When we came across the name, we had to ask ourselves “WTF are Aqua-Crobes?” After reading more about it, we discovered that DVH Aqua-Crobes is a new product that looks to do battle with pathogenic bacteria by releasing positive bacteria that compete for nutrients to help keep gram-negative bacteria like Vibrio, Pseudomonas, Aeromonas, Streptococcus, Allococcus, Myxobacterium, and Columnaris at bay.
How it works is since pathogenic bacteria are opportunistic, and given the opportunity and the right numbers, they will infect your fish and livestock causing major stress and strain on you and your system. However, this is where Aqua-Crobes comes in. Developed and released by the Netherlands’ D. van Houten, Aqua-Crobes are microbes based on the theory of competitive exclusion.
Essentially through the introduction of large numbers of beneficial bacteria, Aqua-Crobes compete with the pathogenic bacteria for the nutrients in the water they depend on for survival. Additionally, antimicrobial peptides are produced that are toxic to pathogens.
In the realm of bacterial warfare, it is impossible to rid the system of all negative bacteria. However, DVH Aqua-Crobes states the product keeps the bacterial count of the pathogens to such low levels that they will not be a threat to the health of your fish.
The manufacturer also states Aqua-Crobes does not compete with other bacterial supplements since it removes different nutrients from the water. While others target ammonia and nitrogen in the system, this product attacks the waste nutrients that bacteria such as Aeromonas and Vibrio consume.
The recommended dosing regimen is 1ml per 40 gallons once every three days for the first nine days, then switching to the same dose once a week for two weeks. After that, simply at .25ml per 40 gallons once a week. DVH Aqua-Crobes cost around $19.99 for a 100ml bottle.
[via Aquarium Specialty]
