PMX8 — Biological Management Probiotic × 8 | BTA Biotech Aquatica
PMX8 — Biological Management Probiotic × 8 | BTA Biotech Aquatica
PMX8
BIOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT × 8
8 beneficial microbial strains working through 4 complementary biological mechanisms. Apply directly to water for system-wide biological support — can also be mixed into feed. Nutritional supplement for inclusion in fish feed. For animal consumption only.
Four-Tier Biological Strategy
Most probiotics rely on one mechanism. PMX8 combines four complementary biological strategies that work synergistically — natural compounds, biological interaction, competitive exclusion, and nutritional support.
Natural Compounds
Streptomyces spp. produce naturally occurring compounds (streptcytosines, atrovimycin, desertomycins, ilamycins). Bacillus strains produce lipopeptides (surfactin, iturin, fengycin, bacillomycin) that help maintain natural microbial balance. These are naturally occurring compounds with broad biological activity.
Biological Interaction
Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus is a naturally occurring beneficial bacterium with a unique biological cycle. It helps maintain natural microbial balance in aquatic environments. No other probiotic contains this organism — it is a fundamentally different biological mechanism that helps maintain natural biological balance.
Competitive Exclusion + Nutritional Support
6 Bacillus strains help maintain healthy microbial balance by occupying ecological niches, produce digestive enzymes, and help maintain natural microbial balance. Rhodotorula yeast provides astaxanthin and beta-glucan — naturally occurring compounds that help maintain healthy biological function.
Meet the Microbial Strains
Eight carefully selected beneficial microorganisms, each chosen for a specific role in biological management. From broad-spectrum Bacillus to specialised Actinomycetes and the unique Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus.
Broad-Spectrum Biological Activity
Compounds produced: surfactin, iturin, fengycin, subtilisin, bacillomycin — naturally occurring lipopeptides with broad biological activity. Enzymes: Protease, amylase, cellulase — helps maintain healthy organic waste breakdown. Nutritional support: Helps maintain healthy biological function (confirmed in multiple peer-reviewed studies).
Biofloc & Enzyme Specialist
Compounds produced: lichenysin, bacitracin, surfactin, iturin, polymyxin — naturally produced lipopeptides with broad biological activity. Specialty: Biofloc formation specialist. Enzymes: Multiple naturally occurring enzymes including keratinase — helps maintain healthy organic matter breakdown and system cleanliness.
Versatile Biological Activity
Compounds produced: bacillomycin D, fengycin, surfactin, macrolactin, difficidin — naturally occurring compounds with broad biological activity. Additional: Natural plant growth promoter for refugiums. Helps maintain natural microbial balance in aquatic environments.
Multi-Activity Generalist
Compounds produced: bacilysin, difficidin, macrolactin, surfactin, fengycin — multiple distinct naturally occurring compounds. Composition: Naturally occurring beneficial bacterium with broad biological activity. Enzymes: Protease, cellulase, xylanase to help maintain healthy system conditions.
Natural Compound & Nitrogen Specialist
Compounds produced: polymyxins, fusaricidins, paenibacillins, pelgipeptins — naturally produced compounds with broad biological activity. Specialty: Nitrogen-fixing — fixes atmospheric N₂, beneficial for plant-dominated systems and nitrifying biofilter support. Helps maintain natural microbial balance.
Unique Biological Interaction
Mechanism: A naturally occurring beneficial bacterium with a unique biological cycle. Helps maintain natural microbial balance through biological interaction. Composition: Each cycle produces 3–6 new cells that continue the biological process. Safe: Cannot interact with fish, invertebrates, or beneficial nitrifiers.
Natural Compound Producer
Compounds produced: streptcytosines, atrovimycin, desertomycins, ilamycins — naturally produced compounds with broad biological activity. Quorum quenching: Helps maintain healthy microbial communication patterns — supports natural biofilm management. Composition: Naturally occurring Actinomycete with broad biological activity.
Nutritional Support & Colour
Compounds produced: astaxanthin (a naturally occurring carotenoid) and beta-glucans (naturally occurring polysaccharides). Effects: Helps maintain healthy biological function — shown in sea bream, Atlantic salmon, and Pacific white shrimp studies. Bonus: Astaxanthin helps maintain natural colouration in fish and invertebrates.
The specific compounds listed above are well-documented in published scientific literature. Search any compound name to learn more about its biological properties.
What's Inside PMX8
PMX8 contains 8 beneficial microbial strains, each selected for a specific role in biological management. The product helps maintain natural microbial activity, supports healthy biological function, and helps maintain normal digestive processes. PMX-8 is applied directly to water — can also be mixed into feed.
| Strain | Type | Primary Role |
|---|---|---|
| Bacillus subtilis | Spore-former | Broad-spectrum beneficial bacteria |
| Bacillus licheniformis | Spore-former | Biofloc & enzyme specialist |
| Bacillus amyloliquefaciens | Spore-former | Natural compound producer |
| Bacillus velezensis | Spore-former | Multi-activity generalist |
| Paenibacillus polymyxa | Spore-former | Nitrogen specialist |
| Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus | Gram-negative | Microbial balance support |
| Streptomyces hydrogenans | Actinomycete | Natural compound producer |
| Rhodotorula mucilaginosa | Marine yeast | Nutritional support & colour |
All strains naturally occurring beneficial microorganisms. For inclusion in fish feed and water. For animal consumption only.
