Posted by DrTim on 1/8/2014 to How to Use Specific Products

Here at DrTim’s Aquatics we make a variety of products, mostly bacterial based, and some can be used together but others should be used alone. I am going to sort this out in a quick fashion for you.

One & Only Live Nitrifying Bacteria — before adding One & Only Live Nitrifying Bacteria, the water must be free of chlorine and chloramines so use AquaCleanse or First Defense to accomplish this. Make sure to turn off devices such as the protein skimmer and UV-sterilizer, and remove any filter socks for 48 hours after adding One & Only Live Nitrifying Bacteria. Do not add Waste-Away, Re-Fresh or Eco-Balance during the first 2 weeks of adding One & Only Live Nitrifying Bacteria.

AquaCleanse — can be used when first filling your aquarium and when doing large water changes (over 50%). While AquaCleanse can be used to temporarily control ammonia in emergencies, it is much better in the long run to use One & Only Live Nitrifying Bacteria to control ammonia. AquaCleanse is compatible with all our products as long as you do not extremely overdose the product.

First Defense — should be used when you are adding fish to your tank and doing small water changes (less than 50%). It is also great to add to dip solutions and when accumulating your fish. Do not add First Defense on the same day you add Waste-Away, Eco-Balance or Clear-UP, as the vitamins in First Defense will strongly stimulate the growth of the bacteria in these products.

Clear-UP — is used to naturally clarify aquarium water that is cloudy due to inorganic particulate material like fine sand or coral dust (rather than due to a bacterial bloom). Do not use First Defense, Eco-Balance or Waste-Away on the same day you add Clear-UP. Re-Fresh — should always be used by itself. Do not add any other products (ours or others) for 24 hours after dosing with Re-Fresh. When trying to get rid of algae or cyanobacteria, it is best to add Re-Fresh, wait 48 hours and add another dose, wait another 48 hours and add a third dose. Turn your skimmer and UV off for at least 24 hours after dosing Re-Fresh. After the third dose, wait 48 hours and start adding Waste-Away per the instructions below.

Eco-Balance — should also be added alone. Do not add First Defense, Clear-UP or Waste-Away on the same day you add Eco-Balance. If this is the first time dosing your tank with Eco-Balance or you have not added it for several months, start with a low dose (1/4 to ½ the normal dose). Regular additions of Eco-Balance are best – every 2 to 4 weeks depending on the fish and coral load in your tank.

Waste-Away — another product to use by itself. Do not add First Defense, Clear-UP or Eco-Balance on the same day you add Waste-Away. Dose these products no sooner than 48 hours after adding Waste-Away to the tank. If this is the first time dosing your tank with Waste-Away or you have not added it for several months, start with a low dose (1/4 to ½ the normal dose). If the water turns cloudy, do not use more until the water clears. For best results, turn your UV and skimmer off for 12 to 24 hours after dosing Waste-Away, but at the first signs of cloudiness, turn you skimmer back on immediately. Regular additions of Waste-Away are best – even every week depending on the fish and coral load in your tank.

6 Comments

Kathy

Date 4/30/2014

I have a freshwater planted tank. What effect would Waste-Away and Re-Fresh have on the plants?

DrTim

Adding the Re-Fresh should be fine - just don't overdose. The Waste-Away will actually fertilize the plants because the bacteria in waste-away reduce the organics to CO2 which the plants use to grow

Mark

Date 3/23/2015

Have 10 yr. old 72 gal. tank w/ 40# live rock, low fish load, new sump w/ good skimmer & recently added macro algae. All problems except nitrates (above 50 ppm) cleared up. Wait or use one of your products ? 3 days into carbon dosing w/ no change.

Ron Powell

Date 5/10/2020

I accidentally added waste-away and first defense to my 30-gallon well established aquarium. Could you give me some advice on what to do if anything?

Nelson Hernandez

Date 5/28/2022

I recently added Dr tims Waste away Gel to my 90 gal reef aquarium along with every 6 days weekly routine dosing of Ecco balance and First defense with every water change or adding new livestock. I ain't saying that I'm perfect...but knows I try to stay away from pouring on the same day like a big KID!! Waste away gel time release sitting somewhere on a suction cup we know what I mean. Thank you

Margaret L Ruberry

Date 6/7/2022

I have maxima clam and was wondering if it will be ok in tank or remove it while treating tank. I have a lot of brown algae on sand and on inside of glass. Phosphate coming coming down from 9 to ..4 have phosphate reactor . Working better then putting in bag. One black and white nemo has brown patch under his fin on one side. Fish looks ok HOW WOULD YOU TREAT THIS TANK. THANKS Margaret Would need more info to say how to treat the tank but should be fine to move the clam to another tank provided the water quality is good. Siphon clean the substrate and check that light is still good.

Our Product Mix - What to Use and Not Use Together

6 Comments

Kathy

DrTim

Mark

Ron Powell

Nelson Hernandez

Margaret L Ruberry

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