APT Balance

Most beneficial bacteria products weren't designed with modern aquasoils in mind. They require hard water, refrigeration, and stable pH — the opposite of what a planted aquasoil tank actually looks like.

APT Balance is different.

Developed by Dennis Wong of The 2HR Aquarist, APT Balance is a potent dry-powder bacteria blend engineered to thrive in the soft, acidic environments created by modern aquasoils. No refrigeration needed. Works across pH 5.5–9.5. And with >20 billion CFUs per gram, it's one of the most concentrated bacteria products you'll find.

Each pack contains two sachets that work together:

Sachet A — Nitrifying Bacteria A specialised blend of AOB and NOB bacteria (Nitrosomonas, Nitrobacter, Nitrosococcus, Nitrospira) that accelerates the breakdown of ammonia → nitrite → nitrate. This is the engine of your nitrogen cycle.

Sachet B — Waste Digesting Bacteria A carefully selected blend of mulm-digesting microbes (Pseudomonas, Arthrobacter, Bacillus subtilis, Alcaligenes, Actinomycetota, and Polyphosphate-accumulating bacteria) that breaks down plant detritus and animal waste into harmless CO₂ and water.

Together, they give your tank a powerful and complete microbial foundation — faster cycling, reduced algae triggers, healthier plants, and less stressed animals.

KEY FEATURES

• Designed specifically for aquasoil aquariums — outperforms liquid bacteria in acidic, low pH environments
• Kickstarts nitrification — accelerates the nitrogen cycle from day one
• Works pH 5.5 to 9.5 — covers the full range of modern planted tank setups
• 20 billion CFUs per gram — extremely high potency in both sachets
• Dry powder format — no refrigeration required, room temperature storage
• Restores microbial balance after water changes, filter cleaning, or tank resets
• Reduces fish stress — stable microbial environment means healthier conditions for livestock
• Safe to dose directly with livestock present
• One pack = 12 monthly doses for a 100L tank

DOSING INSTRUCTIONS

Add 1x Sachet A + 1x Sachet B per approximately 100L of tank water.

For smaller tanks (e.g. 50L), use a proportionate amount. Adding more than recommended is safe — excess bacteria may cause temporary surface slime or cloudy water, which clears naturally.

Turn off your UV steriliser for 24 hours after dosing.

New tanks Add APT Balance on day one. For best results, run a 2-week Dark Start before planting. Alternatively, plant immediately and perform large 90% water changes every 2–3 days, adding APT Balance each week.

Monthly maintenance Add 1x Sachet A + 1x Sachet B every month to maintain a healthy, stable microbial colony.

After maintenance events Add after filter cleaning, tank resets, or any time you introduce new livestock — anything that can disrupt the tank's microbial balance.

Even though APT Balance speeds up cycling, we recommend waiting 1–2 weeks before introducing fish and animals. This allows the tank's full microbial community to establish itself beyond simple water parameters.