Overview
Note: Purposely not purple in the bottle due to the way it is grown, and for good reason. Your bottle will probably appear a slight cream or tan colour. See Technical Background below on what to expect and why.
Complex system of non-pathogenic aerobic and anaerobic microbes including R. palustris purple non-sulfur bacteria (PNSB), specifically formulated to enhance the rate of nitrification, denitrification, and organic waste degradation in marine and reef aquaria through complete nutrient remineralization.
Supplied in a live state of suspended for maximum longevity.
Formulated utilizing extensive data compiled by microbiologists.
Benefits
Enhances immune response in fish and corals.
Out competes pathogens.
Promotes coral & fish health through modulation of the microbiome.
Increases bacterioplankton in the water column, readily taken as live food by corals and other filter feeders.
Digestion of uneaten/undigested food, excreta, detritus, and other latent organic material, resulting in cleaner and healthier aquarium substrate (without having to physically clean or disturb the substrate bed).
Rapid consumption of organic carbon, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and phosphate.
Reduction of organic compounds into nutrients that encourage the growth of photosynthetic organisms (e.g. zooxanthellae, macroalgae, plants).
Greatly-reduced hydrogen sulfide production.
Increased water clarity.
Technical Background
Rhodopseudomonas palustris is a versatile bacterium with multiple metabolic modes. Its coloration depends on environmental conditions: under oxygen-rich conditions, the culture appears cream to light brown, while under low-oxygen illuminated conditions, it produces the characteristic purple pigment, over time. Brightwell® has chosen to maintain R. palustris in its oxygen-adapted growth form for this product, causing its colour in the bottle to appear light tan or cream coloured. This approach ensures greater compatibility with marine aquarium environments, reduces stress on the bacteria when added to aquariums, and provides significantly extended shelf life. Independent laboratory testing has confirmed that viable R. palustris is present and stable in the product, even when purple pigmentation is not visible. Once in anoxic zones of the aquarium, the bacteria can transition naturally to their purple-pigmented mode if conditions favour it. Due to these measures and other factors, MicrōBacter PURPLE M likely has orders of magnitude more R. palustris than competing products providing for a more robust product which hobbyists will find works better and is much more cost effective.
The concentration of dissolved and particulate organic materials in any aquatic environment can have a significant impact on the overall appearance of, as well as the health of organisms residing within, that system. Relatively low-nutrient environments are characterized by high water clarity, lack of unpleasant odors, and absence of microalgae and cyanobacteria; this is collectively a result of the lack of nitrogen-, phosphorus-, and carbon-based waste available. Aquaria that are relatively rich in available nutrients have characteristics opposite to the aforementioned, and are typically not desirable because of the resultant appearance of the system and the difficulty of maintaining healthy aquarium inhabitants.
Brightwell Aquatics MicrōBacter PURPLE M reduces the concentrations of organic nitrogen, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, phosphate, and organic carbon in all marine and reef ecosystems, leading to greatly improved water quality; better water quality typically leads to healthier aquarium inhabitants. MicrōBacter PURPLE M does not require refrigeration, however storage in an area of room temperature, with light will prolong the activity, and maximize the shelf-life, of the product.
Instructions & Guidelines
Shake product well before using. Add appropriate volume of MicrōBacter PURPLE M (see below). If using a pipette below water level, be sure to thoroughly clean pipette with purified water prior to placing tube back into MicrōBacter PURPLE M bottle; failure to do so will contaminate the product. Best results may be obtained by adding mixture to external biological filtration system (if applicable). Do not add to pump intake port(s). For best results, use within 1-year of purchase date. MicrōBacter PURPLE M needs suitable surface area upon which to grow. The use of an excellent substrate or filtration medium such as Brightwell Xport or MicrōBacter Lattice will greatly increase its effectiveness. Simultaneous use of Reef BioFuel or Katalyst will provide a needed carbon source from rapid growth.
Medium- to High-nutrient Systems, (typically those less than two years old or poorly maintained):
To rapidly and effectively decrease the concentration of available nutrients and waste material in all marine and reef aquaria, add 1.25 ml (1/4 capful) per US-gallon (3.78 L) of aquarium water weekly or more often if desired, for the first two weeks of use; the impact that MicrōBacter PURPLE M has on an aquarium is most evident within this period. Turn protein skimming and UV-sterilization off for a period of 24 hours following addition to aquaria. Thereafter, switch to “low-nutrient” dosage (below), if aquarium water quality has significantly improved with this high dosage. If not, continue to use this dosage until noticeably improved.
Stable, Low-nutrient Systems (typically those over two years old and well maintained):
To maintain a low concentration of available nutrients in all marine and reef aquaria, 5 ml (1 capful) of MicrōBacterPURPLE M per 50 US-gallons (189.3 L) [≈2 drops per gallon (3.8 L)] of aquarium water once each week; alternately, add 1 ml per 50 US-gallons daily (or 1 ml per 25 US-gallons every other day). Turn protein skimming and UV-sterilization off for a period of 24 hours following addition to aquaria. Dosage may be adjusted according to perceived benefit to aquarium. With time, hobbyists may determine that decreasing the dosage and/or dosing frequency by up to 50% sufficiently maintains a low-nutrient environment. During changes in biological filtration or when increasing the aquarium bioload, dose 1 ml per 50 US-gallons daily for one week, then resume “low-nutrient” dosage.
Caution:
Keep out of reach of children. Not for human consumption. Caution: Keep out of reach of children. Not for human consumption.
Shipping
How is my order shipped and what does it cost?
Orders are shipped either by Courier [currently FedEX Ground] or Postal Service --- the choice is yours!
For delivery by Courier, you pay the actual charges based on a 1 kG package [2.2 lbs] shipped via ground service, plus a nominal $1.00 service charge to cover the cost of insurance and packing materials. We pay any additional charges.
For Postal Service (your best value), shipping on orders under $100.00 is $13.95 to most locations in Canada, exceptions noted below. For orders between $100.00 and $150.00 the rate is $9.95, for orders between $150.00 and $200.00 the rate is just $4.95 and for orders over $200.00 shipping is FREE. The more you order the more you save! The delivery standard for this service is between 1 to 7 business days between all major centers.
NOTE: Additional Shipping Charges apply to orders being shipped to the NWT, YK, NU and some rural or remote locations in Canada as well as on over sized or heavy items indicated by the the - Additional Shipping symbol.
When will my order be shipped?
On weekdays, in-stock merchandise is shipped the same day if received by 2:00 pm EST. Orders received after that, or on weekends or holidays, are shipped the next business day.
Do you ship to the US or to other International destinations?
Currently we are only shipping within Canada.
Returns
What if I want to return an item?
Should you find it necessary to return an item, please call us first. All returns should be properly packaged to avoid damage and should include all original boxes and paperwork to receive a refund, replacement or credit. Shipping fees are not refundable, unless, of course, you are returning defective merchandise or merchandise we sent in error.
What do I do if a product breaks or doesn't preform as promised?
Keep all warranties and owner's manuals you receive with your merchandise. In the event an item becomes defective or just doesn't live up to your expectations, please refer to the warranty information you received for proper handling procedures.