2Hr Aquarist APT Start

Name: 2Hr Aquarist APT Start
Brand: The 2Hr Aquarist
SKU: START-45
Price: 24.90 AUD
Availability: InStock

$24.90

2Hr Aquarist APT START is the essential all-in-one booster for new tanks.
Super Substrate Enrichment + Starter Bacteria.
Adds critical probiotic organics and nutrients to accelerate microbial development and tank cycling.

INSTRUCTIONS

1 pouch (45g) per 60x30cm / 24"x12" area or 60L tank volume.
Spread evenly at bottom before adding substrate (preferably aquasoil) on top. Use a proportionately smaller amount for smaller tanks.
Store in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight.

WHY

APT START provides the essential all-in-one upgrade for every new tank- substrate enrichment (a performance boost for 90% of aquasoils) and a potent concoction of starter bacteria to jump start tank cycling.

INGREDIENTS

Solid inorganic macronutrient fertiliser with beneficial bacteria
NPK mineral fertiliser with micro-nutrients 8.8-0-0.5

8.8% Total Nitrogen (N)
-1.8% Nitric nitrogen
-7% ammoniacal nitrogen
0.6% Potassium oxide (K2O)
4.5% Calcium oxide (CaO)
1.5% Magnesium oxide (MgO)
0.01% Total Iron chelated by EDTA
Macro and micronutrients are completely water soluble

Ingredients:
Clay, Calcium sulfate (CMC1 CAS n°7778-18-9), ammonium sulfate (CMC1 CAS n°7783-20-2), Potassium sulphate (CMC1 CAS n°7778-80-5), Magnesium sulphate (CMC1 CAS n°7487-88-9), Magnesium nitrate (CMC1 CAS n°10377-60-3)

Product variants

2Hr Aquarist APT Start

$24.90

Super Boost

Get the power of rich substrate on demand, no matter what brand of aquasoil you use. APT START delivers a powerful boost of ammoniacal nitrogen and essential minerals based on APT's proven Capstone formula.

3 in 1

APT START combines substrate fertilization with beneficial bacteria to jump-start tank cycling and nitrification. It releases a small amount of ammonia to feed nitrifying bacteria and accelerate the cycling process. For ongoing microbial support, continue with APT Balance after the first month.

Long Lasting

APT START releases nutrients gradually over several months. After 3 months, or when plant growth slows, supplement with APT JAZZ.

Remove Bacteria Sachet

Open the pouch and remove Sachet A (or the Blue one) inside.

Spread Evenly

Fill the tank with water. Tear open the Bacteria Sachet (it contains dormant bacteria) and pour the contents into the water.

Fill and Add

Fill the tank with water. Tear open the Bacteria Sachet (it contains dormant bacteria) and pour the contents into the water.

Faster Startup

80% of new tanks experience common problems such as plant melt and algae blooms. By starting strong the 2Hr Way, these frustrations can be largely avoided.

Aquarist's Secret

Tank stability depends on more than just nutrition; it requires a diverse community of beneficial bacteria. This is where APT START excels. While other substrate boosters only add minerals, APT START delivers critically important microbes.

Algae Control

A richer substrate paired with leaner water dosing keeps algae under control while ensuring rooted plants receive all the nutrients they need to thrive.

FAQs

Please read our FAQs page to find out more.

Do I need APT START if I'm already using an aquasoil?

It depends on the aquasoil. If you're using APT Feast, you don't need APT START - Feast already delivers sustained nutrition and beneficial microbes from day one. If you're using most other aquasoils, APT START adds two things they usually lack: an extra boost of ammoniacal nitrogen at the root zone, and a dose of starter bacteria to kick-start cycling. Think of it as an enhancement for the roughly 90% of aquasoils that provide minerals but no live bacteria - not a mandatory add-on for every setup.

When and how do I use it - is it a one-time thing?

Yes, APT START is a one-time setup product. Spread the pouch evenly across the tank base before you lay your substrate (preferably aquasoil) on top, then tear open the bacteria sachet and pour it in once you fill the tank with water. It works whether you plant right away or run a dark start first - it simply goes into the substrate build at the very beginning. For ongoing support afterwards, continue with APT Balance for microbes after the first month, and APT JAZZ for nutrients from around three months on.

What does APT START actually do?

It does two jobs at once. First, it enriches the substrate with ammoniacal nitrogen and essential minerals - the form of nitrogen plants take up most easily, which drives faster, more robust root-zone growth. Second, it seeds the tank with beneficial bacteria and releases a small amount of ammonia to feed them, helping your tank cycle and stabilise sooner. Most substrate boosters only add minerals; APT START adds the live microbes too.

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