Bacto is the bacteria that Colombo is producing and marketing for the start up of marine aquariums and for the maintenance of the biological nitrogen cycle.

As we know, or should know, the biological nitrogen cycle is the series of chemical reactions that lead ammonia (or ammonium ion) to be converted  first to nitrite, then to nitrate, until it finally gets to oxygen and nitrogen.

Bacteria are the engine for this processing. So bacteria must be added at the start up of the aquarium, and has to be regularly dosed to keep a permanent bacteria population. External dosing is especially good to prevent  a monoculture from being formed in the aquarium, where certain bacteria strains survive to the detriment of others. A regular dosing of external bacteria helps to avoid this, keeping the essential bacteria variety thriving.

Colombo Bacto

Hence Colombo is proposing Bacto, a blend of bacteria able to develop and boost the nitrogen cycle, and keeping it activated  over time. The product is a liquid solution, specifically designed for the marine aquarium, and is easy to use.

In traditional Colombo fashion, the packaging color is yellow and it directly refers to the ammonia test. In addition, it is part of the Start line, a series of testa: pH, Kh, Ammonia, and Nitrites, that Colombo suggests when setting up a new tank.

Costs and dosage of Colombo Bacto

Colombo Bacto is available in two different sizes. The first one is 500 ml at 16,95 euro and the second 1,000 ml at 24,30 euro. Of course the bigger packaging is cheaper, with a cost per liter of 24 euro versus  34 euro for the small size. Honestly I’d choose the bigger size immediately because it has twice the amount and costs only 50% more.

The recommended dose is different for starting up a new tank and for maintaining  it. When starting up it is advisable to dose 1 ml every 5 liters 2 times a week for 5 weeks. Supposing a 300 liter tank, that means 60 ml twice a week, which is 600 ml for all the maturation cycle.

Maintenance is less expensive, requiring just 1 ml for every 5 liters, only once a week.

When starting up a 100 liter tank, we have a duration of 20 weeks for the small packaging and over 45 for the bigger one, about 11 months! For a 300 liter tank, the numbers are reduced, and the small package is not enough to complete the start up cycle. The large one is enough for 11 weeks. Of course, the numbers are larger for just maintaining.

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[Translated by Federico Lavezzi]