{"product_id":"fauna-marin-bacto-balls-slow-release-reef-bacteria-250ml","title":"Fauna Marin Bacto Balls, Slow-Release Reef Bacteria, 250ml","description":"\u003ch2\u003eFauna Marin Bacto Balls: Slow-Release Reef Bacteria and Enzymes\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eFauna 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.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003ch3\u003eKey Features:\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSolid polymer balls deliver live marine bacteria and enzymes via slow-release over 2 to 4 weeks per dose\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReduces nitrate and phosphate by supporting natural denitrifying bacterial populations\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSuppresses nuisance algae growth driven by excess nutrients\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEliminates bacterial films and reduces detritus accumulation in the aquarium and sump\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eImproves protein skimmer efficiency and reduces manual cleaning frequency\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSeawater-stable polymer carrier releases bacteria slowly without acting as a carbon source, unlike conventional gel-based products\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e100% reef-safe: both the bacteria and carrier material are safe for corals, fish, and invertebrates\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExcess bacteria become food for corals and protozoa or are removed by the skimmer\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDose every 2 weeks rather than daily, reducing the maintenance burden of a bacteria dosing program\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAvailable in 100ml, 250ml, and 500ml sizes; approximately 100-110 balls per 100ml container\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShelf life of approximately 3 years unopened; produced in Germany\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eIdeal For:\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReef aquariums with recurring nitrate or phosphate issues that haven't responded well to carbon dosing or liquid bacteria programs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHobbyists who want consistent bacterial nutrient control without daily dosing commitments\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTanks running protein skimmers where improved skimmer efficiency and reduced cleaning intervals are a priority\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSystems with visible nuisance algae growth linked to elevated nutrients, where the goal is biological reduction rather than chemical removal\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAquarists transitioning away from liquid bacteria additives who want a lower-maintenance dosing format\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTanks with detritus accumulation in the sump or low-flow areas where bacterial breakdown of organic waste is needed\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003ePro Tips:\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStart 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlace 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTest 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFor 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eOnline 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.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"CoralVue","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53881764643109,"sku":"FM-BBL-10","price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0829\/5242\/1669\/files\/cv-t-2602.jpg?v=1790051275","url":"https:\/\/picayunepets.com\/products\/fauna-marin-bacto-balls-slow-release-reef-bacteria-250ml","provider":"Poseidon's Pets of Picayune","version":"1.0","type":"link"}