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⚡ Hydra Fast Cycling

Fast cycling system for new aquariums

Hydra Fast Cycling is a biological activation system based on Catalyst ONE + Catalyst TWO , developed to accelerate the aquarium cycling process and allow the biofilter to reach full functionality in the shortest possible time.

Ideal for newly set up aquariums that need to quickly establish a controlled and predictable nitrogen cycle.

Who is it suitable for?

✔ New aquariums
✔ Recent installations with filter already installed
✔ Aquarists who want to reduce the waiting time before introducing fauna.

What does it include?

• Hydra Catalyst ONE
• Hydra Catalyst TWO

A two-part system that must always be used together.

🔬 How it works

Fast Cycling provides the necessary components daily to stimulate and test the development of the biological cycle, allowing verification of when the system is able to fully process the ammonia load within 24 hours.

The goal is not just to "start bacteria," but to confirm that the biofilter is functional.

📋 How to use — Step by step (reference 100 L)

Preparation

1. Fill the aquarium with treated water (without chlorine or chloramines).
2. Turn on the filter and ensure good oxygenation.
3. Adjust pH and KH if necessary.
4. Reduce or turn off the lighting.

Day 1 — Aquarium set up

Daily dosage

Add every day:

• 5 ml of Catalyst ONE per 100 L
• 5 ml of Catalyst TWO per 100 L

Always apply both parts, preferably at the same time of day.

❗ Do not change the water during this phase.

🧪 When to test and how to interpret

First assessment: Day 8

Test 24 hours after the last dose:

• Ammonia (NH₃/NH₄⁺)
• Nitrite (NO₂⁻)

Interpretation of results

✅ Functional cycle

• Ammonia ≈ 0 ppm
• Nitrite ≈ 0 ppm
• Nitrates present

The biofilter can process the load in 24 hours.

The aquarium is ready to receive wildlife.

⏳ Cycle still under development

• Ammonia and/or nitrite still detectable

Continue daily dosage.
Repeat tests after another 3 days.

The cycle is complete when the system is able to completely eliminate ammonia and nitrite within 24 hours after the last dose.

Important note about nitrates

If nitrates are already present in measurable quantities (5–10 ppm):

• Perform a new test 12–24 hours later, without measuring Catalyst.
• If ammonia and nitrites decrease and nitrates increase compared to the previous test.
The cycle is functional.

The tank will be ready when ammonia and nitrites = 0.

⚠️ Pay attention to the filter capacity.

In cases of insufficient biological filtration (too little biological media, low flow rate, or inadequate volume for the aquarium's dimensions):

Even with a complete cycle, it can take more than 24 hours to fully process ammonia and nitrites.

In these cases:

• Repeat test after another 12–24 hours without measuring Catalyst.
• Consider upgrading the filtration system.

📦 Estimated lifespan (100 L)

With a daily dosage of 5 ml + 5 ml:

• 250 ml bottle → approximately 25 days of use
• 500 ml bottle → approximately 50 days of use

More than enough to complete the cycling process in most systems.

🎯 Expected result

👉 Functional biological cycle in less time
👉 Objective confirmation of filter maturity
👉 Controlled and technically validated match

Positioning within the Hydra line

Fast Cycling is the technical starting point.

It's not maintenance.
It's not biological reinforcement.
It is the structured method for validating the nitrogen cycle.

First, the system stabilizes. Then you evolve.