do nitrifying bacteria reproduce in aquariums?

[ml708]

many brands specify a maintenance dosage, however shouldn't the bacteria population reproduce and be self sustaining given the steady stream of ammonia and nitrates in our aquariums?

[diki88]

There are many strains of bacteria which does this job. They will outcompete with one another and some will dieoff. What the bacterial supplement does is to reintroduce these bacterias so that there will be a "complete" bacteria species count in the tank. However, its really a grey area as the bottled supplements doesnt state what and how these bacteria work. Thus, some people say its snake oil whereas some say it works.

[ml708]

Agreed, but how do they keep all the bacteria alive in suspended animation in the bottle?

[solasido]

Interesting question.

In Google apparently there are several ways to preserve bacteria like freezing, freeze drying, etc.

Not sure how these guys did it for aquarium bacteria products.

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[taufiq85]

Its probably sugar water