Brightwell Aquatics MicroBacter Purple M 500 mL – Marine PNSB Bacteria Supplement
Brightwell Aquatics MicroBacter Purple M 500 mL is a live microbial supplement formulated for marine and reef aquariums. It contains a complex blend of non-pathogenic aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms, including Rhodopseudomonas palustris, a purple non-sulfur bacterium commonly abbreviated as PNSB.
MicroBacter Purple M supports biological nutrient processing by encouraging microorganisms involved in nitrification, denitrification, organic-waste degradation, and nutrient remineralization. These microbes help process uneaten food, fish waste, detritus, organic carbon, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and phosphate as part of the aquarium’s biological ecosystem.
The product can be used in reef aquariums, marine fish systems, refugiums, live-rock displays, biological filters, and aquariums with porous bacterial media. Suitable surface area and consistent aquarium conditions help the microorganisms establish and remain active.
Key Features
- Contains Purple Non-Sulfur Bacteria: Includes live Rhodopseudomonas palustris microorganisms
- Broad Microbial Blend: Contains non-pathogenic aerobic and anaerobic microbes
- Supports Nutrient Processing: Helps process organic carbon, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and phosphate
- Supports Organic-Waste Breakdown: Assists with the digestion of uneaten food, waste, detritus, and other organic material
- Helps Reduce Hydrogen Sulfide Production: Supports microbial conditions that may limit its formation
- Supports Biological Diversity: Adds specialized microorganisms to marine aquarium microbial communities
- May Improve Water Clarity: Supports the biological processing of dissolved and particulate organic waste
- Marine & Reef Formula: Intended for saltwater fish and reef aquariums
Product Information
- Brand: Brightwell Aquatics
- Product: MicroBacter Purple M
- Size: 500 mL
- Equivalent Size: Approximately 16.9 fl oz
- Product Type: Live marine microbial supplement
- Water Type: Marine and reef aquariums
- Notable Organism: Rhodopseudomonas palustris
- High-Nutrient Dose: 1.25 mL per gallon weekly for the first two weeks
- Low-Nutrient Maintenance Dose: 5 mL per 50 gallons weekly
- Daily Maintenance Option: 1 mL per 50 gallons daily
Best Used For
- Marine fish-only aquariums
- SPS, LPS, soft-coral, and mixed reef aquariums
- Systems with elevated dissolved or particulate organic waste
- Aquariums with measurable nitrate and phosphate
- Refugiums and sump-based filtration systems
- Live-rock and deep-substrate systems
- Porous biological filtration media
- Supporting microbial diversity
- Established aquariums undergoing changes in bioload
Normal Product Appearance
MicroBacter Purple M may appear cream, tan, or light brown in the bottle rather than purple. This is normal and does not indicate that the product is inactive.
Brightwell maintains the Rhodopseudomonas palustris culture in an oxygen-adapted growth form. Under these conditions, the microorganisms do not develop the strong purple pigmentation commonly associated with PNSB.
After entering suitable low-oxygen and illuminated areas of the aquarium, the bacteria may naturally transition toward a more visibly pigmented form if environmental conditions support it.
How MicroBacter Purple M Works
The microorganisms in MicroBacter Purple M use multiple biological pathways to process nutrients and organic waste. Depending on oxygen, light, available carbon, and other environmental conditions, these microbes may participate in:
- Nitrification
- Denitrification
- Organic-waste degradation
- Nutrient remineralization
- Assimilation of nitrogen and phosphorus
- Consumption of available organic carbon
The product complements an established biological filter but does not replace suitable filter media, water movement, oxygenation, protein skimming, mechanical filtration, or routine maintenance.
Medium- to High-Nutrient Systems
For aquariums with elevated nutrients, accumulated organic waste, or poor maintenance history, add:
1.25 mL per US gallon weekly, or more often if desired, for the first two weeks.
Turn off protein skimming and UV sterilization for 24 hours after each dose.
After the first two weeks, switch to the low-nutrient maintenance dosage if water quality has noticeably improved. If improvement remains limited, Brightwell states that the initial dosage may be continued until conditions improve.
High-Nutrient Dosage Guide
- 10 Gallons: 12.5 mL
- 20 Gallons: 25 mL
- 25 Gallons: 31.25 mL
- 40 Gallons: 50 mL
- 50 Gallons: 62.5 mL
- 55 Gallons: Approximately 68.75 mL
- 75 Gallons: Approximately 93.75 mL
- 100 Gallons: 125 mL
- 125 Gallons: Approximately 156.25 mL
- 150 Gallons: 187.5 mL
- 200 Gallons: 250 mL
This is a relatively large initial dosage. Calculate from actual aquarium water volume after accounting for displacement from rock, sand, and equipment.
Stable Low-Nutrient Systems
For mature, stable, and well-maintained marine aquariums, add:
5 mL per 50 US gallons once each week.
