{"product_id":"colony-freshwater-nitrifying-bacteria-copy","title":"Colony Pond Nitrifying Bacteria","description":"\u003ch2\u003eRRP\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNEW! 1 Gallon £92.99 (Pre Order)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"font-semibold leading-tight text-pretty mb-2 mt-4 [.has-inline-images_\u0026amp;]:clear-end text-base first:mt-0\" id=\"rapid-cycle-specialist\"\u003eRapid Cycle Specialist\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"my-2 [\u0026amp;+p]:mt-4 [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:align-top\"\u003eYour pond’s biological filter is its most important line of defense against toxic fish waste. Colony Pond contains live, commercial-grade nitrifying bacteria that help establish biological filtration in days instead of weeks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"my-2 [\u0026amp;+p]:mt-4 [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:align-top\"\u003eFormulated with freshwater\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eNitrosomonas\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eand\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eNitrobacter\u003c\/em\u003e, Colony supports the natural nitrogen cycle by helping convert ammonia into nitrite, then nitrite into less-harmful nitrate. This makes it an excellent choice for koi ponds, goldfish ponds, ornamental ponds, water gardens, and quarantine systems.\u003cspan class=\"citation-nbsp\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"citation inline\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"group\/trigger inline-flex min-w-0\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"relative -mt-px max-w-full min-w-0 whitespace-nowrap -top-px font-sans text-base text-foreground select-none selection:bg-super\/50 selection:text-foreground dark:selection:bg-super\/10 dark:selection:text-super\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"text-3xs rounded-md group min-w-4 max-w-full cursor-pointer align-middle font-mono tabular-nums font-normal transition-colors duration-150 inline-flex items-center gap-0 py-[0.1875rem] leading-snug px-[0.3rem] [@media(hover:hover)]:hover:bg-subtle group-data-[state=open]\/trigger:bg-subtle border-subtlest ring-subtlest divide-subtlest bg-quiet\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"inline-block relative !mt-0 ![vertical-align:unset] max-w-[25ch] overflow-hidden\"\u003efinestaquatics.co\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"inline-block ml-1 mr-px !mt-0 ![vertical-align:unset]\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"opacity-50\"\u003e+1\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"my-2 [\u0026amp;+p]:mt-4 [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:align-top\"\u003eUse Colony when starting a new pond, adding fish, replacing filter media, restarting a filter, or following medication—any time your pond’s beneficial-bacteria population needs support.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eNITRIFYING BACTERIA: FRESHWATER SPECIES\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0716\/1502\/1274\/files\/Freshwater-Colony-Bacteria-Nitrosomonas-Nitrobacter-Title_f1d8bfc0-b4bd-4ff4-a92d-804610c1582c.jpg?v=1766336648\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNitrosomonas\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eand\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNitrobacter\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eare considered true nitrifying bacteria because they directly perform the essential steps of the nitrogen cycle in freshwater aquariums:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eNitrosomonas\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003econverts toxic ammonia into nitrite, and\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eNitrobacter\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003ethen converts nitrite into less harmful nitrate. These bacteria are obligate chemolithotrophs, meaning they derive their energy exclusively from oxidizing inorganic compounds—ammonia and nitrite, respectively—making them uniquely suited for biological filtration in aquatic environments. Blue Shark Colony contains concentrated cultures of these true nitrifiers, which allows for rapid colonization of new aquariums. When introduced, these bacteria quickly establish the biological filtration necessary to process waste, resulting in a much faster cycle compared to relying on natural bacterial growth or other bacterial blends.\u003cspan class=\"inline-flex\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"citation-nbsp\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"citation inline\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener\" class=\"inline\" href=\"https:\/\/myaquaticsolutions.com\/blog\/nitrifying-bacteria-facts\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"my-2 [\u0026amp;+p]:mt-4 [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn contrast to \u003cem\u003eNitrosomonas\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eNitrobacter\u003c\/em\u003e, some commercial aquarium products now include “spira” strains (such as Nitrospira), which are also capable of nitrification but are comparatively slower-growing and less efficient under cycling conditions.  True nitrifiers like \u003cem\u003eNitrosomonas\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eNitrobacter\u003c\/em\u003e are superior for rapid cycling because they are adapted to higher ammonia levels and can reproduce quickly in new tanks, making them the preferred choice for Blue Shark.