---
product_id: 174277258
title: "MicroBacter Start XLM - Concentrated Saltwater Nitrifying Bacteria - Quick Start Fish Tank Starter, Lift Microbe Levels & Water Filtering - Marine Aquarium Treatments, 8.45 fl oz"
brand: "brightwell aquatics"
price: "$93"
currency: NZD
in_stock: true
url: https://www.desertcart.nz/products/174277258-microbacter-start-xlm-concentrated-saltwater-nitrifying-bacteria-quick-start-fish
store_origin: NZ
region: New Zealand
---

# Rapid cycling in 7 days 15x concentrated blend American-made excellence MicroBacter Start XLM - Concentrated Saltwater Nitrifying Bacteria - Quick Start Fish Tank Starter, Lift Microbe Levels & Water Filtering - Marine Aquarium Treatments, 8.45 fl oz

**Brand:** brightwell aquatics
**Price:** $93
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Summary

> 🌊 Dive into a thriving aquarium with MicroBacter Start XLM!

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** MicroBacter Start XLM - Concentrated Saltwater Nitrifying Bacteria - Quick Start Fish Tank Starter, Lift Microbe Levels & Water Filtering - Marine Aquarium Treatments, 8.45 fl oz by brightwell aquatics
- **How much does it cost?** $93 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.nz](https://www.desertcart.nz/products/174277258-microbacter-start-xlm-concentrated-saltwater-nitrifying-bacteria-quick-start-fish)

## Best For

- brightwell aquatics enthusiasts

## Why This Product

- Trusted brightwell aquatics brand quality
- Free international shipping included
- Worldwide delivery with tracking
- 15-day hassle-free returns

## Key Features

- • **Speedy Water Cycling:** Achieve optimal tank health in just 7 days with rapid bacteria colonization.
- • **Kickstart Your Aquarium:** Transform your tank with a 15x concentrated blend of nitrifying bacteria!
- • **Proudly Made in the USA:** Trust in a leading brand dedicated to innovative aquatic care solutions.
- • **Advanced Recovery Formula:** Re-establish beneficial bacteria post-cleaning or medication for thriving fish.
- • **Perfect for High-Density Tanks:** Effectively reduces ammonia and nitrite levels, supporting crowded environments.

## Overview

Brightwell Aquatics MicroBacter Start XLM is a concentrated saltwater nitrifying bacteria solution designed to rapidly enhance biological filtration in aquariums. This 8.45 fl oz formula accelerates beneficial bacteria colonization, reduces harmful ammonia and nitrite levels, and is ideal for high-density tanks. Made in the USA, it supports a vibrant underwater ecosystem and is shelf-stable for over a year.

## Description

MicroBacter Start XLM - Concentrated Saltwater Nitrifying Bacteria - Quick Start Fish Tank Starter, Lift Microbe Levels & Water Filtering - Marine Aquarium Treatments, 8.45 fl oz

## Features

- HIGH-POWER TANK WATER STARTER – MicroBacter Start XLM is a 15x concentrated blend to kickstart biological filtration in new and existing saltwater aquariums. It provides a flourishing underwater environment with live, non-pathogenic microbes
- RAPID WATER CYCLING – Optimize your aquarium’s health with this fast-acting supplement. Accelerate the tank's beneficial nitrifying bacteria colonization rates for balance and stability in just 7 days. It’s the ideal solution when time is crucial
- FOR HIGH-DENSITY AQUARIUMS – A scientifically blended formula that effectively reduces ammonia and nitrite levels in crowded tanks, all while supporting population density. Shelf stable for over a year at room temperature
- ADVANCED TANK RECOVERY – Perfect for aquarium enthusiasts and various sand and rock substrates. Best used post-cleaning or after use of medications. This solution accelerates the re-establishment rate of fish tank bacteria, ensuring your fish thrive
- AMERICAN-MADE EXCELLENCE – Brightwell Aquatics is a leading brand committed to providing innovative and scientifically backed aquatic care products. Made in the USA, we deliver advanced solutions to elevate the vibrancy and health of your aquarium

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| Item Weight | 10.41 Ounces |
| Liquid Volume | 250 Milliliters |
| Target Species | Fish |
| Item Form | Liquid |
| Allergen Information | Sulphites Free |

## Product Details

- **Brand:** Brightwell Aquatics
- **Liquid Volume:** 250 Milliliters
- **Item Form:** Liquid
- **Manufacturer:** Brightwell Aquatics
- **UPC:** 810086019519

## Images

![MicroBacter Start XLM - Concentrated Saltwater Nitrifying Bacteria - Quick Start Fish Tank Starter, Lift Microbe Levels & Water Filtering - Marine Aquarium Treatments, 8.45 fl oz - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71d7iK4cswL.jpg)

## Available Options

This product comes in different **Size** options.

## Questions & Answers

**Q: Does this ship with ice packs? How is it insured the bacteria will be alive still after spending all day in a hot 100-110 F delivery truck?**
A: It does not ship with ice packs.  It is a much more stable product than older competing products.  It will typically stand hot delivery trucks for short periods of time and it will typically take a freeze and still be viable, if thawed slowly (never microwave).  Can it be killed in transit, yes, but it is not very likely.  If you ever have a problem, please contact us and we will make sure you are satisfied.  Thanks for the question.

**Q: Am i understanding this correctly, you can’t use this product with caribsea dry live rock starting a new tank from scratch?**
A: You can use it with dry rock that has been seeded with dry bacteria, but that bacteria is the wrong species to use at this stage of cycling and will prolong the cycle to a month or even longer.  MicroBacter Start XLM will still work, but not as efficiently because they will be fighting the other bacteria for nutrients and the different species can even consume each other.  You will be better off using real live rock, or Real Reef Rock (TM), rock from another aquarium or a store, bare rock from the land, marco rock or any rock to which dry bacteria has NOT been added.  Let XLM work alone and it will do its job wonderously, or use it with normal aquarium bacteria (as in rock kept in an aquarium).  If you use dry cysted bacteria, it will cause problems, but in the end you will still cycle (and it will be a good cycle, it will just take a prolonged time to cycle).  We just recommend against using other packaged or dry bacterial products at the same time.  If you have further questions, or need specific help, please fill out our web form or contact the factory, we will be happy to help.

**Q: Is there a way to use this if I have already put live sand in the tank?**
A: I use it all the time and my tank has live sand and live rocks. My tank is 3 years old and established.   I think it depends upon if your tank is new and on its first cycle or if it is an established tank and you are doing a water change, etc.  I believe a first time new tank is where the problem with live sand comes in.  Hope this helps.

**Q: Can i use this product when adding new fish to an stable reef tank?**
A: Yes. I am using this product for last 2 years. Every weekend I put to control on Algee grow problems. But I really don’t understand what’s the relation between adding new fish with this product? When we add new fish we not use KH, CA or MG liquids to maintain Aquarim parameters ? I think you got your answer with logic

## Frequently Bought Together

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*Product available on Desertcart New Zealand*
*Store origin: NZ*
*Last updated: 2026-03-01*