Alternative maintenance schedules include:
- 1 mL per 50 gallons daily
- 1 mL per 25 gallons every other day
Turn off protein skimming and UV sterilization for 24 hours after dosing.
After observing the aquarium’s response, the dosage or dosing frequency may be reduced by up to approximately 50% when a smaller amount is sufficient to maintain the desired conditions.
Weekly Maintenance Dosage Guide
- 10 Gallons: Approximately 1 mL weekly
- 20 Gallons: Approximately 2 mL weekly
- 25 Gallons: Approximately 2.5 mL weekly
- 40 Gallons: Approximately 4 mL weekly
- 50 Gallons: 5 mL weekly
- 55 Gallons: Approximately 5.5 mL weekly
- 75 Gallons: Approximately 7.5 mL weekly
- 100 Gallons: 10 mL weekly
- 125 Gallons: Approximately 12.5 mL weekly
- 150 Gallons: 15 mL weekly
- 200 Gallons: 20 mL weekly
After Increasing Bioload or Changing Filtration
When livestock is added or the biological filtration system is changed, dose:
1 mL per 50 gallons daily for one week.
After one week, resume the normal low-nutrient maintenance schedule.
Directions for Use
- Shake the bottle thoroughly before dosing.
- Calculate dosage using the aquarium’s estimated actual water volume.
- Add the measured amount to an area of good circulation or to an external biological filtration chamber.
- Do not pour the product directly into a pump intake.
- Turn off protein skimming and UV sterilization for 24 hours.
- Maintain normal circulation and oxygenation.
- Restart all filtration equipment after the 24-hour period.
- Test nitrate, phosphate, ammonia, and nitrite as appropriate.
Protein Skimmer and UV Instructions
Turn off the protein skimmer and UV sterilizer for 24 hours after each dose. This gives the microorganisms time to disperse, attach to surfaces, and begin establishing before being removed or damaged by filtration equipment.
Keep circulation pumps and normal water movement operating during this period. Maintain adequate aeration, especially in heavily stocked systems.
Use a timer or reminder to ensure the skimmer and UV sterilizer are restarted.
Suitable Biological Surface Area
MicroBacter Purple M requires suitable surface area for microbial colonization. Porous rock, substrate, and biological filter media provide areas where the bacteria can establish.
Brightwell recommends porous media such as:
- Brightwell Xport media
- MicroBacter Lattice
- Porous live rock
- Biological filter chambers
- Refugium media
- Suitable aquarium substrate
Mechanical filtration should be maintained so that porous media does not become clogged with detritus.
Use with Reef BioFuel or Katalyst
Brightwell states that Reef BioFuel or Katalyst may be used to provide an organic carbon source during periods of rapid microbial growth.
Use caution when combining bacteria and carbon supplements. Excess carbon may cause rapid bacterial reproduction, cloudy water, heavy biofilm growth, or reduced dissolved oxygen.
Begin conservatively, maintain strong aeration, and monitor nitrate and phosphate closely.
Can It Be Used with Other MicroBacter Products?
MicroBacter Purple M may be compatible with other Brightwell biological products, but multiple bacterial products should not be added automatically or at full dosage without a clear purpose.
Different formulas are intended for different aquarium stages and microbial goals. Introducing several concentrated bacterial cultures at once may make the aquarium’s response more difficult to predict.
Use one primary bacterial program at a time unless Brightwell’s current directions specifically recommend combining the products.
Does It Remove Nitrate and Phosphate?
MicroBacter Purple M supports microorganisms that consume or assimilate nitrate and phosphate during growth and nutrient remineralization.
It does not chemically bind nitrate or phosphate in the way that an adsorption media or liquid phosphate precipitant does. Results depend on:
- Available bacterial surface area
- Available organic carbon
- Oxygen conditions
- Water temperature
- Protein skimming and nutrient export
- Feeding and livestock load
- Initial nutrient concentration
- Overall aquarium maturity
Test regularly and avoid assuming that one dose will immediately correct elevated nutrients.
Does It Remove Ammonia and Nitrite?
Brightwell states that the microbial blend supports processes involving ammonia and nitrite. However, MicroBacter Purple M should not be treated as an emergency ammonia detoxifier or an instant aquarium-cycling product.
In an ammonia or nitrite emergency:
- Test accurately
- Increase aeration
- Reduce feeding
- Perform an appropriate water change
- Use a properly labeled conditioner when needed
- Identify the cause of biological-filter failure
Hydrogen Sulfide Information
Brightwell states that MicroBacter Purple M may greatly reduce hydrogen sulfide production by supporting microbial processes that limit the conditions under which it develops.
It should not be marketed as an emergency hydrogen sulfide neutralizer. Disturbing an old anaerobic substrate bed can suddenly release trapped gases and organic waste.
If hydrogen sulfide is suspected:
- Do not aggressively stir the entire substrate
- Increase aeration immediately
- Use fresh activated carbon
- Perform controlled water changes
- Inspect livestock for respiratory stress
- Correct accumulated detritus and poor circulation gradually
Can It Improve Water Clarity?
