Aquaforest Probiotic Method

The Aquaforest Probiotic Method is a comprehensive approach to maintaining a healthy and vibrant reef aquarium by leveraging the power of probiotic bacteria. This method not only improves water quality but also supports coral health, coloration, and growth. Here's how you can use the Aquaforest range of products to build and maintain a thriving marine environment.

Probiotic Method Tips For Success

• Always maintain stable alkalinity levels of 7.0 - 8.0 dKH.
• The rapid drop in nitrate and phosphate levels will cause stress among your corals.
• Test nutrient levels often, multiple times per week to ensure stability.
• Do not maintain undetectable levels of nitrate and phosphate rather maintain them at low levels that are detectable using your test kits.
• If corals appear to be starving or lacking nutrients, increase feeding.
• A strong protein skimmer set to "DRY" skim is recommended for maximum nutrient export. Clean skimmer often.
• Ensure an appropriate amount of internal water flow is provided at all times with the use of powerheads or wavemakers.
• Dose all recommended supplements precisely.
• If nitrates and phosphate levels are elevated, reduce those levels using GFO and/or frequent water changes before implementing the Probiotic Method.
• Ensure the aquarium contains porous rock and ceramic biological filter media to provide a habitat for beneficial nitrifying bacteria. 

While the ULNS approach is primarily focused on SPS dominant aquariums, it can also be applied to mixed reef aquariums or any saltwater tank where nutrients need to be reduced. The dosages and results will simply be different based on those target parameters.

Recommended Nutrient Levels

Aquarium Setup: Easy Steps with Aquaforest Probiotic Products

Here’s a simplified version of how to implement the Aquaforest Probiotic Method:

1. Start with Probiotic Salt: Use Hybrid Pro Salt to introduce probiotic bacteria into your aquarium.
2. Boost Bacterial Growth: Add Pro Bio S, -NP Pro, and NitraPhos Minus to nourish and promote beneficial bacterial populations.
3. Filter Effectively: Use a mix of Zeo Mix, Phosphate Minus, and Carbon filtration media to remove unwanted nutrients and bacteria from the water.
4. Feed Your Corals: Supplement with AF Amino Mix, AF Energy, AF Build, and AF Vitality to enhance coral health, growth, and coloration.

With the Aquaforest Probiotic Method, maintaining low nutrient levels and boosting coral health becomes an achievable goal for every reef keeper. From the initial introduction of bacteria with Hybrid Pro Salt to feeding corals with high-quality supplements, Aquaforest provides everything needed to create a thriving, vibrant reef system.

1. Introduce Probiotics: The Foundation of Your Aquarium

The Aquaforest Probiotic Method begins with introducing beneficial bacteria into your aquarium. These probiotics help maintain the balance of microorganisms, limiting the growth of harmful bacteria, while lowering nitrate and phosphate levels—two substances that can negatively affect water quality if not controlled.

• Hybrid Pro Salt : Enriched with probiotic bacteria, vitamins, and amino acids, Hybrid Pro Salt is the first step in creating a healthy marine environment. It helps maintain low nitrate and phosphate levels while nourishing the beneficial bacteria in your tank

Why Probiotics Matter

Corals have complex microbiomes, and just like humans, they rely on good bacteria to stay healthy. Probiotic bacteria actively consume nitrates and phosphates, which otherwise could promote the growth of harmful microorganisms. By using Aquaforest’s probiotic products, you ensure that these essential elements are regulated.

2. Boost Bacterial Growth for Optimal Filtration

After introducing the probiotics, you’ll want to promote their rapid growth to keep nitrate and phosphate levels under control. Aquaforest offers several products that serve as carbon sources and nourishment for these bacteria:

• Pro Bio S: Contains probiotic bacteria that aid in reducing nutrient levels.
• NP Pro & NitraPhos Minus:  These carbon-based supplements feed the bacteria, helping them grow faster and consume more nitrates and phosphates from your water.

As these beneficial bacteria thrive, they either become part of the food chain for corals or are expelled from the aquarium via filtration.

Filtration Support

Using Zeo Mix, Phosphate Minus, and Carbon in your filtration system ensures that any excess bacteria, along with nitrates and phosphates they consume, are effectively removed from the water. For best results, pair these with a high-efficiency skimmer to further eliminate unwanted nutrients.

• Aquaforest Carbon: High-quality activated carbon that removes impurities, discoloration, and turbidity, improving water clarity. It’s steam-activated, so it won’t introduce phosphates and is ideal for mixed-reef and SPS-heavy tanks. Use it in fluidized filters or filter bags, replacing every 4 weeks.
• Aquaforest Phosphate Minus: This media reduces phosphate and silicate levels, preventing algae and cyanobacteria growth. It’s suitable for both new and mature tanks, helping stabilize water chemistry. Use it in media reactors or filter socks and replace every 4 weeks.
• Aquaforest Zeo Mix: A blend of zeolites that absorbs ammonia and prevents nitrate buildup. It also removes phenols and heavy metals, perfect for heavily stocked or ultra-low nutrient systems. Ideal for advanced reef aquarists, it works in both media reactors and filter bags.

3. Feeding Corals for Enhanced Growth and Vivid Colors

Corals, while deriving nutrients from light and their surroundings, also need supplementary food to thrive. Without proper nourishment, they cannot reach their full potential in color and growth.

The Aquaforest ABEV system, a combination of essential supplements, ensures that corals receive the nutrients they need for healthy growth:

• AF Amino Mix:  Provides essential amino acids to improve coral coloration and support their overall health.
• AF Energy: Enhances polyp extension, allowing corals to feed more effectively.
• AF Build: Promotes coral skeleton growth, giving your corals the structure and strength they need.
• AF Vitality: Provides organic nutrients that boost energy levels and enhance coloration.

4. How It Works: Nutrient Removal and Coral Nourishment

The key benefit of the Aquaforest Probiotic Method is the way it integrates bacterial growth with the overall health of your aquarium. The probiotic bacteria not only consume excess nutrients (nitrate and phosphate) but also become part of the food chain, providing nourishment for your corals.

Bacteria and Coral Symbiosis

As the bacteria process nitrates and phosphates, they transition into bacterioplankton, which corals naturally consume, adding a continuous source of food to your tank.