AquaVascular Bio-Buddy Beneficial Bacteria — Live Nitrifying Bacteria for Aquariums

Kickstart and maintain a healthy biological filter

AquaVascular Bio-Buddy is a concentrated liquid inoculant of nitrifying and denitrifying bacteria for freshwater aquariums. Whether you’re starting a brand-new tank, recovering from a filter media change, or trying to stabilise an aquarium after a heavy stocking event, Bio-Buddy dramatically shortens the cycling window and helps prevent the ammonia and nitrite spikes that stress or kill fish.

When to use it

• New tank setup — dose from day one to establish a working biofilter before adding livestock. Reduces the traditional 4–6 week cycle to a matter of days.
• After a large water change or filter media replacement, where the bacterial colony has been disrupted.
• After medicating — antibiotics and copper-based treatments kill nitrifying bacteria along with pathogens. Reintroducing bacteria helps the tank recover.
• Following a power outage that left canister filters idle for more than 4–6 hours — bacteria die back rapidly without oxygenated water flow.
• Whenever you add new fish — a temporary boost helps the biofilter absorb the new bioload smoothly.

How it works

Bio-Buddy contains live cultures of Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter species — the two families of bacteria that break down toxic ammonia into nitrite and then nitrite into relatively harmless nitrate. Once introduced, these bacteria colonise your filter media, substrate, and any high-surface-area material inside the tank. A well-established biofilter is the single most important factor in aquarium stability.

How to dose

Shake the bottle well before use. For a new tank, add the recommended dose daily for the first week, then weekly for the following month. For an established tank, dose after water changes or as needed following any disturbance. Always dose near the filter intake so the bacteria are drawn directly into the media where they’ll settle. Turn off UV sterilisers for 24 hours after dosing — UV kills the bacteria before they can establish.

Important notes

• Refrigerate after opening to preserve bacterial viability. Store the sealed bottle away from direct sunlight and extreme heat.
• Safe with all fish, plants, and invertebrates, including sensitive species like shrimp and discus.
• Not a substitute for water changes — Bio-Buddy accelerates cycling but you still need regular maintenance to control nitrate buildup.
• Cloudy water on first dose is normal — bacterial blooms clear within 24–48 hours.

Available sizes

• 120ml — for smaller tanks and starter kits
• 250ml — for medium tanks and regular maintenance
• 500ml — best value for larger tanks and shops

Manufactured in India by AquaVascular. Backwater Aquatics is an authorised AquaVascular dealer.