By supporting microbial processing of dissolved and particulate organic material, MicroBacter Purple M may help improve water clarity over time.
It is not an instant flocculating clarifier. Water clarity also depends on mechanical filtration, protein skimming, feeding, detritus removal, source-water quality, and algae control.
Can It Cause Cloudy Water?
Heavy bacterial activity may temporarily create hazy or cloudy water, particularly when the product is combined with an organic carbon source.
If cloudiness becomes severe:
- Stop dosing temporarily
- Increase aeration and surface movement
- Restart the protein skimmer
- Install clean mechanical filtration
- Monitor fish for rapid breathing
- Resume at a reduced dose only after conditions stabilize
Storage Instructions
Refrigeration is not required.
Brightwell recommends storing MicroBacter Purple M at room temperature with exposure to light to help prolong activity and maximize shelf life. Avoid excessive heat and freezing.
For best results, use the product within one year of purchase.
Keep the bottle tightly closed and prevent aquarium water from entering the container.
Avoid Contaminating the Bottle
When using a pipette or dosing tube below the aquarium waterline, rinse it thoroughly with purified water before placing it back into the bottle.
Introducing aquarium water into the bottle can contaminate the live culture and reduce product stability.
How Much Does the 500 mL Bottle Treat?
At the high-nutrient dosage of 1.25 mL per gallon:
The 500 mL bottle treats approximately 400 cumulative gallons per application.
At the low-nutrient maintenance dosage of 5 mL per 50 gallons:
The 500 mL bottle treats approximately 5,000 cumulative gallons.
Actual product life depends on aquarium size, nutrient condition, dosing frequency, and whether the high-dose introduction or low-dose maintenance schedule is used.
Important Aquarium Care Note
MicroBacter Purple M is a biological supplement and should not replace routine aquarium maintenance.
Continue:
- Appropriate feeding
- Protein-skimmer maintenance
- Mechanical-filter cleaning
- Detritus removal
- Regular water changes
- Nitrate and phosphate testing
- Maintaining adequate circulation and oxygenation
Avoid aggressively reducing nitrate and phosphate to zero. Corals and other photosynthetic organisms require measurable nitrogen and phosphorus.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is MicroBacter Purple M?
It is a live marine microbial supplement containing aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms, including Rhodopseudomonas palustris purple non-sulfur bacteria.
Why is the liquid not purple?
The culture is maintained in an oxygen-adapted form that appears cream, tan, or light brown. This is normal.
Does it work only in low-oxygen areas?
No. The formula contains aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms and can function across different aquarium environments.
What does it help process?
Brightwell states that it supports the processing of organic carbon, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, phosphate, food waste, excreta, and detritus.
What is the high-nutrient dose?
Use 1.25 mL per gallon weekly for the first two weeks.
What is the maintenance dose?
Use 5 mL per 50 gallons weekly, 1 mL per 50 gallons daily, or 1 mL per 25 gallons every other day.
Should the protein skimmer be turned off?
Yes. Brightwell recommends turning off protein skimming for 24 hours after dosing.
Should UV sterilization be turned off?
Yes. Turn off UV sterilization for 24 hours after dosing.
Should circulation pumps be turned off?
No. Maintain normal circulation and oxygenation.
Can it be used with Reef BioFuel?
Yes, but combining bacteria with organic carbon can accelerate microbial growth. Begin conservatively and maintain strong aeration.
Does it remove hydrogen sulfide?
Brightwell states that it may reduce hydrogen sulfide production. It should not be treated as an emergency neutralizer for accumulated hydrogen sulfide.
Can it reduce nitrate and phosphate?
It supports biological uptake and processing of these nutrients. Results depend on aquarium conditions and nutrient export.
Can it instantly cycle an aquarium?
No. It supports biological activity but should not be marketed as an instant-cycle guarantee.
Can it cause cloudy water?
Heavy microbial growth may temporarily cloud the aquarium, especially when combined with organic carbon dosing.
Does it require refrigeration?
No. Brightwell recommends room-temperature storage and states that light exposure can help prolong activity.
How quickly should it be used?
For best results, use it within one year of purchase.
Is it reef safe?
It is formulated for marine and reef aquariums and may be used with fish, corals, and invertebrates when dosed correctly.
Can it be used in freshwater aquariums?
No. MicroBacter Purple M is formulated specifically for marine and reef systems.
Available at Tropical Treasures Wyo
Brightwell Aquatics MicroBacter Purple M 500 mL provides a live blend of specialized marine microorganisms, including purple non-sulfur bacteria, to support nutrient processing, organic-waste degradation, and microbial diversity.
Visit Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming, to shop Brightwell Aquatics MicroBacter Purple M, Reef BioFuel, biological filter media, marine test kits, protein-skimmer supplies, and reef aquarium products.
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