MICROPLEX
MICROPLEX — The Ultimate Multi-Strain Aquatic Probiotic
What Is Microplex?
Microplex is a professional-grade aquatic probiotic containing 22 carefully selected bacterial strains at a potency of 5 × 10¹⁰ CFU/g. It's designed to rapidly cycle new aquariums, suppress harmful pathogens, break down waste, and keep your water crystal clear.
Think of it as a complete microbial ecosystem in a bottle — each strain has a specific job, and together they create a healthy, balanced aquatic environment.
Key Benefits at a Glance
22 Synergistic Strains — Each chosen for a specific role in your aquarium
5 × 10¹⁰ CFU/g — Professional-grade potency
Antimicrobial Metabolites — Naturally fights harmful bacteria like Vibrio, Aeromonas, and Pseudomonas
Bdellovibrio Predator — A living bacterial predator that hunts and destroys pathogenic bacteria
Freshwater & Marine Optimized — Works in both FW and saltwater systems
Reef & Plant Safe — Completely safe for corals, shrimp, plants, and sensitive invertebrates
Non-GMO — All strains are naturally occurring
How Does Microplex Work?
Nitrification Core
Two key bacteria — Nitrosomonas europea and Nitrobacter winogradskyi — form the backbone of the nitrogen cycle. They convert toxic ammonia → nitrite → nitrate, helping new tanks cycle faster and keeping established tanks stable.
⚔️ Antimicrobial Warfare
Multiple strains produce powerful natural compounds (surfactin, fengycin, iturin, bacillomycin, polymyxin, bacitracin, and more) that actively fight off harmful bacteria and fungi including Vibrio, Aeromonas, and Pseudomonas.
Bacterial Predation
Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus is a living predator — it hunts down harmful Gram-negative bacteria, breaches their cell walls, and digests them from the inside out. It's like having tiny bodyguards in your tank that only target the bad guys.
♻️ Waste Recycling
The bacterial consortium produces a full suite of enzymes (amylase, protease, cellulase, lipase, chitinase, and more) that break down sludge, uneaten food, fish waste, and organic debris at the source — before it can pollute your water.
Plant Growth Support
Several strains act as Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR), producing natural phytohormones, solubilising phosphate, and even fixing atmospheric nitrogen — giving your aquatic plants a real boost.
Water Clarity
Bacillus natto produces PGA, a natural bioflocculant that helps particles clump together for easy filtration. Bacillus mucilaginosus breaks down silicate minerals. The result? Crystal clear water.
Core Features
Rapid Waste Breakdown — Processes sludge, detritus, and uneaten food directly in the system
Reef & Plant Safe — Zero impact on coral sensitivity or delicate aquatic flora. 100% biological.
Ammonia Neutralization — Reduces toxic NH₃/NO₂ peaks during feeding cycles or when adding new livestock
Pathogen Defense — Competitive exclusion plus direct antimicrobial warfare eliminates harmful bacteria
Full Strain Breakdown — All 22 Strains
Strain Key Function Antimicrobial / Metabolites
Bacillus subtilis Ammonia/nitrite/nitrate removal; waste cycling; plant growth Surfactin, fengycin, iturin, bacillomycin, polymyxin
Bacillus licheniformis Ammonia/nitrite removal; protein breakdown; biofloc Bacitracin, lichenysin
Bacillus amyloliquefaciens Ammonia/nitrite/nitrate removal; nutrient solubilisation Surfactin, fengycin, iturin, bacillomycin
Paenibacillus polymyxa Nitrogen fixation; phosphate solubilisation; plant growth Polymyxin, paenibacillin, fusaricidin
Rhodopseudomonas palustris Nitrate removal; phosphorus assimilation Photosynthetic nutrient cycling
Bacillus laterosporus General disease reduction Broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity
Bacillus firmus Organic waste breakdown (starch) Competitive exclusion of pathogens
Bacillus aryabhattai Improved digestion & nutrient uptake Vibrio reduction
Nitrosomonas / Nitrobacter Ammonia → Nitrite → Nitrate (nitrification) Nitrogen cycle backbone
Bacillus coagulans Gut probiotic; immune modulation Lactic acid production (lowers gut pH)
Bacillus megatherium Nitrate removal; phosphate solubilisation Plant growth promotion; PHB production
Bacillus methylotrophicus Ammonia/nitrate removal; phosphate solubilisation Surfactin, fengycin, iturin
Bacillus natto Organic recycling; bioflocculant (PGA) Nattokinase; vitamin K₂
Bacillus pumilus Nitrate removal; biofilm formation Antimicrobial peptides
Bacillus velezensis Ammonia/nitrite/nitrate removal; biofilm Surfactin, fengycin, polyketides
Marine Rhodotorula Ammonia/nitrite removal; immune stimulant Astaxanthin, carotenoids, B-vitamins
Torula Yeast (Candida utilis) Immune priming; vitamin synthesis; water clarification Beta-glucan, B vitamins, organic acids
Streptomyces hydrogenans Sludge, lignin, cellulose, chitin breakdown Antifungal & antimicrobial compounds
Cold-Water Bacillus Cold-active enzyme production Cold-active proteases, amylases, lipases
Bacillus mucilaginosus Mineral mobilisation (potassium, silicon) Silicate mineral dissolution
Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus Predator: hunts Gram-negative pathogens Hydrolytic enzymes breach Vibrio, Aeromonas, E. coli
Total viable count: 5 × 10¹⁰ CFU/g
All strains are naturally occurring and non-GMO.
Effective pH range: 6.0–9.0 | Effective temperature: 4°C–35°C
Dosing & Maintenance
Standard Dose: 1 gram per 350–500 litres
Frequency: Weekly to fortnightly
New tanks or heavy bioloads: Dose weekly at 1g per 350L
Established systems: Dose fortnightly at 1g per 500L
Always pre-mix the powder in a small amount of tank water before adding it to your aquarium. Adjust dosing based on your bioload, stocking density, and feeding rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Microplex safe for reef tanks and delicate invertebrates?
Absolutely. All 22 strains are naturally occurring, non-pathogenic, and non-GMO. Microplex is completely safe for corals, shrimp, larval stages, and sensitive aquatic flora.
Q: How does Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus work without harming my fish?
Bdellovibrio is highly specific. It only targets Gram-negative bacteria (like Vibrio and Aeromonas) by physically invading and consuming them. It does not interact with eukaryotic cells — meaning it won't harm your fish, plants, or invertebrates.
Q: Can I use Microplex to cycle a new aquarium?
Yes, it's optimised for rapid cycling. The inclusion of Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter establishes the nitrification backbone immediately, while heterotrophic strains process organic waste from day one.
Q: Does it work in cold water systems?
Yes. Microplex includes a specialised Cold-Water Bacillus strain that produces cold-active enzymes functional down to 4°C, ensuring biological activity even in chilled systems.
Q: What is the shelf life?
Multi-year shelf life. Keep the powder dry, cool, and tightly sealed after each use to maintain maximum CFU viability.
Product: Microplex — 22-Strain Aquatic Probiotic
Brand: Biotech Aquatica
URL: https://btaqua.com.au/products/microplex
