Brightwell MicrōBacter Start XLM 15X – Ultra concentrated live bioculture

Ultra-concentrated live bioculture for rapid start-up of marine and brackish aquariums

MicroBacter Start XLM 15X is a 15 times more concentrated suspension of live non-pathogenic nitrifying bacteria, specially formulated to establish biological filtration very quickly in marine, reef and brackish aquariums.

It allows for complete cycling in approximately 7 days in most cases when the instructions are followed.

• ✔ Rapid reduction of ammonia (NH3) and nitrites (NO2)
• ✔ Prevention of "New Tank Syndrome"
• ✔ Ideal for a quick start with robust fish
• ✔ Useful after major cleaning, medication treatment, or overload
• ✔ Significantly longer shelf life than competing products

📦 Content

1 bottle of MicroBacter Start XLM 15X

Available formats:

• 250 ml
• 500 ml

🎯 Why use XLM?

• Accelerated cycling
• Restarting after a bacterial disaster
• Stabilization after cleaning the substrate or filter media
• massive addition of fish
• Heavily populated aquarium

Can be overdosed up to 5 times in an emergency situation.

🔬 Scientific context

Nitrifying bacteria transform:

Ammonia → Nitrite → Nitrate

MicrōBacter Start XLM contains a selective complex of highly effective live microbes and enzymes , which rapidly colonize surfaces (rocks, filter media, piping).

⚠ Bacteria live primarily on surfaces.
A lack of porosity limits biological efficiency.

Brightwell recommends the use of highly porous media (e.g., Xport™ or MicroBacter Lattice™).

⚙ Instructions for use – New bin

Important :
Always dechlorinate the water with Brightwell Erāse-Cl before use.

1. Shake vigorously
2. Add 30 ml per 25 US gallons (95 L)
3. Add one or more hardy fish
4. Remove filter media, UV, ozone and skimmer during cycling
5. Test NH3 and NO2 daily

If NH3 or NO2 > 0.2 ppm → add 10 ml per 25 gallons.

After a minimum of 7 days:

The bin is only recycled if:

• NH3 = 0
• NO2 = 0
• NO3 > 0

⚠ Avoid during cycling

• Do not use other bacteria
• Do not use bagged "live" sand
• Do not use seeded dry rock
• Do not use activated charcoal
• Do not use phosphate-removing resins
• Do not use GFO
• Do not use bactericidal additives.

These factors slow down the cycle.

🧪 Notes

• Normal earthy smell
• Water may be slightly cloudy temporarily
• Normal clumping → shake before use

❄ Preservation

• Approximate lifespan: 18 months
• Ideally, store below 26°C
• Refrigeration recommended (≈10°C)
• Do not freeze

⚠️ Security

• Keep out of reach of children
• Not intended for human consumption