Korallen-Zucht ZEOstart 3 Bacterial Nutrient

Korallen-Zucht ZEOstart 3 is a highly concentrated liquid bacterial nutrient for marine and reef aquariums. It supplies an easily available carbon source that supports the reproduction of beneficial bacteria and biological nutrient processing.

Together with ZEOvit zeolite media and ZEObak bacterial cultures, ZEOstart 3 forms the foundation of the ZEOvit method. ZEObak introduces selected bacteria, ZEOstart 3 feeds the bacterial community, and ZEOvit provides the appropriate filtration environment.

As bacteria multiply, nutrients are incorporated into bacterial biomass. An efficient protein skimmer removes this biomass and the captured compounds from the aquarium. Some bacterial material may also provide food for corals and other filter-feeding organisms.

Biological nutrient management

ZEOstart 3 supports biological nitrate and phosphate reduction. It does not bind nutrients chemically but stimulates the aquarium’s bacterial processes.

Controlled nutrient concentrations can support natural coral coloration, healthy tissue, and consistent skeletal growth. Nutrients must not be reduced too rapidly, especially in established aquariums whose corals have adapted to higher nitrate and phosphate levels.

Daily dosing

Dose ZEOstart 3 every day into an area with strong water movement or into the sump. Dividing the daily quantity into two or more smaller doses provides a steadier carbon supply.

The product is suitable for manual dosing and a precise dosing pump. Because daily quantities are very small, the dosing pump must be capable of delivering low volumes accurately.

ZEOstart 3 is highly concentrated. Never exceed the recommended dosage.

Protein-skimmer performance

Increased bacterial activity can make more organic waste available to the protein skimmer. Skimmate production may increase and become darker after dosing.

A correctly sized and efficiently operating protein skimmer is an essential part of the method. Monitor the collection cup after beginning dosing and following any dosage adjustment.

Oxygen consumption

Rapid bacterial growth consumes oxygen. Excessive dosing may cause bacterial bloom, cloudy water, and reduced oxygen concentration.

Potential signs of overdosing include:

• Sudden cloudy water
• Accelerated fish breathing
• Fish remaining close to the surface
• Retracted corals
• Excessive skimming
• Slimy bacterial films
• Rapid nitrate or phosphate reduction

Stop dosing and increase aeration if any of these signs appear.

Key features

• Highly concentrated liquid carbon source
• Designed for marine and reef aquariums
• Core component of the ZEOvit method
• Feeds beneficial aquarium bacteria
• Promotes bacterial reproduction
• Supports biological nitrate management
• Supports biological phosphate management
• Supports nitrite processing
• Helps manage organic waste
• Supports low-nutrient reef conditions
• May enhance natural SPS coral coloration
• Supports coral growth and tissue condition
• May improve soft coral polyp extension
• Improves protein-skimmer performance
• Designed for use with ZEOvit and ZEObak
• Suitable for SPS, LPS, soft coral, and mixed reefs
• Designed for daily dosing
• Suitable for manual dosing
• Suitable for precise dosing pumps

Dosage

Maximum daily dosage:

2 ml per 1,000 litres of actual aquarium-system water volume per day.

Approximate maximum quantities:

• 100 litres: 0.2 ml daily
• 200 litres: 0.4 ml daily
• 250 litres: 0.5 ml daily
• 400 litres: 0.8 ml daily
• 500 litres: 1 ml daily
• 750 litres: 1.5 ml daily
• 1,000 litres: 2 ml daily

Base the dose on the actual net system volume. A mature low-nutrient aquarium may require less than the maximum quantity.

Instructions

1. Calculate the actual system water volume.
2. Measure nitrate and phosphate before dosing.
3. Begin with a conservative daily amount.
4. Add the product to an area with strong circulation.
5. Do not dose directly onto corals.
6. Divide the daily quantity into two smaller doses when possible.
7. Use a precise syringe or dosing pump.
8. Monitor nitrate and phosphate regularly.
9. Observe water clarity, fish breathing, and coral extension.
10. Keep the protein skimmer operating continuously.
11. Clean the skimmer cup and foam riser regularly.
12. Never exceed 2 ml per 1,000 litres daily.
13. Do not combine with other carbon sources without calculating the total dose.
14. Reduce dosing if nutrients decline too rapidly.
15. Stop dosing if the water becomes cloudy or livestock reacts negatively.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry, and dark location. Close the bottle securely after every use and prevent aquarium water or contamination from entering it.