Can you fish already after use for a few hours? JBL Denitrol or filter start promise a lot here. Is this Running in an aquarium, as we do in here reported to our guide have at all still necessary? Again and again one reads reports that aquarists use their fish immediately or after just two days. This for a lot of discussions. We want to explain in more detail here whether it is right or wrong. One thing right away. We ourselves are friends of the "original method" and would accept the long waiting time.
But what is the purpose of certain chemical additives? Do they really keep what they promise? Only recently a dealer promised us that we could use fish 3 hours later without any problems. Of course we are skeptical here and have referred to the experiences of other aquarists.
Why do I have to run in an aquarium again?
Again and again one reads that one has to wait up to several weeks before one can finally introduce fish. The reason is that at the beginning of an aquarium there are no bacteria that ensure that toxic waste and pollutants are broken down and converted. These bacteria have to develop first and are not present from the start.
If you want to know more about the nitrogen cycle and the values such as ammonia, ammonium, nitrite and nitrate, you will find detailed information here:
If you read this now, you can basically get the idea that you simply use bacteria accordingly.
The development of the bacteria takes place quite slowly at the beginning. This phase is also called the lag phase. Here they are lagging behind the increase in pollution such as ammonia and ammonium / nitrite. In the log phase then increase exponentially. The critical area is precisely this transition. The bacteria have not yet taken effect and the nitrite increases when the fish are used. That's why you have to wait until there are enough bacteria. At least if you don't want to help here.
JBL Denitrol
Let's first look at the product from JBL. This is also about bringing the bacterial strains into the aquarium quite quickly. Ammonia/ammonia and nitrite should be broken down correspondingly quickly.
JBL Denitrol should contain 8 different strains of bacteria. These ensure that the bacteria can start working after the first dosage.
If you read the description of the product, you should be able to start stocking fish after the first dose. Here, however, there is also talk of a gradual stocking. Gradually you should use fish and even have to.
- Ideal for aquarium water suitable for fish and plants, for freshwater and seawater aquariums, also suitable for turtles and shrimp
- For new setup, water change and bacterial restart after fish diseases, biological nitrite removal, faster pollutant degradation
- Special enzymes and cleansing bacteria for breaking down fish waste and other waste, healthy water for healthy fish
- Application: Distribute evenly in the aquarium, 10 ml/20 l water when setting up a new aquarium and when sick, 10 ml/300 l water when changing part of the water
- Scope of delivery: 1x JBL Denitrol Aquarium Starter, range: 7500 l, content: 250 ml, 2306200
You shouldn't use fish, you have to!
JBL even goes so far as to say that you have to use fish after the first dose, otherwise the bacteria lose their effectiveness. The explanation for this is also plausible.
In order for the bacteria to survive and multiply, they need food. Food comes mainly from the organic waste of the fish. Feces ensure that bacteria have food. Leftover food can also contribute. That's why you can read again and again that you should put food in a new aquarium, even if there are no fish in it, in order to accelerate the development of bacteria such as Nitrobacter.
However, JBL also points out that biologists have found that bacteria only multiply very slowly without stress. So if you put bacterial strains like JBL Denitrol in the water, you have to feed them accordingly. So there should be no chance for the toxic nitrite. As is well known, this is why one always clicks on the “nitrite peak” should wait.
JBL filter start
Another product from JBL is the filter start. Incidentally, this is also available from other manufacturers. It's basically the same thing here. Attempts are made to enrich the filter with the appropriate bacteria right from the start. JBL is talking about 15.000 bacteria here. The whole thing is recommended not only for a new assignment, but also after a case of illness. The whole thing is enriched with live bacteria.
Again and again one reads that one should help with the new setup by taking bacteria from another aquarium. On the one hand, this can be inoculation with sludge, or you can use a filter that has already been in operation. Ultimately, this method also aims at accelerating the accumulation of bacteria.
But you should also note the dangers here, because unwanted bacteria such as e.g algae spores nest in the aquarium. This should be noted. Therefore, we would not recommend this method.
- For fish and plant-friendly aquarium water: When setting up a new aquarium, changing the water and restarting bacteria after fish diseases for fresh / seawater aquariums, turtles and shrimps
- When using new filters, after filter cleaning and use of medication
- Removal of toxins from tap water: breakdown of ammonia and nitrite by highly active living bacteria
- Sufficient for 3 L filter material
- Scope of delivery: 1 x pack of JBL bacteria starter 25182 for aquariums 10 ml. Application: 10 ml / 3 L filter material
The aim is always to insert the fish quickly
It doesn't matter which chemical or natural additive you use, in the end it's all about being able to use fish quickly. Of course, many, especially beginners, are quite impatient and want to start stocking immediately. However, there is really no reason to speed this up. Having patience is not a mistake. There is also a lot to do during the break-in phase. On the one hand you can deal with all the technology and also with a Water change for fertilization of the plants and also with everyone amount of literature announce.
Use fish immediately, what should be considered
If you want to use the methods mentioned above, there are a few things to consider. On the one hand, only very few fish should be introduced and only added after 14 days. You should also check your water daily so that you can change the water quickly if necessary. It also includes careful observation. Beginners have a hard time here because they only recognize possible problems too late. Professionals, however, can usually recognize certain symptoms of the fish quite quickly.
Our Conclusion
The opinions on the subject of immediate use of the fish and treatment with bacteria are certainly far apart. We ourselves prefer the original method and allow ourselves enough time here. Nevertheless, there are also many opinions and tests where an immediate stocking worked well.
Unfortunately, you also need some experience, which is usually not available to beginners.
Still not sure what to do? Then we have here more information for you.
Of course, we would also be interested in your opinion and experience. Visit our Facebook group and Facebook page and join the discussion. Of course you can also reach us by email.
Below is a video that shares a similar opinion as we do.