FritzZyme TurboStart 700 Freshwater 1 oz – Live Nitrifying Bacteria
FritzZyme TurboStart 700 Freshwater 1 oz is a highly concentrated live nitrifying-bacteria supplement formulated to rapidly establish and reinforce biological filtration in freshwater aquariums.
TurboStart 700 provides freshwater-specific nitrifying bacteria that support the conversion of toxic ammonia into nitrite and nitrite into less-toxic nitrate. This biological process is essential when cycling a new aquarium and maintaining stable water quality in established systems.
The 1 oz bottle treats up to approximately 50 gallons at the standard dosage. It is ideal for new freshwater aquariums, planted tanks, community aquariums, shrimp tanks, quarantine systems, and established aquariums experiencing increased biological demand.
Key Features
- Concentrated Live Bacteria: Contains freshwater-specific nitrifying bacteria
- Supports Faster Cycling: Helps establish the biological filtration needed to process ammonia and nitrite
- 15× Concentrated Formula: Contains approximately 15 times the bacterial concentration of standard FritzZyme 7
- For New & Established Aquariums: Useful during cycling and whenever biological filtration needs reinforcement
- Supports Fish-In or Fishless Cycling: May be used with livestock or with a controlled ammonia source
- Freshwater Formula: Intended for freshwater and low-salinity brackish aquariums
- Plant & Invertebrate Compatible: Suitable for planted, shrimp, and snail aquariums when used as directed
- 1 oz Bottle: Treats up to approximately 50 gallons at the standard dose
Product Information
- Brand: Fritz Aquatics
- Product: FritzZyme TurboStart 700 Freshwater
- Size: 1 oz
- Metric Volume: Approximately 29 mL
- Product Type: Concentrated live nitrifying bacteria
- Water Type: Freshwater and low-salinity brackish aquariums
- Standard Dose: 1 oz per 50 US gallons
- Treatment Capacity: Up to approximately 50 gallons
- Storage: Refrigeration required
Best Used For
- Cycling new freshwater aquariums
- Fish-in aquarium cycling
- Fishless cycling with an appropriate ammonia source
- Adding new fish or increasing livestock load
- Replacing biological filter media
- After aggressive filter cleaning
- After medications that may affect the biofilter
- After prolonged power interruptions
- Aquariums showing measurable ammonia or nitrite
- Freshwater community, planted, shrimp, and quarantine aquariums
Directions for Use
Shake the bottle well before use.
For new freshwater systems, add:
1 oz per 50 US gallons of aquarium water.
TurboStart 700 may be used at up to five times the standard dosage when additional bacterial support is desired. Continue testing ammonia and nitrite because aquarium cycling time and biological demand vary.
Standard Dosage Guide
- 5 Gallons: Approximately 3 mL
- 10 Gallons: Approximately 6 mL
- 15 Gallons: Approximately 9 mL
- 20 Gallons: Approximately 12 mL
- 29 Gallons: Approximately 17 mL
- 40 Gallons: Approximately 23 mL
- 50 Gallons: 1 oz or approximately 29 mL
Before Dosing
Completely neutralize chlorine and chloramine before adding TurboStart 700. Untreated chlorine and chloramine can damage or kill the live bacteria.
Keep normal filtration, circulation, air pumps, and surface agitation operating. Nitrifying bacteria require oxygen, water movement, and suitable biological-filter surfaces to establish.
Adding Fish After Dosing
Fritz allows livestock to be introduced after TurboStart 700 is added and the fish are properly acclimated. For best results, livestock or another ammonia source should be introduced within approximately 24 hours so the bacteria have a continuing food source.
Do not overcrowd or heavily feed a new aquarium. Test ammonia and nitrite regularly and respond with water changes or an appropriately labeled detoxifying conditioner if either parameter becomes unsafe.
TurboStart can greatly reduce cycling time, but it does not guarantee that every aquarium will be completely cycled or automatically safe within a specific number of days.
Fish-In Cycling
- Condition all tap water to remove chlorine and chloramine.
- Add the appropriate dose of TurboStart 700.
- Add properly acclimated livestock within approximately 24 hours.
- Stock conservatively and feed lightly.
- Test ammonia and nitrite regularly.
- Perform water changes or use an appropriately labeled conditioner if needed.
Fishless Cycling
TurboStart 700 may be paired with Fritz Fishless Fuel or another controlled ammonia source for fishless cycling.
- Fill the aquarium and neutralize chlorine and chloramine.
- Add TurboStart 700.
- Add the ammonia source within approximately 24 hours.
- Test ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate regularly.
- Do not add livestock while ammonia or nitrite remains elevated.
- Add fish only after ammonia and nitrite are at or very near zero and the aquarium can process the intended ammonia load.
Never use Fritz Fishless Fuel in an aquarium containing livestock.
Use in Established Aquariums
TurboStart 700 may be used to reinforce biological filtration after:
- Replacing or cleaning filter media
- Adding several new fish
- Using medications or treatments
- A prolonged power outage
- Moving or restarting an aquarium
- Detecting unexpected ammonia or nitrite
Routine water changes do not normally remove most beneficial bacteria because the majority live on filter media, substrate, décor, and other surfaces. Extra bacteria may be useful after unusually aggressive maintenance, but they are not required after every ordinary water change.
