Rikka AQUA START 50 ml is a blend of live bacterial cultures for establishing the nitrogen cycle in an aquarium, made by the Ukrainian manufacturer Rikka. It's used when starting a new aquarium and after medications that kill beneficial bacteria. According to the manufacturer, it contains Nitrospira bacteria that immediately start oxidising ammonia and nitrites, so fish can be added just 24 hours after the first dose.
Why an aquarium needs bacteria
Fish release ammonia, and decaying leftover food and plants produce even more. Ammonia is toxic to fish. In an established tank, nitrifying bacteria in the filter and substrate convert ammonia first into nitrites and then into relatively harmless nitrates, which are removed with water changes. A new tank doesn't have these bacteria yet, so fish spend the first weeks in dangerous water. AQUA START's live bacteria colonise the tank right after it's filled and speed up the cycle. The product works in both fresh and salt water.
Key specs
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Contents | live Nitrospira nitrifying bacteria |
| Water | fresh and marine |
| Start-up | 1 ml per 10 L daily for 7 days |
| Maintenance dose | 1 ml per 10 L once a month |
| Fish can be added | 24 hours after the first dose |
| Storage | 2–25 °C, do not freeze, 24 months |
Pros
- Live Nitrospira bacteria. Start processing ammonia and nitrites immediately.
- A fast start. Fish can be added after just 24 hours.
- Recovery after medication. Restores beneficial bacteria after treating fish.
- Fresh and salt water. Suitable for any aquarium.
- A clear regimen. Daily for a week, then monthly.
- Made in Ukraine. According to the manufacturer, the only Ukrainian product based on Nitrospira.
Cons
- Chlorine kills the bacteria. Tap water must be treated with a conditioner first.
- 50 ml isn't enough to start a big tank. A 100 L aquarium needs 70 ml for the start-up week.
- Sensitive to storage. Must not be frozen or left in the sun.
- Patience is still needed. Feed fish sparingly in the first week and add them gradually.
How to use it
Shake the bottle vigorously before use. If you fill the tank with tap water, remove the chlorine first — for example with Rikka QUICK START conditioner: chlorine is lethal to live bacteria. In a new aquarium, add 1 ml of AQUA START per 10 L of water every day for 7 days after setup. Fish can be added 24 hours after the first dose; feed them sparingly in the first week. For maintenance, use 1 ml per 10 L once a month. After a course of medication, the regimen is the same: 1 ml per 10 L for 7 days.
Working out how much you need
Start-up takes 7 doses of 1 ml per 10 L. A 30 L tank needs 21 ml, a 60 L tank 42 ml — one 50 ml bottle is enough. A 100 L tank needs 70 ml, so you'll need a second bottle or the 100 ml size. For maintenance, 50 ml lasts a long time: 10 months for a 50 L tank. Store the bottle at 2–25 °C, away from sunlight and UV; up to 35–40 °C is acceptable briefly, for example in transit. Do not freeze. Shelf life is 24 months.
If your fish are ill
Many fish medications kill beneficial filter bacteria along with the parasites, so the nitrogen cycle has to be re-established after treatment. For example, after a course of Rikka ICHTHYOCID, the manufacturer recommends dosing AQUA START again. How to choose equipment and set up your first aquarium is covered in an aquarium for beginners: what to buy, and feeding in aquarium fish food.
Who it suits
Anyone starting a new aquarium or restoring the biological balance after treating fish; and for routine maintenance in any freshwater or marine tank. More products are in the fish medicines and water care section.
Verdict
Rikka AQUA START contains live Nitrospira bacteria that speed up aquarium cycling and restore the nitrogen cycle after medication. The regimen is simple: 1 ml per 10 L for 7 days, then monthly. The key points: remove chlorine from the water, store the bottle properly and work out the volume — one 50 ml bottle isn't enough to start a 100 L tank.
FAQ
When can fish be added?
24 hours after the first dose.
What's the start-up dose?
1 ml per 10 L of water every day for 7 days.
Is it suitable for a marine aquarium?
Yes, it's used in fresh and salt water.
Does chlorine need to be removed?
Yes, chlorine kills the bacteria; treat tap water with a conditioner first.
Can it be used after treating fish?
Yes, with the same regimen: 1 ml per 10 L for 7 days.
How should it be stored?
At 2–25 °C, away from sunlight and UV; do not freeze.
Which bacteria does it contain?
Nitrifying bacteria of the genus Nitrospira.
