NT Labs Optimus and Satus - Frequently Asked Questions

1 May 2025

General Use & Compatibility

Q: Can I use NT Labs Ammonia Remover alongside Optimus and Satus if I still have high ammonia readings? A: Ammonia Remover is suitable for use with Optimus and Satus and will provide additional surfaces for the beneficial bacteria in Satus to colonise. Ammonia Remover physically removes ammonia from the water, whereas Optimus temporarily binds ammonia before slowly releasing it over time back into the water, giving your bacteria time to catch up.
Q: Why are Optimus and Satus suitable for both saltwater and freshwater when not all bacteria thrive in salt? A: The bacterial blend in Satus contains different microbes suited to varying levels of salinity. Those that can thrive in the tank environment will establish themselves and develop the biofilter. Optimus is perfectly fine to use in saltwater, and there will be no effect on the dechlorinating ability in saltwater vs freshwater.
Q: Can I use Satus for a fishless cycle with aquarium-safe ammonia? A: Satus is perfectly suitable for a fishless cycle with aquarium-safe ammonia. Ensure you keep the dosing regime consistent, and you will see the same results as with a fish-in cycle.
Q: How do I use Optimus and Satus? A: Watch our 'Quick How To' on YouTube

Storage & Shelf Life

Q: Do I need to keep Satus in the fridge after opening? Will the bacteria die off once the bottle is opened? A: Satus is stable under normal conditions but will die off at extreme temperatures. Keep the product above freezing and below 50°C.
Q: How long do the bacteria in Satus stay alive in the bottle? A: The bacteria and microorganisms in Satus can stay alive indefinitely, as they are in a dormant state.

Application & Dosage

Q: How often should I dose Optimus? A: Dose Optimus with every water change. When starting a new aquarium, dose for the full tank volume and add it directly to the tank. For water changes, dose for the volume of water being replaced and add it directly to the new water before adding to the tank. If you notice that you have had an ammonia spike, or accidentally overfed or have gone away on holiday, you can use Optimus up to 5x the dose rate to bind the ammonia, nitrites and nitrates, giving your bacteria a chance to catch up.
Q: What happens if I overdose with Optimus? A: Optimus is safe up to 5x the recommended dose. This higher dosage is suitable in emergencies involving ammonia or nitrite spikes. If you do overdose the 5x dose rate, perform a partial water change and ensure adequate aeration, as overdosing can reduce oxygen levels.
Q: Is it normal for Optimus to smell? A: Optimus can develop a slightly sulphurous odour over time. This is perfectly normal and does not affect the product's performance.
Q: Should I pour Satus into the filter or directly into the tank? A: Satus can be added to either location. The bacteria will travel through the water and colonise surfaces to form a biofilm.
Q: Should I add Satus before introducing fish to my tank, and will it allow me to add fish more quickly? A: Add Satus before introducing fish. If the dosing schedule on the bottle is followed for 7 days, fish and other aquatic species can be added to the aquarium at any point after the first dose. Using Optimus will also help protect the fish from any ammonia, whilst you wait for your bacteria to kick in.
Q: Once I’ve used Satus for the initial seven days to mature my filter, how often should I dose afterwards? A: Dose weekly as part of your regular maintenance schedule to support your biofilter. Also dose 24 hours after completing any medical treatments, and after introducing new fish, filter cleaning, water changes, or any medication course.
Q: What do I do if I see ammonia or nitrite in my aquarium after following the dosage schedule? A: Continue dosing Satus, re-evaluate your setup and water quality, and address any issues. Satus may take more time to establish if there are other variables not mentioned above. If there's no improvement after 3 weeks, please contact us.

Effectiveness & Interactions

Q: Does Optimus affect test kit results? A: Optimus can affect liquid salicylate ammonia tests, as they use chlorine. This causes reduced colour formation, but the effect only lasts for 24 hours after dosing.
Q: How does Optimus detoxify nitrite and nitrate? A: There are two main theories. The most likely is that Optimus binds nitrite and nitrate similarly to ammonia, rendering them non-toxic for around 24 hours. They are then slowly re-released. Another theory is that Optimus converts nitrite and nitrate into nitrogen or benign organic nitrogen compounds, removing them from the tank.
Q: Does water hardness affect how Optimus works? A: Water hardness does not affect the effectiveness of Optimus.
Q: How long does Optimus detoxify ammonia for? A: Optimus detoxifies ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates for 24 hours. These are then slowly released back into the system as the active ingredient breaks down. If elevated levels of ammonia persist, start to dose Satus to help your biofilter.
Q: If Optimus removes ammonia, does it starve beneficial bacteria? A: Optimus does not remove ammonia; it binds it into a form too large to pass through fish gills, reducing toxicity. This bound ammonia remains available for beneficial bacteria to consume.
Q: Is there a minimum or maximum temperature for using Optimus or Satus? A: There is no minimum temperature. At temperatures above 30°C with low chlorine and ammonia levels, use a half dose of Optimus.
Q: How does Satus break down nitrate, and where does it go? A: Satus does not break down nitrate, but Optimus can bind nitrate in a similar way to ammonia.
Q: Does Optimus bind anything else besides ammonia? A: Optimus is thought to bind nitrites and nitrates as well, rendering them non-toxic for around 24 hours.
Q: Do Optimus or Satus interact with medications or plant foods? A: Satus is safe to use with medications and plant foods but can be affected by antibacterial treatments. Always re-dose after such treatments to support your biofilter. Optimus may interact with medications, so avoid using it during treatments. Resume dosing at your next water change.

Suitability for Different Setups & Livestock

Q: Can I use Optimus or Satus in a pond? A: Yes, both Optimus and Satus are suitable for pond use.
Q: Is there a different recommended dosage for ponds due to the increased surface area? A: Yes. For ponds, use a half dose due to the larger surface area.
Q: Will my UV steriliser affect Optimus or Satus? A: Optimus is unaffected by UV sterilisers. For Satus, turn off the UV steriliser and run the filters for around two hours before switching it back on.
Q: Is Optimus safe for shrimp? A: Yes, Optimus is safe to use with shrimp.
Q: Can I use Optimus for axolotls? A: Optimus is designed for use in fish systems. For axolotls, we recommend using AxoSafe, which is a pure formula free from aloe vera and formulated specifically for axolotls.
Q: Is Satus only for new setups, or should I use it after my filters are cycled? A: Satus is beneficial even after cycling. It boosts existing colonies of beneficial bacteria.
Q: Why should I continue using Satus once my tank is mature? A: Satus strengthens existing bacterial colonies, helping them keep up with the waste load over time. Bacteria can weaken or die off, so regular dosing ensures consistent performance.

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