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"inline-flex\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"my-2 [\u0026amp;+p]:mt-4 [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eUSE\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0716\/1502\/1274\/files\/blue-arrow.jpg?v=1766363794\" alt=\"\"\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eNew koi and ornamental pond start-ups\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0716\/1502\/1274\/files\/blue-arrow.jpg?v=1766363794\" alt=\"\"\u003e \u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEstablishing a new biological filter\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0716\/1502\/1274\/files\/blue-arrow.jpg?v=1766363794\" alt=\"\"\u003e \u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdding new koi, goldfish, or other pond fish\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0716\/1502\/1274\/files\/blue-arrow.jpg?v=1766363794\" alt=\"\"\u003e \u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePost-medication biological-filter recovery\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0716\/1502\/1274\/files\/blue-arrow.jpg?v=1766363794\" alt=\"\"\u003e \u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReplacing or deep-cleaning filter media\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0716\/1502\/1274\/files\/blue-arrow.jpg?v=1766363794\" alt=\"\"\u003e \u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePond expansions and increased fish loads\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0716\/1502\/1274\/files\/blue-arrow.jpg?v=1766363794\" alt=\"\"\u003e \u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFreshwater pond quarantine systems\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Blue Shark team has more experience producing and distributing true nitrifying bacteria than anyone else.  That’s why Colony is the most used and trusted tank cycling product on Earth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eColony establishes nitrification in days instead of weeks.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTrue Nitrifying Bacteria:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/bluesharkjourney.com\/products\/shocking-truth-nitrifying-bacteria-colony\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eThe Real Thing\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnly aerobic autotrophs perform effective bio-filtration of toxic ammonia and nitrite. Having a very slow growth rate, a wait of 6-8 weeks may be required to establish bio-filtration in a new aquarium (\u003ca rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/bluesharkjourney.com\/products\/resources\/aquarium-cycling\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eaquarium cycling\u003c\/a\u003e).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eColony effectively speeds up this process by introducing millions of these bacteria all at once.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePatience is a virtue in the aquarium hobby, but not at the expense of an education. Colony also provides the foundation in understanding bio-filtration for the long run so that you’re always in control of it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eUse\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTo rapidly establish bio-filtration in new aquariums\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAfter medicating\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhen adding new livestock\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReplacing media\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eInstructions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaintain average water temperatures of 23-30°C (74-86°F). For best results, maintain a pH between 7.2–8.0. Always maintain a minimum 90 ppm Total Alkalinity. Systems requiring a pH level below 7.2 should be slowly adjusted after ageing\/cycling the system at 7.2–8.0 pH. Shake bottle vigorously to mix bacteria. For average water conditions add 118 ml (4 oz) of Colony Pond per 95 L (25 gal) of dechlorinated aquarium water (tap water recommended). Dose entire system volume once. Do not overcrowd tank. Prevent ammonia and nitrite spikes by feeding fish lightly when applying Colony. Monitor ammonia and nitrite levels and slightly increase feeding rate after 4 consecutive days of at, or near, 0 ppm ammonia and nitrite concentrations. Gradually increase to normal feeding levels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNOTE: Turn off or unplug UV sterilizers and ozone generators prior to and 4-5 days after each introduction of Colony Pond. Keep at room temperature and do not allow product to freeze or exceed 43°C (110°F). No water changes until after the fourth day when all bacteria has attached.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile not recommended, for fish-less cycling never use more than .5 ppm of ammonia to start; This is to ensure nitrite levels stay well below the desired levels for a successful rapid cycle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo refrigeration required. Keep out of reach of children.  Colony has a shelf life of 12 months.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"BlueShark UK","offers":[{"title":"1 Gallon (3000L)","offer_id":54781623468359,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0900\/4082\/8231\/files\/Colony-Pond-128-oz.png?v=1787793015","url":"https:\/\/blueshark-uk.co.uk\/products\/colony-freshwater-nitrifying-bacteria-copy","provider":"BlueSharkUK","version":"1.0","type":"link"}