--- product_id: 186072178 title: "Brightwell Aquatics MicroBacter Start XLM - Concentrated Freshwater Nitrifying Bacteria - Quick Start Fish Tank Starter, Lift Microbe Levels & Water Filtering - Aquarium Water Treatments, 33.8 fl oz" brand: "brightwell aquatics" price: "23544 kr" currency: ISK in_stock: true reviews_count: 9 category: "Brightwell Aquatics" url: https://www.desertcart.is/products/186072178-brightwell-aquatics-microbacter-start-xlm-concentrated-freshwater-nitrifying-bacteria-quick store_origin: IS region: Iceland --- # 15x concentrated power reduces ammonia & nitrite cycles tank in 7 days Brightwell Aquatics MicroBacter Start XLM - Concentrated Freshwater Nitrifying Bacteria - Quick Start Fish Tank Starter, Lift Microbe Levels & Water Filtering - Aquarium Water Treatments, 33.8 fl oz **Brand:** brightwell aquatics **Price:** 23544 kr **Availability:** ✅ In Stock ## Summary > ⚡ Ignite your aquarium’s ecosystem with science-backed speed! ## Quick Answers - **What is this?** Brightwell Aquatics MicroBacter Start XLM - Concentrated Freshwater Nitrifying Bacteria - Quick Start Fish Tank Starter, Lift Microbe Levels & Water Filtering - Aquarium Water Treatments, 33.8 fl oz by brightwell aquatics - **How much does it cost?** 23544 kr with free shipping - **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship - **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.is](https://www.desertcart.is/products/186072178-brightwell-aquatics-microbacter-start-xlm-concentrated-freshwater-nitrifying-bacteria-quick) ## 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 - • **High-Density Tank Savior:** Scientifically crafted to reduce toxic ammonia and nitrite even in crowded, high-population tanks. - • **Proudly American-Made Quality:** Backed by microbiologists and crafted in the USA for unmatched reliability and shelf stability. - • **Fast-Track to a Healthy Aquarium:** Achieve stable nitrogen cycling in just 7 days—because your aquatic life deserves no downtime. - • **Post-Cleaning & Medication Rescue:** Rebuild your tank’s bacterial ecosystem quickly after cleaning or treatments to keep fish thriving. - • **Turbocharge Your Tank's Biofiltration:** 15x concentrated formula accelerates beneficial bacteria growth for rapid water clarity. ## Overview Brightwell Aquatics MicroBacter Start XLM is a 33.8 fl oz, 15x concentrated nitrifying bacteria blend designed to rapidly establish or restore biological filtration in freshwater and saltwater aquariums. It accelerates tank cycling in as little as 7 days, reduces harmful ammonia and nitrite levels, and supports high-density fish populations. Ideal for new setups, post-cleaning recovery, and after medication use, this American-made formula ensures a stable, thriving aquatic environment with long shelf life and proven microbiological efficacy. ## Description Brightwell Aquatics MicroBacter Start XLM Experience a new level of aquarium care with Brightwell Aquatics MicroBacter Start XLM – the ultimate solution for achieving a balanced and thriving aquatic environment. Our concentrated formula is designed to establish a new nitrogen cycle or boost an impaired one, ensuring the rapid establishment of biological filtration and creating a stable habitat for your aquatic companions. It’s particularly useful for new startups, resulting in tank cycling in 7 days in most cases. Also useful in emergencies or after medications to re-establish damaged bacteria beds. This advanced blend works effectively to break down nitrogenous waste, keeping your aquarium water pristine. It is meticulously formulated to enhance water quality and eliminate ammonia and nitrite spikes. Whether you're setting up a new tank or maintaining an established one, MicroBacter Start XLM is your go-to solution. Its versatility extends to marine and brackish aquariums, providing powerful support for a diverse range of aquatic environments. FEATURES AT A GLANCE Super concentrated 15x strength formula Useful for rapidly re-establishing nitrification bacteria in case of an emergency Usually cycles in 7 days Ideal in aquaria with high population densities and when adding new fish Best used post-cleaning of rocks and surfaces or after use of medication Prevents “New Tank Syndrome” Supplied in a proprietary base for maximum longevity Formulated utilizing extensive data compiled by microbiologists AMERICAN-MADE EXCELLENCE Trust in the quality and excellence of Brightwell Aquatics, an industry-leading brand committed to providing innovative and scientifically backed aquatic care products. Made in the USA, we consistently strive to deliver advanced superior quality solutions to elevate the vibrancy and health of your aquarium. Review: works great - I used this to start a new tank a year ago and was pleased with the results. Biofiltration is the most important to reef success. Review: It just works - I used this product to speed up my fish tank cycle. It did a good job and dropped Amonia to zero really quick ## Features - HIGH-POWER TANK WATER STARTER – MicroBacter Start XLM is a powerful 15x concentrated blend designed to kickstart biological filtration in new and existing saltwater aquariums. It enhances water quality, providing a flourishing underwater environment with live, non-pathogenic microbes - RAPID WATER CYCLING – Optimize your aquarium’s health swiftly with this fast-acting supplement. Quickly accelerate the tank's beneficial nitrifying bacteria colonization rates for balance and stability in just 7 days in most cases. It’s the ideal solution when time is crucial - FOR HIGH-DENSITY AQUARIUMS – A scientifically blended formula that