UV Sterilizer and Filtration Instructions
Turn off UV sterilization before dosing and leave it off for five days after adding TurboStart 700. UV light may damage free-floating bacteria before they attach to biological-filter surfaces.
Keep normal filtration, circulation pumps, air pumps, and surface agitation running.
Protein skimmers and ozone systems are uncommon in freshwater aquariums. When present, temporarily discontinue them according to the current Fritz label directions.
Recommended Aquarium Conditions
- Preferred Temperature: Approximately 77–86°F for fastest bacterial activity
- Preferred pH: Approximately 7.3–8.0
- Water Movement: Maintain adequate circulation and aeration
- Alkalinity: Maintain sufficient KH because nitrification consumes alkalinity
- Water Type: Freshwater and low-salinity brackish systems
The bacteria may function outside the preferred temperature and pH ranges, but cycling can take longer. Nitrification slows substantially in acidic, cold, poorly oxygenated, or low-alkalinity water.
Freshwater vs. Saltwater Formula
- TurboStart 700: Freshwater and low-salinity brackish aquariums
- TurboStart 900: Saltwater and reef aquariums
TurboStart 700 should not be advertised as suitable for marine or reef aquariums. Use the saltwater-specific TurboStart 900 formula for those systems.
Storage Instructions
Keep refrigerated until ready to use.
Do not freeze and do not expose the bottle to excessive heat. Return unused product to refrigeration promptly and use it before the expiration date printed on the bottle.
Color and odor may vary naturally. A temporary earthy or sulfur-like odor does not automatically mean that the bacteria are no longer viable.
Temporary Cloudiness or Odor
Slight cloudiness or a mild sulfur-like odor may occur for several hours after treatment. This is generally temporary.
Maintain strong aeration and observe livestock. If fish show rapid breathing or other signs of distress, increase aeration, test the aquarium water, and perform an appropriate water change if necessary.
Can TurboStart Be Overdosed?
Fritz states that TurboStart 700 may be used at up to five times the standard dosage.
Additional bacteria do not eliminate the need for adequate oxygen, alkalinity, ammonia, biological-filter surface area, and regular testing. Maintain good aeration and monitor aquarium conditions after any large dose.
Does TurboStart Cycle an Aquarium in Five Days or Less?
TurboStart 700 is designed to greatly accelerate aquarium cycling, but an exact completion time should not be guaranteed.
Cycling speed depends on:
- Product freshness and storage
- Temperature
- pH and KH
- Available ammonia and nitrite
- Dissolved oxygen
- Biological-filter surface area
- Livestock and feeding levels
- Use of medications or disinfectants
Continue testing ammonia and nitrite until the aquarium demonstrates that it can safely process the expected livestock load.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Fritz TurboStart 700 do?
It provides concentrated live nitrifying bacteria that support the conversion of ammonia into nitrite and nitrite into nitrate.
How much should I use?
Add 1 oz per 50 gallons at the standard dosage.
How many gallons does the 1 oz bottle treat?
It treats up to approximately 50 gallons.
Is TurboStart 700 fifteen times more concentrated?
Yes. Fritz states that it contains approximately 15 times the bacterial concentration per ounce of standard FritzZyme 7.
Will it completely cycle every aquarium within five days?
No exact timeframe can be guaranteed. TurboStart can greatly reduce cycling time, but testing is still necessary.
Can fish be added after dosing?
Yes. Fritz allows properly acclimated livestock to be introduced after dosing, but the aquarium should be stocked conservatively and ammonia and nitrite must be monitored.
Is it safe for planted aquariums?
Yes. It is suitable for freshwater planted aquariums when used as directed.
Is it safe for shrimp and snails?
Yes. It may be used in freshwater invertebrate systems when dosed correctly.
Can it be used in reef or saltwater aquariums?
No. TurboStart 700 is the freshwater formula. Use TurboStart 900 for saltwater and reef aquariums.
Should chlorine and chloramine be removed first?
Yes. Both must be completely neutralized before adding the live bacteria.
Should the aquarium filter be turned off?
No. Keep normal biological filtration, circulation, and aeration running.
Should UV sterilization be turned off?
Yes. Turn off UV sterilization before dosing and for five days afterward.
Does TurboStart need refrigeration?
Yes. Keep it refrigerated, do not freeze it, and use it before the printed expiration date.
Is a temporary odor or haze normal?
A slight temporary haze or sulfur-like odor may occur for several hours after dosing.
Should TurboStart be added after every water change?
Not usually. Routine water changes do not remove most surface-dwelling beneficial bacteria. It is more useful after aggressive cleaning, media replacement, medication, or increased livestock load.
Does TurboStart replace aquarium testing?
No. Continue monitoring ammonia and nitrite until the biological filter is proven stable.
Does TurboStart replace water changes?
No. It supports biological filtration but does not replace water changes, appropriate stocking, or routine maintenance.
Available at Tropical Treasures Wyo
FritzZyme TurboStart 700 Freshwater 1 oz provides concentrated live nitrifying bacteria for cycling new freshwater aquariums and strengthening biological filtration in established systems.
Visit Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming, to shop Fritz TurboStart 700, Fritz Fishless Fuel, freshwater test kits, filter media, water conditioners, live plants, freshwater fish, and aquarium supplies.
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