A Healthy Biome - Preventative Bacteria Dosing Program

Living Oceans

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Successful reef keeping is about observing your aquarium regularly, recognising changes early, and making small corrections before they become larger problems. One of the most important habits you can build is maintaining a healthy population of beneficial bacteria — and keeping a close eye on your water quality parameters.

Why Beneficial Bacteria Matter

Beneficial bacteria are the foundation of a healthy Living Oceans ecosystem. They break down fish waste, detritus, and organic buildup — and most importantly, they out-compete nuisance algae and bad bacteria before they can take hold.

While beneficial bacteria occur naturally in your aquarium, we recommend proactively dosing them on a routine schedule to keep their numbers strong from day one.

Your Dosing Schedule — Step by Step

Step 1 — Day Zero: Start with Dr. Tim's Refresh

On the day your aquarium is set up, add your first dose of Dr. Tim's Re-fresh directly to the aquarium.

Small: 2 caps
Medium: 3 caps
Large: 4 caps

Step 2 — Weeks 2, 3 & 4: Continue Weekly Refresh Doses

Once per week for the first month, repeat the same dose of Re-fresh. This supports your aquarium as it establishes with your fish and starter coral pack, before your cleanup crew is introduced.

Small: 2 caps per week
Medium: 3 caps per week
Large: 4 caps per week

Step 3 — Month 2: Add Your Cleanup Crew & Switch to Waste Away

After the first month, your cleanup crew can be added. At this point, switch from Refresh to Dr. Tim's Waste-Away. The dosage remains the same:

Small: 2 caps per month
Medium: 3 caps per month
Large: 4 caps per month

Step 4 — Ongoing: Dose Waste Away Once a Month

Continue dosing Waste-Away on a monthly basis indefinitely. It breaks down detritus, replenishes beneficial bacteria, and reduces the frequency of water changes needed. There is no harm in maintaining this routine — only benefit.

Water Quality & Nutrient Balance

Alongside your bacteria dosing routine, monitoring your water quality parameters is one of the most important things you can do to keep your ecosystem thriving.

Each parameter has two ranges to be aware of:

Ideal Range — where we want your aquarium to operate day to day
Acceptable Range — generally safe, but should be monitored. If a parameter moves outside this range, take corrective action to return it to ideal conditions as soon as possible

Parameter: Temperature
Ideal Range: 21-27°C
Acceptable Range: 20-28°C

Parameter: Salinity
Ideal Range: 1.022-1.026 SG
Acceptable Range: 1.020-1.028 SG

Parameter: pH
Ideal Range: 7.8-8.4
Acceptable Range: 7.7-8.7

Parameter: Alkalinity (KH)
Ideal Range: 7.5-9 dKH
Acceptable Range: 7-10 dKH

Parameter: Calcium
Ideal Range: 400-450 ppm
Acceptable Range: 380-480 ppm

Parameter: Magnesium
Ideal Range: 1250-1350 ppm
Acceptable Range: 1200-1400 ppm

Parameter: Ammonia (NH₃)
Ideal Range: 0 ppm
Acceptable Range: Temporary <1 ppm

Parameter: Nitrite (NO₂)
Ideal Range: 0 ppm
Acceptable Range: Temporary <1 ppm

Parameter: Nitrate (NO₃)
Ideal Range: 1-20 ppm
Acceptable Range: 1-50 ppm

Parameter: Phosphate (PO₄)
Ideal Range: 0.03-0.10 ppm
Acceptable Range: 0.03-0.20 ppm

Small, consistent adjustments made early will always be more effective — and less stressful for your livestock — than large corrections made after a problem has developed. If you are unsure about any readings or need guidance on corrective action, visit the Living Oceans Support Hub or reach out to our team.