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Fauna Marin Bacto Balls, Slow-Release Reef Bacteria, 250ml
Fauna Marin Bacto Balls, Slow-Release Reef Bacteria, 250ml
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$49.99
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$49.99
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Fauna Marin Bacto Balls: Slow-Release Reef Bacteria and Enzymes
Fauna Marin Bacto Balls are a solid-form reef bacteria supplement that uses slow-release polymer technology to deliver live marine bacteria and enzyme compounds directly into your aquarium over two to four weeks per dose. Each ball is approximately 1 centimeter in diameter and contains billions of pollutant-degrading bacteria suspended in a seawater-stable polymer matrix. As the ball dissolves, bacteria are released steadily into the water column. This prevents the dosing spikes that come with liquid bacteria products and eliminates the need for daily or frequent dosing schedules.
The slow-release format is what sets Bacto Balls apart from conventional liquid bacteria additives. Standard gel-based or liquid bacteria products release their cultures quickly, require frequent re-dosing, and can act as an additional carbon source that fuels algae rather than controlling it. Fauna Marin's polymer carrier was developed specifically for saltwater environments to allow controlled, continuous release without contributing extra carbon to the system. The result is a stable bacterial population that steadily works down nitrate and phosphate, reduces detritus, suppresses nuisance algae, and improves skimmer output. Excess bacteria not taken up by the system become a food source for corals and protozoa or are exported through the skimmer.
Key Features:
- Solid polymer balls deliver live marine bacteria and enzymes via slow-release over 2 to 4 weeks per dose
- Reduces nitrate and phosphate by supporting natural denitrifying bacterial populations
- Suppresses nuisance algae growth driven by excess nutrients
- Eliminates bacterial films and reduces detritus accumulation in the aquarium and sump
- Improves protein skimmer efficiency and reduces manual cleaning frequency
- Seawater-stable polymer carrier releases bacteria slowly without acting as a carbon source, unlike conventional gel-based products
- 100% reef-safe: both the bacteria and carrier material are safe for corals, fish, and invertebrates
- Excess bacteria become food for corals and protozoa or are removed by the skimmer
- Dose every 2 weeks rather than daily, reducing the maintenance burden of a bacteria dosing program
- Available in 100ml, 250ml, and 500ml sizes; approximately 100-110 balls per 100ml container
- Shelf life of approximately 3 years unopened; produced in Germany
Ideal For:
- Reef aquariums with recurring nitrate or phosphate issues that haven't responded well to carbon dosing or liquid bacteria programs
- Hobbyists who want consistent bacterial nutrient control without daily dosing commitments
- Tanks running protein skimmers where improved skimmer efficiency and reduced cleaning intervals are a priority
- Systems with visible nuisance algae growth linked to elevated nutrients, where the goal is biological reduction rather than chemical removal
- Aquarists transitioning away from liquid bacteria additives who want a lower-maintenance dosing format
- Tanks with detritus accumulation in the sump or low-flow areas where bacterial breakdown of organic waste is needed
Pro Tips:
- Start with half the recommended dose on the first application. This allows your system to adjust to increased bacterial activity. Skimmer output often rises in the first week due to nutrient breakdown, which is normal. Adjust based on water test results.
- Place Bacto Balls in a filter bag or sock in a well-circulated area of your sump or filter chamber to ensure water flows through them, releasing bacteria evenly. Keep away from pump intakes to prevent breaking up the balls prematurely.
- Test your water every 1-2 weeks when starting out. Since each aquarium has different nutrient loads and bacteria levels, the right dose varies. Regular testing of nitrate and phosphate helps determine if the dose is effective or needs adjusting. Fauna Marin suggests increasing slowly instead of starting with a high dose.
- For tanks without a skimmer, reduce the dose to a quarter of the standard. Without a skimmer, excess bacteria remain in the water, which can cloud water or stress livestock.
Online exclusive: this item is ordered in for you and is usually ready within a few business days. Choose in-store pickup, local delivery or shipping at checkout.
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