Brightwell Bacteria & Fishless Cycling

Find bacterial cultures and cycling supplies for freshwater, shrimp, pond, and hardwater systems. MicroBacter Start XLF is a freshwater starter culture; MicroBacter QuikCycl supplies nutrients for fishless cycling. QuikCycl is for an empty tank: never add it to a tank containing axolotls, fish, shrimp, or other animals. Follow product-specific directions and verify your cycle with water tests before adding livestock.

Plan your biological filtration

Read our freshwater fishless cycling guide and compare the Fishless Cycling Kit. Match the filter and media to your aquarium and verify performance with water tests.