How to Apply PMX8
PMX8 is formulated as a free-flowing powder at 1 × 10¹¹ CFU/g. The primary application method is direct to water. PMX8 can also be mixed into feed as a nutritional supplement.
💧 Water Application
Use rate: 1 g per 1000 L = 100,000 CFU/mL. Apply once weekly. Maintain active aeration (airstone or pure oxygen) during use. Minimise feed input during application to support oxygen availability and reduce organic load.
🔄 Water — Ongoing Use
Use rate: 1 g per 2000 L = 50,000 CFU/mL. For ongoing biological management between applications. Helps maintain natural microbial activity and supports healthy biological function.
🍽️ Feed Application (Optional)
Use rate: 1 g per kg feed = 1 × 10⁸ CFU/g feed. For inclusion in fish feed to help maintain healthy gut function and support healthy biological function.
⚡ Feed — Higher Use Rate (Optional)
Use rate: 5 g per kg feed = 5 × 10⁸ CFU/g feed. For inclusion in fish feed during periods of higher biological demand. Nutritional supplement for inclusion in fish feed.
Water Application — Mixing Directions
Use rate: 1 g per 1000 L (100,000 CFU/mL) applied once weekly.
Aeration: Always maintain active aeration (airstone or pure oxygen) during use.
Feeding: Minimise feed input during application to support oxygen availability and reduce organic load.
Note: For inclusion in fish feed and water. For animal consumption only.
Build a Complete Biological System
PMX8 works best as part of a comprehensive biological management strategy. These complementary biological products target specific aspects of system health.
Custom Blends — Microbe Market
Need a specific formulation? Microbe Market offers all 23 BTA strains individually in 10g packages, plus a custom compounding service. Build your own blend targeting your system's specific requirements. Explore Strains →
OC-K — Microbe Nutrient Growth Fuel
Optimise colonisation. OC-K is a prebiotic growth medium specifically formulated for Bacillus, Paenibacillus, Streptomyces, and Rhodotorula strains. Use alongside PMX8 for reliable establishment, sustained population persistence, and more effective long-term biological management. View Product →
NCOMP — Nitrogen Cycling Consortium
Complete nitrogen management. NCOMP provides Nitrosomonas, Nitrobacter, and supporting autotrophic strains for rapid biofilter maturation and full NH₃/NO₂/NO₃ cycling. Ideal pairing with PMX8 for systems requiring both biological management and robust filtration. View Range →
Everything in the Package
PMX8 is a complete biological management system in a single container. Apply directly to water — can also be mixed into feed. No additional mixing, blending, or preparation required.
8-Strain Blend
1 × 10¹¹ CFU/g. A precisely formulated blend of Bacillus subtilis, B. licheniformis, B. amyloliquefaciens, B. velezensis, Paenibacillus polymyxa, Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus, Streptomyces hydrogenans, and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa — all in one powder.
Choice of Weights
Multiple sizes available to match your system volume and supplementation frequency. From single uses to bulk supply for ongoing protocols.
Mixing Guide
Comprehensive mixing protocol included with every order. Covers water application (standard and higher-rate), feed application (standard and higher-rate), and application guidelines.
Scale Up Your Biological Management
For operations that need more targeted or higher-rate biological management, these options extend PMX8's capabilities.
Custom Blends
Precise targeting. Work with our microbial team to design a custom formulation that emphasises specific strains for your system's biological profile. Ideal for RAS facilities, hatcheries, and research operations with specific biological requirements.
Bloom Out On Site
Reduce costs at scale. Use OC-K to bloom PMX8 on-site before deployment — massively reduces per-unit cost for large-scale operations. Ask us how — it's super easy.
Tailored Mixing Programs
Ongoing support. Our technical team designs system-specific mixing protocols — volume, bioload, species, and goals all factored in. Includes scheduled reviews and adjustments as your system evolves.
💬 Need a Custom Formulation?
Contact our microbial team to discuss custom blends, higher CFU options, or tailored mixing programs for your specific operation.
Get in TouchCommon Questions
Not Sure Which Product You Need?
Every system is different. Our technical team can help you choose the right formulation, mixing protocol, and complementary products for your specific setup — from nano reefs to commercial RAS facilities.
Trade & Wholesale
Bulk pricing available for commercial RAS facilities, hatcheries, aquaculture operations, aquarium installers, and resellers. Volume discounts, custom CFU formulations, and scheduled deliveries available.
