Continuum Bacter Gen MD
Pack size
250 mL
Cost per litre
Under 1c
Water type
Marine
Pack size
500 mL
Cost per litre
Under 1c
Water type
Marine
Pack size
2 L
Cost per litre
Under 1c
Water type
Marine
Continuum Bacter Gen MD
A live anaerobic culture that establishes denitrifying bacteria in your rock, sand or denitrator.
Continuum Aquatics BacterGen•MD is a concentrated culture of non-pathogenic marine bacteria aimed specifically at denitration – the low-oxygen process that converts nitrate into nitrogen gas. It builds up anaerobic bacterial populations inside denitrators and the anoxic zones of live rock and deep sand beds, and the manufacturer states it is formulated not to fix sulphur, which helps keep hydrogen sulphide production down compared with some sugar or alcohol-fed denitrators.
Key features
- Denitrifying focus – targets nitrate reduction specifically, rather than general waste processing.
- Non-sulfur-fixing – the manufacturer states this formulation helps limit hydrogen sulphide build-up.
- Works with denitrators – can be dosed into a new denitrator alongside a carbon source to help establish it.
- Non-pathogenic – no disease-causing organisms, per the manufacturer.
Specifications
| Bottle size |
|---|
| 250 mL |
| 500 mL |
| 2 L |
Ingredients
Continuum Aquatics declares BacterGen•MD as containing a blend of anaerobic, non-pathogenic marine bacteria selected for denitration. As with BacterGen•M, the manufacturer does not publish individual strain names or concentrations – we've asked Continuum for the full declaration and will update this page if one becomes available.
Dosage and directions
Mix the dose into tank water in a cup, let it stand briefly, then add it to the aquarium or denitrator.
| Use | Dose | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Heavily loaded system | 5 mL (1 capful) per 189 L (50 US gal) | Daily |
| Low nutrient / maintenance | 5 mL per 379 L (100 US gal) | 1–2 times weekly |
| New denitrator | 5 mL per 379 L (100 US gal), plus an equal amount of Continuum Reef Micro-Fuel | Per set-up instructions |
Suitable for, and not suitable for
- Marine and reef tanks running a denitrator, deep sand bed or heavily stocked system with elevated nitrate.
- Not a quick fix for a nitrate spike on its own – anaerobic bacteria take time to establish; pair this with water changes if nitrate needs to come down urgently.
Safety
Keep out of reach of children. Not for human consumption. If the product contacts eyes, flush with water. Contains non-pathogenic microbes.
Goes well with
- Continuum Reef Micro-Fuel, as a carbon source when starting a new denitrator.
- A nitrate test kit, to track progress after dosing.
Warranty and delivery
Covered by Continuum Aquatics' standard warranty against manufacturing defects, in addition to your rights under the Australian Consumer Law. Available in 250 mL, 500 mL and 2 L bottles; standard freight applies.
Common questions
What's the difference between BacterGen•M and BacterGen•MD?
BacterGen•M is a general aerobic-and-anaerobic culture for overall biological filtration. BacterGen•MD is anaerobic-only and focused specifically on denitration – reducing nitrate in a denitrator, deep sand bed or rockwork.
Do I need a denitrator to use this?
No – it can also be dosed into live rock and deep sand bed systems that already have anoxic zones, not only dedicated denitrator units.
Will it help with hydrogen sulphide smell from my denitrator?
Continuum states this formulation is non-sulfur-fixing and intended to reduce hydrogen sulphide levels, which is a common concern with alcohol or sugar-fed denitrators.
