Having set-up and managed several different reef aquaria over the last decade or so, we’ve used quite a few different biological methodologies and employed a range of different technology in the quest for the best possible conditions for our stock. In that period we’ve seen companies, and the approaches they tout, rise and sometimes fall away into obscurity. The use of probiotic supplements to attain low nutrient levels in reefs is an approach that has gained popularity in recent years and now appears to have become firmly established as a viable methodology for the long term maintenance of reef aquaria. Furthermore, this method is clearly capable of producing some of the most visually stunning aquaria, particularly SPS dominated systems. Given this, and the fact that our own test system had reached a point suitable for the deployment of such a method, we decided to conduct our own foray into the world of probiotics. After several weeks of research into the various different options, we decided to go with Prodibio for our trial as this seemed the simplest method by far, and we were impressed with their positive and open attitude when we chatted to them at Aqua2013. Originally established in Lyon way back in 1998, this isn’t a ‘flash in the pan’ operation. Following a buy-out and relocation to Marseille in 2006, Prodibio are now a major player in the low nutrient reef market with a diverse and highly respected product range (encompassing both freshwater, pond and marine) distributed across 5 continents. 
So before we go on to the all-important results of our trial, let’s look at exactly what the ‘system’ comprises. Presented in a neat plastic box, the Biokit Reef is Prodibio’s complete package for attaining and maintaining low nutrient levels. Within the case, multiple glass ampoules are held securely in rows, with each clearly labelled to show exactly what it contains. Unless you have severely reduced dexterity, these ampoules are very easy to handle and simple to use. Basically all you do is slide the short piece of rubber tube that comes in each box over the end of an ampoule and snap off the end. No liquid comes out until you do the same with the other end and then the contents of the ampoule simply trickle out. We use the lid of the box to put the empty ampoules and tips before these go into the bin, and we dose each ampoule into our sump so it mixes well before entering the main display.… More:
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