Jakalope, you may not be familiar with these products, likely because you have not bought into the BS marketing surrounding them, but I think the OP, was referring to these type of products. http://www.petco.com/product/111072/Mic ... erralID=NA These products are a farce. They may promote a healthy bacteria colony, but I have a hard time believing they start it. I am going to buy a bottle of the best bacteria, and test it myself again. I tried it years ago, and saw no difference. Now the products claim it is for real. I think they are counting on newby aquarists, not knowing the difference.