FaStart-F – Freshwater Bio Nutrient Source

Balanced nutrient source for establishing and maintaining biological filtration in freshwater aquariums

• Formulated specifically for freshwater and planted aquariums
• To be used in conjunction with FlorinBacter
• Establishes and develops biological filtration by providing critical nutrients in specific forms and ratios.
• Ethical and effective; encourages beneficial bacteria without using “starter fish” as a nutrient source
• Speeds up start-up period, making it possible to add inhabitants to an aquarium soon after set up

To set up a new aquarium with a healthy biological filtration system, it’s important to add the right microorganisms along with specific nutrients in the correct amounts. These nutrients need to be available for the microorganisms to thrive and keep the filtration system working well over time. Using “starter fish” or fish food as a source of nutrients is not a good idea. It can harm the fish because immature systems often have high levels of toxic nutrients. It can also cause future problems if the fish become aggressive towards new tankmates and are difficult to remove without disrupting the tank. Additionally, it can lead to the growth of unwanted bacteria and algae. Luckily, there is a solution called FaStart-F that avoids these issues. It helps beneficial microorganisms grow quickly and maintain the biological filtration system, even when the bioload changes. By keeping the nutrient levels constant and within the right range, the aquarium’s inhabitants will be healthier and exhibit better coloration.

Instructions & Guidelines

Shake product well before each use. Though FaStart-F may be used in any established freshwater aquarium, it is intended for use in systems dosed with FlorinBacter. Greatest stability of biological filtration capacity will be achieved when using these two solutions in conjunction, as directed below. Grossly overdosing FaStart-F will not significantly increase the effectiveness of the product, nor the rate at which it enacts changes in aquaria; in fact, it may have a deleterious effect on water quality if not used as directed. Freshwater aquaria employing effective mechanical filtration will achieve maximum rate of nutrient export via extraction of bacterioplankton biomass. Do not attempt to maintain an aquarium containing photosynthetic organisms (e.g. higher plants) completely free of detectable nitrate and phosphate; doing so is highly likely to result in loss of life of those organisms. Water temperature,  pH, alkalinity, and chemistry must be within appropriate ranges prior to adding live microorganisms to aquarium.

Establishing biological filtration in new aquaria: Add 5 ml (1 capful on 250- and 500-ml bottles; 1/2-capful on 2L bottle) FaStart-F per 20 US-gallons (76 L) of aquarium water; allow to circulate in system for at least one hour. Using accurate test kits, determine concentrations of ammonia, nitrate, and phosphate; record results. Begin adding FlorinBacter as directed on that product’s label, dosing daily. Re-test nutrient concentrations daily for the first two weeks of use. When ammonia concentration is below detection level of test kit and nitrate concentration is below 5 ppm, then aquarium is cycled.

Dose with FaStart-F as necessary to maintain nitrate and phosphate within a range of 3 – 5 ppm and 0.01 – 0.02 ppm, respectively. Daily dosing will encourage the most stable concentration of available nutrients in any aquarium system. Begin with 5 ml per 100 US-gallons (378.5 L) of aquarium water, and adjust dosage as nutrient concentrations dictate. When decreasing the aquarium bioload, increase normal dosage by 10%, and resume normal dosage once nutrient concentrations stabilize within desired ranges.

Caution: Keep out of reach of children. Not for human consumption.

Note: Does not require refrigeration. Maintained free of contaminants, remains viable indefinitely. Not impacted by temporary freezing.

Ingredients: Purified water, proprietary blend of USP- and ACS-grade phosphate, nitrogen, and organic carbon sources.