Double dose safestart?

[Quin]

On I believe Wednesday I put Tetra safestart Plus into my tank to help with cycling. Today my mom brought home some regular safestart. Can I put this bottle in too? They're both the same size meant for up to 20 gallons.

On the one hand the more beneficial bacteria the better, but on the other if there isn't enough food for them will they die off and harm the tank?

 

[Byron]

You could see a bacterial bloom from too much, depending upon the condition of the bottles. Using one of them and then the other is not a problem, just follow the directions as to amount of whichever you use when using it. Presumably there are no fish in the tank, so it might not be more than an unsightly fog, but you never know.

 

[Quin]

You could see a bacterial bloom from too much, depending upon the condition of the bottles. Using one of them and then the other is not a problem, just follow the directions as to amount of whichever you use when using it. Presumably there are no fish in the tank, so it might not be more than an unsightly fog, but you never know.

I have one fish in the tank currently, a betta. If a bacterial bloom will harm him I'll wait and only apply it if the initial batch fails, but if it's just a visual thing then I think I'll do it.

On every bottle of safestart it recommends you to add the entire amount. Should I do half at first and then add the other half later?

 

[Byron]

I have one fish in the tank currently, a betta. If a bacterial bloom will harm him I'll wait and only apply it if the initial batch fails, but if it's just a visual thing then I think I'll do it.

On every bottle of safestart it recommends you to add the entire amount. Should I do half at first and then add the other half later?

Follow the instructions. With a Betta present, I certainly would not use more than the instructions advise. A bacterial bloom for example can cause a sharp rise in ammonia which could seriously harm if not kill fish. More is not usually better, here as in so much of this hobby.

 

[Quin]

Follow the instructions. With a Betta present, I certainly would not use more than the instructions advise. A bacterial bloom for example can cause a sharp rise in ammonia which could seriously harm if not kill fish. More is not usually better, here as in so much of this hobby.

That's really good to know. I won't apply it then unless the tank requires another dose. Thank you!

 

[FishGuest5123]

You add a little each day to just the filter.

 

[Quin]

You add a little each day to just the filter.

So I do add more?

 

[Byron]

So I do add more?

Follow the instructions on the bottle. It will tell how much (amount) to add, and how often. Don't overdose beyond that.

 

[Quin]

Follow the instructions on the bottle. It will tell how much (amount) to add, and how often. Don't overdose beyond that.

The only instructions are to add the whole thing and to shake it really good. I had to find an outside article (which I made a thread about a while back) that tested out and elaborated on how to properly use it. Maybe to be safe I'll hold off but I'm not sure how long it will last on my desk

 

[Byron]

The instructions are on their website too, and read:

Shake Well.​

To start new aquariums, add entire bottle to aquariums up to 100 gallons. Aquarium is then ready for fish. Consult your retailer for advice on type and number of fish appropriate for your aquarium.​

For healthy maintenance, add one teaspoon (5ml) for every 10 gallons when adding fish, after water changes or after replacing filter media.​

So, add the one bottle, and no more.

 

[FishGuest5123]

You can’t overdose it.