Adding bacteria to an established reef aquarium

[Pookie]

I just recently obtained a job a the LFS.

The owner and the workers say to add microbe lift on a regular basis, because the beneficial bacteria dies off and this will recharge your tank.

I think this is rediculas because once the cycle is complete additional bacteria is not needed.

Also, the manager thinks that a protien skimmer removes stuff from the top of the tank.

Do I need to add bacteria after the tank is cycled. My reef has been florishing since December without ading bacteria.

 

[WRASSER]

If you have fish, they will assist in adding the bacteria with the waste. It depends on the protein skimmer you have. A piggyback does and if you want to be techincal the in sumpdoes too. only because the water from the top flows down.

 

[Anonymous]

>..Also, the manager thinks that a protien skimmer removes stuff from the top of the tank.

It is probably due to the word "skimmer," which applies to the removal of oily film or other material from the top. Also, many of the organics that protein skimmer remove tends to stay near the surface due to its hydrophobicity, so it maybe why a layperson will say such statement.

 

[Anonymous]

hydrophobicity

WORD OF THE DAY!!!!!!