OC-K Microbe Nutrient – Bacterial Growth Fuel/PRE-BIOTIC

Microbes are only as good as their core nutrition.

OC-K nutrient is a carefully formulated blend that provides essential nutrients and fuel sources for bacterial growth. It contains a balanced mix of organic carbon, amino acids, nitrogen, proteins, phosphorus, and both macro and micro elements—all of which are necessary for optimal bacterial propagation. OC-K is a complete Pre-Biotic Product; it feeds and nourishes organisms from Bacteria upwards.

Key Benefits:

1. Complete Nutrient Profile 🌾 OC-K supplies a broad spectrum of nutrients, including:

   • BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) to support bacterial metabolism.
   • Direct carbon source (Organic Carbon: 219.2 mg per 1 mL dose) to fuel bacterial growth and enhance efficiency.
   • Amino acids (110.8 mg per 1 mL dose) and proteins for sustained bacterial activity.

2. Critical for Pond-Side Culturing ⚗️ OC-K is essential for culturing beneficial bacteria pond-side, such as NCOMP and PRB, allowing users to multiply bacterial populations on-site. This cost-effective method enables large-scale applications without the need for excessive product use.

3. Organic & Alcohol-Free 🍃 Unlike some bacterial fuels, OC-K is entirely organic and does not contain alcohol-based compounds, ensuring it is safe for aquatic life and the surrounding environment.

Recommended Dosing:

• Aquaculture: 50ml per 1000L of water.
• Aquarium: 1ml per 100L of water.

Important Dosing Instructions:

• Dosing should be done slowly. Start with 25% of the recommended dose and gradually work up to the full dose over several days or weeks, observing tank inhabitants for any stress.
• Note that OC-K is a potent source of organic carbon, providing approximately 219.2 mg of organic carbon per 1mL dose, making it nearly twice as potent in organic carbon content compared to typical VSV formulations (which provide 120-140 mg of organic carbon per 1mL).

Effective for supporting bacterial growth in both routine applications and pond-side culturing, and as a starting dose for in-tank dosing for support of microbes and control of Nitrate and Phosphate.

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Want to Know More? / Overview

Traditional VSV (Vodka, Sugar, Vinegar) dosing—typically based on a blend of simple organic compounds—delivers a rapid source of organic carbon that fuels heterotrophic bacterial metabolism, leading to a burst of CO₂ that supports autotrophic processes. While effective at providing immediate energy, this approach supplies little beyond a fast-acting carbon source (around 120–140 mg of organic carbon per 1 mL per 100 L).

OC-K is formulated to deliver a significantly higher organic carbon input (approximately 219.2 mg of organic carbon per 1 mL dose per 100 L of water) while also introducing a broader spectrum of essential nutrients. In addition to a rich carbon source, OC-K provides amino acids, organic nitrogen, and a range of macro, micro, and trace minerals including phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and iron. This enhanced nutrient profile supports a balanced microbial ecosystem and promotes optimal health for tank inhabitants, including corals.

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Dosing Strategy

• Traditional VSV: ~1 mL per 100 L delivers around 120–140 mg of organic carbon.
• OC-K: 1 mL per 100 L delivers approximately 219.2 mg of organic carbon.

While OC-K provides significantly more organic carbon by volume, its comprehensive nutrient profile also fosters a more resilient microbial community and improved overall system nutrition. The recommended starting dose for aquariums is approximately 1 mL per 100 L per day, adjusted based on system needs and observation. Always start with a lower dose (e.g., 25%) and increase gradually.

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Comprehensive Nutrient Breakdown of OC-K

The table below summarizes the estimated nutrient contributions per 1 mL dose of OC-K (designed for dosing into 100 L of aquarium water).

• Organic Carbon: 219.2 mg
• Amino Acids/Peptides: 110.8 mg
• Nitrogen (Total): 13.47 mg
• Phosphorus (Total P): 1.36 mg
• Potassium (Total K): 19.4 mg
• Sulphur (Total S): 1.36 mg
• Calcium (Total Ca): 1.26 mg
• Magnesium (Total Mg): 0.4 mg
• Sodium (Total Na): 1 mg
• Iron (Total Fe): 1.36 mg
• Other Trace Minerals: 0.12 mg

Note: These values are based on the formulation. Due to the inherent variability of organic supplements, actual nutrient compositions may differ slightly between batches.

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Nutritional & Metabolic Advantages of OC-K

High Organic Carbon Input

OC-K delivers a substantial level of organic carbon (219.2 mg per 1 mL dose), ensuring that heterotrophic bacteria receive sufficient energy for rapid metabolism and CO₂ production, which in turn benefits autotrophic organisms.

Enhanced Nutritional Support with OC-K

OC-K provides a comprehensive suite of nutrients:

• Amino Acids / Peptides: Supplies 110.8 mg per dose, providing essential building blocks for microbial growth and coral tissue repair.
• Nitrogen (Total): Provides 13.47 mg per dose, supporting protein synthesis and the development of microbial biomass.
• Phosphorus (Total P): Provides 1.36 mg per dose, aiding in energy transfer and cellular processes.
• Potassium (Total K): Supplies 19.4 mg per dose, important for various cellular functions.
• Macro & Micro Minerals: Includes Calcium (1.26 mg), Magnesium (0.4 mg), Iron (1.36 mg), Sulphur (1.36 mg), Sodium (1 mg), and Other Trace Minerals (0.12 mg) per dose, vital for skeletal formation, enzymatic activity, calcification, and cellular metabolism.

Special Note on Nitrogen and Phosphorus in OC-K:

The nitrogen and phosphorus in OC-K are primarily organic and locked in food sources. This means OC-K not only feeds bacteria but can also directly nourish other organisms in the tank. The elemental nitrogen to phosphorus ratio is roughly balanced at approximately 10:1 (13.47 mg N : 1.36 mg P), which is beneficial for cellular respiration and nutrition. OC-K can aid in rebalancing nutrient deficiencies and is typically digested by the aquarium's biological community before it negatively impacts water parameters.

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Overall Ecosystem Benefits

By delivering a well-rounded nutrient profile that goes beyond simple organic carbon, OC-K:

• Fosters a diverse and resilient microbial community.
• Enhances autotrophic performance by better supporting symbiotic algae.
• Improves coral growth and stress resistance through comprehensive nutritional support.
• Acts as a complete pre-biotic, nourishing organisms from bacteria upwards.

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Conclusion

OC-K offers aquarists an advanced dosing strategy that provides a potent organic carbon input (approximately 219.2 mg per 1 mL per 100 L) along with significant added benefits. With substantial amino acids, organic nitrogen, and a broad spectrum of macro, micro, and trace minerals, this multi-action approach fuels rapid heterotrophic metabolism and supports overall reef and aquatic ecosystem health.

This comprehensive nutrient dosing strategy is ideal for promoting a balanced, nutrient-rich environment that enhances both microbial and inhabitant performance. Always start dosing slowly and observe your system's response. The values provided serve as guidelines; actual compositions may vary slightly due to the nature of organic supplements.