assists crowded tanks and effectively reduces ammonia and nitrite levels, all while supporting population density. Supplied in a proprietary base, providing maximum longevity in shipping and in your aquatic ecosystem. Shelf stable for over a year at room temperature - ADVANCED TANK RECOVERY – Perfect for all levels of aquarium enthusiasts and compatible with various sand and rock substrates. Also best used post-cleaning or after use of medications. This solution accelerates the re-establishment rate of fish tank bacteria, after upsets, ensuring your fish thrive - AMERICAN-MADE EXCELLENCE – Brightwell Aquatics is an industry-leading brand committed to providing innovative and scientifically backed aquatic care products. Made in the USA, we consistently deliver advanced superior quality solutions to elevate the vibrancy and health of your aquarium ## Technical Specifications | Specification | Value | |---------------|-------| | ASIN | B082BWZKSM | | ASIN | B082BWZKSM | | Age Range Description | All Life Stages | | Best Sellers Rank | #18,151 in Pet Supplies ( See Top 100 in Pet Supplies ) #162 in Aquarium Water Treatments | | Brand Name | Brightwell Aquatics | | Customer Reviews | 4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars (836) | | Date First Available | December 4, 2019 | | Date First Available | December 4, 2019 | | Directions | Important: First, use Brightwell Erase-Cl to completely remove chloramines and chlorine from tap water. Chloramine and chlorine are lethal to the bacteria in this product and if not removed, will cause it to fail! Shake product vigorously immediately before using. Add the appropriate volume of MicroBacter-StartXLM (see below) to the aquarium in an area of high flow to promote dispersion. Do not us… | | Included Components | MicroBacter-StartXLM | | Item Package Dimensions L x W x H | 9.65 x 3.11 x 3.11 inches | | Item Weight | 1 Kilograms | | Item model number | BACSTARTXLM1L | | Item model number | BACSTARTXLM1L | | Manufacturer | Brightwell Aquatics | | Manufacturer | Brightwell Aquatics | | Model Name | Micro Bacter Start XLM | | Number of Items | 1 | | Package Dimensions | 9.65 x 3.11 x 3.11 inches; 2.2 Pounds | | Size | 1-L | | Specific Uses for Product | fish | | Target Audience Keyword | fish | ## Product Details - **Brand:** Brightwell Aquatics - **Item Form:** Liquid - **Item Weight:** 1 Kilograms - **Liquid Volume:** 1 Liters - **Manufacturer:** Brightwell Aquatics ## Images ![Brightwell Aquatics MicroBacter Start XLM - Concentrated Freshwater Nitrifying Bacteria - Quick Start Fish Tank Starter, Lift Microbe Levels & Water Filtering - Aquarium Water Treatments, 33.8 fl oz - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61jCwbfjDmL.jpg) ![Brightwell Aquatics MicroBacter Start XLM - Concentrated Freshwater Nitrifying Bacteria - Quick Start Fish Tank Starter, Lift Microbe Levels & Water Filtering - Aquarium Water Treatments, 33.8 fl oz - Image 2](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71PnLTuk8gL.jpg) ![Brightwell Aquatics MicroBacter Start XLM - Concentrated Freshwater Nitrifying Bacteria - Quick Start Fish Tank Starter, Lift Microbe Levels & Water Filtering - Aquarium Water Treatments, 33.8 fl oz - Image 3](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71w+B2MKTGL.jpg) ![Brightwell Aquatics MicroBacter Start XLM - Concentrated Freshwater Nitrifying Bacteria - Quick Start Fish Tank Starter, Lift Microbe Levels & Water Filtering - Aquarium Water Treatments, 33.8 fl oz - Image 4](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/810F0JnTmVL.jpg) ![Brightwell Aquatics MicroBacter Start XLM - Concentrated Freshwater Nitrifying Bacteria - Quick Start Fish Tank Starter, Lift Microbe Levels & Water Filtering - Aquarium Water Treatments, 33.8 fl oz - Image 5](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81lz8TN9ymL.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 ## Customer Reviews ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ works great *by K***S on November 9, 2025* I used this to start a new tank a year ago and was pleased with the results. Biofiltration is the most important to reef success. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ It just works *by M***. on December 29, 2025* I used this product to speed up my fish tank cycle. It did a good job and dropped Amonia to zero really quick ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Help the tank cycle fast *by T***. on February 1, 2026* This is a great product I used to start my nano reef aquarium my tank cycle in 10 days with living sand and a couple pieces of live rock. I highly recommend this for anyone starting a new tank --- ## Why Shop on Desertcart? - 🛒 **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** — Serving international shoppers since 2016 - 🌍 **Shop Globally** — Access 737+ million products across 21 categories - 💰 **No Hidden Fees** — All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price - 🔄 **15-Day Free Returns** — Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members) - 🔒 **Secure Payments** — Trusted payment options with buyer protection - ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** — Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews **Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.is/products/186072178-brightwell-aquatics-microbacter-start-xlm-concentrated-freshwater-nitrifying-bacteria-quick](https://www.desertcart.is/products/186072178-brightwell-aquatics-microbacter-start-xlm-concentrated-freshwater-nitrifying-bacteria-quick) --- *Product available on Desertcart Iceland* *Store origin: IS* *Last updated: 2026-04-26*