Hobbyist Josh Vaisman recently sent in a sample of Aquaforest Life Source, the liquid mud product, to AquaBiomics and Triton to evaluate its microbiome and ionic composition. Below are some quotes from Mr. Vaisman explaining his sampling process and some conclusions about the data. After that, I will include my thoughts on the data and what it means for the industry.
Mr. Vaisman’s Method and Comments On The Data:
“I sent a sample of AF Life Source mud in for testing with AquaBiomics and Triton ICP. Bought a new bottle. Sterilized an area in my kitchen with IPA (in the same way I do for my phyto cultures), wore a mask and gloves which I also sterilized. Opened the bottle for the first time and submitted the samples right away per Eli/Jim Graham’s instructions.”
Email from Eli read, “Very good data for your sample, and it looks exceptionally diverse. Reviewing the nitrifying community, I see that it has many different types, including multiple families of ammonia oxidizers and at least one family of nitrite oxidizers. Also I find no evidence of any pathogens, including the very common SCTLD associated ones. I also see that many of the types in this product are perfect matches for some of the most common and abundant types in aquariums. Its rare I say this about product samples but this stuff looks great.”
Our Thoughts:
This product does contain more bacterial diversity than most any product on the market, including a mix of nitrifiers, ammonia oxidizers, and sulfur reducers and oxidizers. Many of the bacteria found in this product play an important role in nutrient cycling. The addition of these strains could thus help reinforce the existing nitrogen and sulfur cycles in the aquarium.
The most exciting family I see in this long list is Rhodobacteraceae member Rugeria sp. Some current literature has illustrated that Rugeira species are capable of being incorporated into coral holobionts. Additionally, some species can produce compounds that have been shown to inhibit the growth of the putative coral pathogen Vibrio coralliilyticus.
Before you jump for joy, it’s important to realize there are caveats to these claims. Because PCR amplifies any DNA in an environmental sample, we cannot confirm that all sequences in the data belong to living organisms. Thus, theoretically, all of the bacteria that were alive when the mud was collected could have died while on the shelf, and the test is picking up the DNA from dead cells. While it’s unlikely all of the bacterial population is dead, it’s important to remain diligent with testing and continue to ask questions until we can ensure they have been answered sufficiently to prove a claim.
Another caveat is that we don’t know if the strain of Rugeria detected can produce the post-biotics mentioned, which can inhibit vibrio. Thus, unless we had strain-specific, metabolomics, or culture-dependent verification, this claim cannot be proven. Additionally, with Rugeria sp. being the 28th most plentiful microbe in the sample it’s unknown if it the concentration added to a system would be able to effectively colonize. Even if colonization was possible it’s impossible to quantify with conjecture alone if the bugs would then produce enough of the external compound to shift Virbio populations in a closed environment.
In terms of the ICP data, while many contaminants, such as aluminum, exist, dosage is a question. Another comment Mr. Vaisman added on Facebook in reference to the aluminum concentrations is the sample is
“That said, if I dumped the entire container in my 850 liter system, I’d be increasing aluminum by 0.14 ug/l which isn’t very much at all.”
The same holds true for most of the other contaminants found in this sample. To truly overdose on them, you would need to add an astronomical amount of Life Source, assuming similar concentrations of traces across batches. One outlier was an exceptionally high level of Silicon at 173500.00 ug/l. Going forward Mr. Vaisman will be tracking his ICP results diligently to determine if he can correlate an increase in any traces with the addition of Life Source. One thing that Mr. Vaisman did in an attempt to prevent heavy metal contamination is that he attached a magnet to the bottom of his mixing container which prevented any magnetic particles from entering the system when dosing the product.
That brings us to the next issue. While this test is an excellent step in the right direction and it opens our eyes to begin to look at AF Life Source much more seriously as a microbiome supplement, we mustn’t take the results from a single test and apply them writ large to the quality of a product in general. Manufacturing is a complex process, with many collection spots, many batches, lots of exchanging hands, etc, all of which can introduce variables that could shift the data points seen here. To truly get an accurate picture of the quality of this product, there would have to be a much larger sample size that takes into account different batches over a function of time. This data could construct an average picture of the microbial and ionic composition.
Going forward, I am personally interested in testing this product further, and I have several ideas in mind that I won’t spoil here.
Official Comment From Aquaforest
I reached out to Aquaforest to inquire the process of collection for Life Source, what potential variables could be introduced during any potential processing and if they had any comment to make regarding the potential for contaminants in the product.
They sent me a document from their laboratory regarding details of the product and responding to my questions which I have copied below.
