraviolet light. Protein skimming will also remove the ZymBac from the aquarium. Turn off any UV sterilizers, protein skimmers and ozone generators before adding ZymBac and leave off for five days after application. During this time the bacteria will settle and adhere to filter media. Ideally filter media for nitrifying bacteria should have a large surface area in an area of high flow. Filter media should not be allowed to accumulate large amounts of detritus and debris because that can cause anaerobic conditions. Nitrifying bacteria do not colonize such areas.
Ideal Conditions
The saltwater nitrifying bacteria in ZymBac perform best at in a temperature range from 77°-86°F/25°-30°C. A pH range of 7.8 to 8.4 is recommended for best performance at removal of ammonia and nitrite. pH should not exceed 8.4. The bacteria species in ZymBac perform best at dissolved oxygen levels of at least 80%. Saltwater ZymBac species of nitrifying bacteria will function in a salinity from 6-44 ppt. For most brackish water aquariums, Saltwater ZymBac is an effective product to aid or establish biological filtration.
STABILITY
ZymBac saltwater has a shelf life of six months. Each bottle is clearly marked with an expiration date to insure freshness and efficacy. ZymBac should not be exposed to temperatures below 32°F/0°C or over 95°F/35°C. Ideally ZymBac should be stored at room temperature at all times. ZymBac will not survive freezing or overheating. ZymBac may be refrigerated without harm, but refrigeration will not extend the shelf life of the product.
COMPATABILITIES
These saltwater bacteria are 100% non-toxic, non-pathogenic and feed on inorganic ammonia and nitrite. ZymBac is non-corrosive and requires no special precautions to handle. These bacteria are not a health hazard to humans, fish, pets, plants or wildlife. ZymBac may be used with all of Kordon's water conditioners including AmQuel®, AmQuel Plus® and NovAqua®.
Saltwater ZymBac is tolerant of prolonged exposure to copper at a level of 0.20 mg/l without performance being impaired. Copper can be used as a therapeutic agent in conjunction with saltwater ZymBac. If copper is added to a system, there may be a small increase in ammonia (up to .25mg/l) for a day or two before nitrification returns to normal.
ZymBac can safely be used with organic medications such as Kordon's Ich AttackT and Prevent IchT without detriment to the live nitrifying bacteria in ZymBac.
In order to speed colonization of plastic biomedia such as bio-balls pour NovAquaT over biomedia to coat the media with a slime coating. The bacteria species in ZymBac will easily adhere to the smooth plastic media after the addition of NovAquaT
ZymBac Saltwater nitrifying bacteria are copper tolerant and may be used with Kordon's Chelated Copper at label dosage rates of .25mg/l. It is not unusual to see a very slight rise in ammonia levels (>.25mg/l) for two or three days after the addition of copper. Ammonia levels should then drop as nitrification returns to normal.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
ZymBac Saltwater is not a medication and is not intended for use treating fish disease. ZymBac is to be used as an ammonia and nitrite removing agent. ZymBac should not be used in conjunction with any medications (see above for information about copper usage and Saltwater ZymBac), especially antibiotics. Medications will harm the organisms in ZymBac. Before using ZymBac in any aquarium that has been medicated, perform at least a 20% water change and use fresh activated carbon to remove any remaining chemotherapeutic agents. Chlorine and Chloramine will kill the bacteria and ZymBac and must be removed from water with AmQuel® or AmQuel Plus® before ZymBac can be added to the aquarium. UV sterilizers will also kill ZymBac and must be turned off before application and left off for five days after application of ZymBac. Protein skimmers will remove ZymBac from the aquarium and must be turned off before ZymBac Saltwater is added to the aquarium, and left off for a period of five days after the addition of ZymBac.
DIRECTIONS FOR USE
For Routine Usage (after adding new livestock, water change or change of filter pads)
1. Shake well before using
2. Make sure the water that the ZymBac is being added to is completely free of chlorine/chloramines by using AmQuel® or AmQuel Plus®. Also, turn off any UV sterilizers, protein skimmers and ozone generators before usage and leave off for five days after application of ZymBac. ZymBac may be added directly to the aquarium or to water that is being added to the aquarium.
3. Add 4 capfuls per gallon treated, 4oz (118ml) per each 10 gallons.
4. To increase the speed with which the bacteria will adhere to biomedia, add NovAqua® at recommended dosages directly onto biofilter media.
5. ZymBac may be resealed and reused so long as the ZymBac is used before the labeled expiration date.
For Use In Starting A New Aquarium/Biofilter
1. Shake well before using
2. Make sure the water that the ZymBac is being added to is completely free of chlorine/chloramines by using AmQuel® or AmQuel Plus®. Also, turn off any UV sterilizers, protein skimmers and ozone generators before usage and leave off for five days after application of ZymBac. ZymBac may be added directly to the aquarium or to water that is being added to the aquarium.
3. Add 8 capfuls per gallon treated, 8oz (237ml) per each 10 gallons.
4. To increase the speed with which the bacteria will adhere to biomedia, add NovAqua® at recommended dosages directly onto biofilter media.
For Use In Emergency (after power outage/moving an aquarium or similar circumstance)
1. Shake well before using
2. Make sure the water that the ZymBac is being added to is completely free of chlorine/chloramines by using AmQuel® or AmQuel Plus®. Also, turn off any UV sterilizers, protein skimmers and ozone generators before usage and leave off for five days after application of ZymBac. ZymBac may be added directly to the aquarium or to water that is being added to the aquarium.
3. Add 8 capfuls per gallon treated, 8oz (237ml) per each 10 gallons.
4. To increase the speed with which the bacteria will adhere to biomedia, add NovAqua® at recommended dosages directly onto biofilter media.
5. ZymBac may be resealed and reused so long as the ZymBac is used before the labeled expiration date.
Reestablishing A Biofilter After Using Medications
1. Before using ZymBac in an aquarium that has recently been medicated, perform a 20% water change and add fresh activated carbon to the filter. Wait at least 12 hours after the addition of the fresh carbon before using ZymBac.
2. Shake well before using
3. Make sure the water that the ZymBac is being added to is completely free of chlorine/chloramines by using AmQuel® or AmQuel Plus®. Also, turn off any UV sterilizers, protein skimmers and ozone generators before usage and leave off for five days after application of ZymBac. ZymBac may be added directly to the aquarium or to water that is being added to the aquarium.
4. Add 8 capfuls per gallon treated, 8oz (237ml) per each 10 gallons.
5. To increase the speed with which the bacteria will adhere to biomedia, add NovAqua® at recommended dosages directly onto biofilter media.
6. ZymBac may be resealed and reused so long as the ZymBac is used before the labeled expiration date.
Cautions
Keep away from children. ZymBac contains no hazardous chemicals or bacteria. If ZymBac contacts eyes, rinse with water. If ingested, contact a physician and bring ZymBac product container with you. Overdosage up to five times label dosage is harmless to the aquarium.
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Item: |
Fluid Ounces |
Treats: |
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39626 |
16oz |
bottle - treats 20 gallons |
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39646 |
32oz |
bottle - treats 40 gallons |
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