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Fauna Marin Bacto Balls, Slow-Release Reef Bacteria

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SKU: FM-BBL

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[FM-BBL-05] Fauna Marin Bacto Balls, Slow-Release Reef Bacteria, 100ml Fauna Marin Bacto Balls, Slow-Release Reef Bacteria, 100ml SKU: FM-BBL-05
Price $ 25.40 $ 25.40 Quantity
[FM-BBL-10] Fauna Marin Bacto Balls, Slow-Release Reef Bacteria, 250ml Fauna Marin Bacto Balls, Slow-Release Reef Bacteria, 250ml SKU: FM-BBL-10
Price $ 46.19 $ 46.19 Quantity

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  • Bacto Balls are solid reef bacteria that dissolve slowly in your filter sump.
  • They cut nitrate and phosphate by releasing live bacteria over 2 to 4 weeks.
  • The solid slow-release form replaces daily liquid dosing with one biweekly dose.
  • Available in 100ml, 250ml, and 500ml sizes; approximately 100-110 balls per 100ml container
Fauna Marin
Fauna Marin

Fauna Marin is a German manufacturer offering an extensive, successful product line that includes coral and fish foods, water treatments, lab tests, and equipment.

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✓ We partner with authorized retailers nationwide to bring you the best aquarium equipment.
✓ For consumables, refills, and parts that can be harder to find locally, we sell direct so you never run out of what your tank needs.
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Fauna Marin Bacto Balls: Slow-Release Reef Bacteria and Enzymes

Fauna Marin Bacto Balls are a solid-form reef bacteria supplement that uses slow-release polymer technology to deliver live marine bacteria and enzyme compounds directly into your aquarium over two to four weeks per dose. Each ball is approximately 1 centimeter in diameter and contains billions of pollutant-degrading bacteria suspended in a seawater-stable polymer matrix. As the ball dissolves, bacteria are released steadily into the water column. This prevents the dosing spikes that come with liquid bacteria products and eliminates the need for daily or frequent dosing schedules.

The slow-release format is what sets Bacto Balls apart from conventional liquid bacteria additives. Standard gel-based or liquid bacteria products release their cultures quickly, require frequent re-dosing, and can act as an additional carbon source that fuels algae rather than controlling it. Fauna Marin's polymer carrier was developed specifically for saltwater environments to allow controlled, continuous release without contributing extra carbon to the system. The result is a stable bacterial population that steadily works down nitrate and phosphate, reduces detritus, suppresses nuisance algae, and improves skimmer output. Excess bacteria not taken up by the system become a food source for corals and protozoa or are exported through the skimmer.

Key Features:

  • Solid polymer balls deliver live marine bacteria and enzymes via slow-release over 2 to 4 weeks per dose
  • Reduces nitrate and phosphate by supporting natural denitrifying bacterial populations
  • Suppresses nuisance algae growth driven by excess nutrients
  • Eliminates bacterial films and reduces detritus accumulation in the aquarium and sump
  • Improves protein skimmer efficiency and reduces manual cleaning frequency
  • Seawater-stable polymer carrier releases bacteria slowly without acting as a carbon source, unlike conventional gel-based products
  • 100% reef-safe: both the bacteria and carrier material are safe for corals, fish, and invertebrates
  • Excess bacteria become food for corals and protozoa or are removed by the skimmer
  • Dose every 2 weeks rather than daily, reducing the maintenance burden of a bacteria dosing program
  • Available in 100ml, 250ml, and 500ml sizes; approximately 100-110 balls per 100ml container
  • Shelf life of approximately 3 years unopened; produced in Germany

Ideal For:

  • Reef aquariums with recurring nitrate or phosphate issues that haven't responded well to carbon dosing or liquid bacteria programs
  • Hobbyists who want consistent bacterial nutrient control without daily dosing commitments
  • Tanks running protein skimmers where improved skimmer efficiency and reduced cleaning intervals are a priority
  • Systems with visible nuisance algae growth linked to elevated nutrients, where the goal is biological reduction rather than chemical removal
  • Aquarists transitioning away from liquid bacteria additives who want a lower-maintenance dosing format
  • Tanks with detritus accumulation in the sump or low-flow areas where bacterial breakdown of organic waste is needed