“The Importance of Biodiversity in Reef Aquariums
Biodiversity is essential in reef aquariums because a diverse microbial and biological environment supports resilient and healthy coral systems. In natural reefs, a variety of bacteria, algae, and other microorganisms interact in a symbiotic relationship with corals and fish, creating a balanced ecosystem where each organism supports the survival of others. For example:
- Enhanced Coral Health: Diverse bacteria and microfauna play a critical role in breaking down organic waste, producing essential nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, and cycling these nutrients back into the ecosystem. This helps maintain water quality, reduces harmful buildup, and directly benefits coral health and growth.
- Improved Resilience: A biodiverse tank is more resilient to changes or stressors, such as fluctuations in water parameters or the introduction of new organisms. The variety of bacteria and microorganisms helps stabilize the tank’s chemistry and protect against sudden shifts that could harm sensitive coral.
- Enhanced Nutrient Cycling: In a biodiverse aquarium, microorganisms help break down and recycle nutrients, which prevents the buildup of waste and detritus. This nutrient cycling process not only supports coral health but also reduces the need for frequent maintenance.
AF Life Source is designed to boost this biodiversity by adding beneficial microorganisms and minerals from Fiji’s biodiverse environment to the aquarium. By enhancing the biological diversity, aquarists can create an ecosystem closer to a natural reef environment, providing optimal conditions for coral and aquatic life.
How to Use AF Life Source
- Dosage: Add 10 ml per 100 liters (27 gallons) of water once per week.
- Application: You can either dose directly from the package or dilute the mud in the aquarium water. Pour the dose into a high-flow area to disperse minerals and nutrients evenly. Temporary cloudiness may occur, which is harmless and will clear as the particles settle.
- Compatibility: Safe for reef environments and has been tested on sensitive equipment like pumps and wavemakers.
Usage Tips
- Weekly Routine: For optimal results, dose once a week to maintain coral vitality.
- Ideal for Refugiums: Works well in algae refugiums and deep sand beds (DSB), adding essential minerals that corals absorb over time.
Origin and Quality Control Process
AF Life Source originates from the cleanest waters of Fiji, celebrated for its vibrant and biologically rich coral ecosystems. Carefully handled from source to production, the product reflects our commitment to quality and sustainability. Designed to be safe for your aquarium, it supports a thriving marine environment while respecting the natural integrity of its origins.
The Natural Character of AF Life Source
AF Life Source is a fully natural product designed to enhance the biological environment of aquariums. Sterilizing, purifying, or drying the mud would strip it of its valuable bacteria, which are critical for enriching aquarium biodiversity. By maintaining its natural, undried state, AF Life Source retains its beneficial properties, making it an exceptional addition to aquarists’ ecosystems.
AF Life Source is a natural mud sourced from the Earth’s rich mineral foundations. At its core, it is a mineral-rich blend, shaped by nature over millennia. Silicates, as essential building blocks of the Earth’s crust, are a natural part of its composition, accompanied by basalt particles and other elements.
Biodiversity from One of the World’s Most Beautiful Ecosystems
Fiji’s coral reefs are among the most biologically diverse in the world, second only to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. This richness in flora, fauna, and minerals plays a crucial role in the success of AF Life Source. By introducing this product to their aquariums, aquarists can benefit from microorganisms naturally occurring in this vibrant environment.
Natural Composition of the Product
AF Life Source is composed of mud, a natural material formed over millennia by tiny particles of earth. While it contains valuable biodiversity, it is still mud, including fragmental pieces of basalt and other volcanic materials. Fiji’s geological history, shaped by volcanic activity millions of years ago, contributes to the unique composition of this product.
The magnetic particles found in the mud are natural basalt fragments with an electromagnetic charge. These particles are not pollutants or heavy metals but rather a component of the environment. Basalt is relatively soft, breaking down over time, much like the formation of black sand beaches.
Safety for Aquarium Equipment
Some customers have expressed concerns about the magnetic particles potentially harming aquarium pumps or equipment. However, when properly diluted as instructed, the risk of damage is minimal. Prior to the product’s release, extensive testing was conducted in our facility, including on circulating pumps and wavemakers, which remain in excellent condition even after six years of use. For more details, watch the attached video showcasing the magnetic reaction of Aquaforest Life Source: Basalt Life Source Video.
A Note on Oceanic Contaminants
Despite our rigorous quality control and sourcing from the cleanest waters of Fiji, AF Life Source, being a natural product, is still susceptible to the presence of minor oceanic contaminants. These contaminants are an inevitable aspect of the natural environment and cannot be fully excluded. However, the benefits of AF Life Source far outweigh the minimal risk posed by these tiny impurities. By carefully monitoring and testing every batch, we ensure that AF Life Source remains a safe and effective choice for your aquarium.”
