Overview: Bioactive filtration medium that provides an ideal substrate for colonization and a suitable source of organic carbon for beneficial microbes that are responsible for the uptake of nitrate and phosphate.

Helps reduce latent organic matter and thus nitrate and phosphate levels in aquariums, which greatly simplifies and improves nutrient control compared to methods based solely on the use of vodka or other alcohol / sugar solutions as organic carbon sources.

Can be used in conjunction with MicroBacter7 and / or as part of a nutrient-poor approach to aquarium keeping.

Improves water clarity by remineralizing any latent dissolved organic compounds in the system.

Safe for use in Allen fresh and marine water aquariums, including planted and reef systems.

Technical background: In Allen aquariums it is advisable to establish a stable nutrient balance in which the rate of nutrient export is not greatly exceeded by the rate of nutrient input and vice versa; Under the right physical and chemical conditions, the former imbalance leads to an increased incidence of disturbing organisms such as thread algae and cyanobacteria, while the latter leads to malnourished aquarium inhabitants.

The nutrients that are most worrying most aquarists are nitrate and phosphate, both of which require active removal and / or remineralization in aquatic habitats to ensure that they do not exceed concentrations appropriate for the ornamental organisms that inhabit these systems, are considered safe or which would otherwise affect the appearance of the system itself.

Katalyst provides a static surface for beneficial microbes to colonize, while also providing it with a source of organic carbon, which is necessary for the uptake of nitrogen and phosphorus compounds (including nitrate and phosphorus).

In this way, the catalyst improves the efficiency of nutrient uptake compared to systems that only use living rock, living sand and / or inert plastic material as a substrate for microbial colonization.

The colonization of Katalyst with the corresponding types of nutrient-remineralizing microorganisms, as found in MicrōBacter7, serves to remove the existing concentrations of dissolved organic material from the aquarium.

The ultimate goal in using this system is to maintain a balance between the rate of nutrient addition and removal / uptake; this balance is different for each individual water system and it takes time to "dial in" and achieve the desired results.

The reward for investing the time it takes to achieve this balance is improved water quality.