- Sku: FNB125
- Vendor: Brightwell Aquatics
Brightwell FlorinBacter
Brightwell FlorinBacter is a live nitrifying and heterotrophic bacterial blend that builds and maintains the biological filter in planted freshwater aquariums. Use it to cycle a new tank in days instead of weeks, to rescue a tank after a deep filter clean or major water change, or as a routine boost to keep ammonia and nitrite at zero. Browse all aquarium additives or pair it with live aquarium plants for the best results.
What It Does
- Cycles a new tank fast. Live bacteria seed the filter media so your first fish can go in safely in days, not weeks.
- Restores filtration after a clean. If you swapped media, scrubbed canister filters, or did a heavy water change, dose to keep ammonia and nitrite under control.
- Prevents new-tank syndrome. Drastically reduces fish loss from cycling spikes.
- Plant- and shrimp-safe. No copper or harsh chemicals. Safe for Caridina and Neocaridina.
- Stacks with FlorinBacter Clean. FlorinBacter handles the ammonia → nitrite → nitrate pathway; FlorinBacter Clean targets the organic detritus that builds up between water changes.
How to Dose
- Shake well before each use, the bacteria settle out of suspension.
- New tank cycling: 5 mL per 10 gallons daily for the first week, then weekly thereafter.
- Existing tank maintenance: 5 mL per 25 gallons weekly, ideally after water changes.
- After a filter cleaning or major change: 5 mL per 10 gallons for 3 days to re-seat the biofilter.
- Turn off UV sterilizers and pause chemical filtration for the first 24 hours after dosing so the bacteria can attach to media.
Choose Your Size
| Size | Cycles | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 125 mL | Cycles one ~20 gal tank, or 6 months of routine dosing on a 25 gal | Nano and mid-size planted tanks |
| 250 mL | Cycles one ~50 gal tank, or a year of routine dosing on a 25 gal | Larger displays and multi-tank setups |
Specifications
| Brand | Brightwell Aquatics |
| Product line | Florin (freshwater) bacterial culture |
| What it does | Cycles tanks and maintains biological filtration |
| Tank type | Freshwater (planted and community) |
| Shrimp safe | Yes, including Caridina and Neocaridina |
| Frequency | Daily during cycling, weekly for maintenance |
| Pickup | In-store pickup only |
Recommended Pairings
- Brightwell FlorinBacter Clean — pair to clear sludge and organic waste
- Aquaforest Water Conditioner — detoxify tap water before each water change
- Live aquarium plants — nature's nutrient export, works with the bacteria
- All freshwater additives
FAQ
What is the difference between FlorinBacter and FlorinBacter Clean?
FlorinBacter is the bacterial culture that cycles your tank and maintains the ammonia-and-nitrite biofilter. FlorinBacter Clean is a different blend that breaks down organic detritus, fish waste, and decaying plant matter. They complement each other and many planted-tank keepers run both.
Can I use it during fishless cycling?
Yes, that is exactly when it shines. Dose at the cycling rate while adding a small ammonia source, and the bacteria will colonize your filter media in days.
Is it shrimp safe?
Yes. No copper, no antibiotics, safe for Neocaridina davidi, Caridina cantonensis, and other sensitive freshwater inverts.
Does it expire?
Live bacterial products are time-sensitive. Use within the date on the bottle and store away from heat and direct sun. Refrigeration extends shelf life.
Will it work in saltwater?
No, this is the freshwater (Florin) line. For reef and marine tanks, use Brightwell MicroBacter products instead.
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Brightwell FlorinBacter
