FishProfiles.com Message Forums

Marineland told my boss that he didn't have to keep it refrigerated. They haven't changed the packaging since they started selling it again.

I don't just spout off info, especially important stuff like this, without being extra sure on it. I've played around with non-refrigerated Bio Spira several times (at least five instances), sold it to customers, and talked to people who have used it... all with no problems. They sent fridges with the first few shipments of the stuff when it came out and actually called to tell us we didn't have to use them anymore. It's seriously okay; if you want, call Marineland and ask. If they say I'm on crack, I'll send you ten free aquatic plants.

Last edited by wolfie8113 at 18-Nov-2004 22:23

thanks Gary. I hope it clears up soon. This is ANNOYING!

The quotes were taken from the current Marineland website about Bio Spira...

I would insist the live bacteria present in Bio Spira, no matter what is rumored, will not survive room temps. It would seem the website agrees with me.

NIC bacteria is protected in "flocs" in a dormant state thus no refrigeration is required.

--garyroland.

Hobbyists always panic when they see their tanks turn cloudy...

New tanks have a habit, almost always, of turning cloudy and older tanks, those whose biological balance has become disrupted, will turn cloudy also.

As long as nothing is being overdone like feeding and still surface water, etc., the tanks will balance out and clear.

The clearing period is a time-consuming process that requires patience and observation. If the tank is not becoming progressively worse, you will notice, looking from one end of the tank to the other, slight improvements day by day.

--garyroland.

I order biospira 3 days ago and it arrived today in my mailbox. no idea how long it was sitting there. no icepack just tinfoil and bubble wrap. this is different then the last time i orderd it. it was shipped with a icepack and showed up at my door.
is this pack viable at 50-60F?

Gary, I'm not going to argue this point any further here, but I think I will see if I can get someone from Marineland to back me up in a thread sometime soon. I swear it's okay to leave it at room temp.

Sin, go ahead and try it. It won't hurt.

You do what you have to do, Wolfie...

But take a peek at their website in the meantime.

I'm not sure of the degradation rate of bacteria in Bio Spira that has been left unrefrigerated for a few days.

There is a purpose, other than keeping the bacteria chilled, and that is to slow down the rate of food consumption of the live bacteria.

Be aware that live bacteria have to have a food source in order to survive. I would imagine when bottle temps increase so do the appetites of the living bacteria in the bottle solution.

It's very possible that many of the bacteria die off after a few days of room temps and above.

--garyroland