Pro Tips:

  • Start with half the recommended dose on the first application. This allows your system to adjust to increased bacterial activity. Skimmer output often rises in the first week due to nutrient breakdown, which is normal. Adjust based on water test results.
  • Place Bacto Balls in a filter bag or sock in a well-circulated area of your sump or filter chamber to ensure water flows through them, releasing bacteria evenly. Keep away from pump intakes to prevent breaking up the balls prematurely.
  • Test your water every 1-2 weeks when starting out. Since each aquarium has different nutrient loads and bacteria levels, the right dose varies. Regular testing of nitrate and phosphate helps determine if the dose is effective or needs adjusting. Fauna Marin suggests increasing slowly instead of starting with a high dose.
  • For tanks without a skimmer, reduce the dose to a quarter of the standard. Without a skimmer, excess bacteria remain in the water, which can cloud water or stress livestock.

What's Included:

One container of Fauna Marin Bacto Balls (100ml)

Specifications:

  • Brand: Fauna Marin
  • Product Name: Bacto Balls, Slow-Release Reef Bacteria and Enzymes
  • Ball Size: Approximately 1cm in diameter
  • Quantity per 100ml: Approximately 100-110 balls
  • Contents: Water, billions of pollutant-degrading bacteria per ml, enzyme compounds, live natural marine filter bacteria in seawater-stable slow-release polymer balls
  • Dosage: 2 Bacto Balls per 100 liters (26 US gallons) of aquarium volume, placed in a flow-through area of the filter every 2 weeks
  • First Application: Start at half the standard dose
  • Tanks Without Skimming: Reduce dose to one-quarter of the standard amount
  • Maximum Dose: Can be doubled from standard if needed, based on water test results
  • Placement: Filter bag or sock in a high-flow area of the sump or filter; do not place near pump intakes
  • Dissolution Time: Approximately 2 to 4 weeks per dose
  • System Compatibility: All marine reef aquariums; compatible with skimmer-based and no-skimmer systems (adjusted dose)
  • Reef Safety: 100% reef-safe; bacteria and carrier material are safe for corals, fish, and invertebrates
  • Shelf Life: Approximately 3 years when unopened
  • Storage: Store in a dry place, protected from light, at normal room temperature; avoid contamination
  • Country of Origin: Germany (produced in-house at Fauna Marin)
  • Safety Note: For marine aquarium use only. Keep out of reach of children. Avoid eye contact; if contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water. Do not swallow; if swallowed, consult a doctor. Wash hands after use.

While most of our equipment carries a one-year manufacturer's warranty, consumable products like fish and coral foods are not covered under traditional warranty terms due to their perishable nature and varied storage conditions. However, we fully stand behind the quality of every product we sell. If you experience any issues with your food purchase shortly after receiving it, such as concerns about freshness, packaging integrity, or product quality, please contact us at [email protected]. We're committed to making it right and will work with you to resolve any problems quickly and fairly.

Instructions:

  1. Determine your total aquarium water volume in liters or US gallons.
  2. For the first application, use 1 Bacto Ball per 100 liters (half the standard dose). For tanks without a protein skimmer, use 0.5 balls per 100 liters (one-quarter the standard dose).
  3. Place the Bacto Balls into a filter bag or filter sock.
  4. Position the bag or sock in a well-circulated area of the sump or filter chamber. Do not place near pump intakes.
  5. Leave the balls in place for 2 weeks. The polymer matrix will dissolve slowly over 2 to 4 weeks, releasing bacteria and enzymes into the water.
  6. After 2 weeks, remove any remaining material and replace with a fresh dose. For subsequent doses, use 2 Bacto Balls per 100 liters unless water tests indicate an adjustment is needed.
  7. Monitor nitrate and phosphate levels every 1 to 2 weeks, especially during the first month, and adjust the dose up or down based on results.
  8. If skimmer output increases significantly after adding Bacto Balls, this is a normal sign of increased bacterial activity. Adjust the dose if needed.
  9. The dose can be doubled if water tests show nutrients are not responding to the standard amount.
  10. Wash hands after handling. Keep out of reach of children. For marine aquarium use only.