Harnessing the Power of PNS Deep Cycle for a Thriving Reef Aquarium

Reef aquariums are a testament to the beauty and complexity of marine ecosystems. Yet, one fundamental difference sets them apart from natural coral reefs—the absence or scarcity of key microbial players. Among these are phototrophic diazotrophs, a group of bacteria that play integral roles in nutrient cycling and reef health. Despite their ecological importance, these bacteria are often underrepresented in artificial reef environments. Recognizing this gap, Hydrospace has introduced PNS Deep Cycle, a functional microbial consortium designed to restore and maintain a natural, healthful balance in reef aquariums.

The Role of Photosynthetic Diazotrophs in Coral Reef Ecosystems

Anaerobic diazotrophic phototrophs include three major groups of bacteria: purple nonsulfur bacteria (PNSB), purple sulfur bacteria (PSB), and green sulfur bacteria (GSB). These organisms drive essential biogeochemical cycles by:

• Fixing nitrogen (that is, converting nitrogen gas into ammonia) and making it bioavailable for coral and microbial communities.
• Consuming dissolved nutrients and organic wastes, thereby reducing risk of harmful bacterial or algal blooms.
• Mitigating sulfide toxicity, a crucial function in anaerobic zones of reef environments.
• Forming symbiotic relationships with corals, acting as keystone species that stabilize reef microbiomes.

Despite their ubiquity in wild coral reefs, these beneficial bacteria are largely absent in most reef aquaria. This absence can result in unstable microbial communities that are prone to opportunistic pathogen outbreaks and poor nutrient balance.

Bringing Authentic Reef Microbiology to the Aquarium

Hydrospace set out to bridge this gap with PNS Deep Cycle. This unique product is a carefully curated mixture of indigenous coral-associated microbes that were originally harvested as a group—directly from a thriving natural reef environment. Unlike many commercial microbial products, PNS Deep Cycle™ consists of verified, viable reef species. The microbial consortium features:

• Rhodovolum sp. (PNSB): Enhances water quality by consuming dissolved organic matter while serving as a nutritious probiotic for marine organisms.
• Marichromatium purpuratum (PSB): Reduces nitrate and sulfide concentrations, stabilizing water chemistry.
• Prosthecochloris sp. (GSB): Plays a critical role in nitrogen and sulfur cycling, with potential endolithic symbiotic benefits for stony corals.

A Journey to Source Indigenous Reef Microbes

The search for the ideal microbial blend led Hydrospace researchers to the pristine waters of Mo’orea, an island in French Polynesia known for its vibrant coral reefs. There, they carefully selected samples from three distinct shallow-water sites characterized by healthy Porites sp. coral formations. While the physical collection of microbes was minimal—just a few pinches of reef substrate—the richness of beneficial bacteria within those samples was extraordinary.

Upon returning to the lab, researchers cultivated the bacteria in a proprietary marine culture medium, where phototrophic growth quickly became evident. DNA sequencing later confirmed the presence of Rhodovolum sp. (Rhodobacteraceae), Marichromatium purpuratum (Chromatiaceae), and Prosthecochloris sp. (Chlorobiaceae), as well as a minor presence of Roseospira sp. (Rhodospirillaceae), another PNSB species. The stable, golden-green bacterial suspension with a pastel purple biofilm indicated a robust and self-sustaining microbial community.

Why Choose PNS Deep Cycle?

Aquarists and coral farmers often hesitate to use microbial additives due to concerns about viability, authenticity, and long-term survivability. PNS Deep Cycle™ addresses these concerns head-on:

• Verified, naturally occurring species that originate from a wild reef microbiome.
• Fully functional, living microbial consortium rather than single-strain isolates.
• Probiotic benefits for marine life, improving overall health and stability.
• Reduces organic waste and helps prevent issues related to copiotrophic aquarium water conditions.

By introducing this microbial team to reef aquariums, aquarists can cultivate a more natural, resilient ecosystem that mirrors the delicate microbial balance of wild reefs.

A Natural, Self-Sustaining Microbial System

One of the defining characteristics of PNS Deep Cycle is its microbial syntrophy—a process where different species support each other’s metabolic functions. This mutualistic relationship ensures that the microbial community remains stable and resilient over time. By working together, rather than competing, the microbes in this tight community efficiently recycle nutrients and sustain their own populations, making them ideal for long-term incorporation into aquarium environments.

How to Use PNS Deep Cycle for Maximum Effect

To ensure successful establishment, follow these application guidelines:

• General Dosing: Use 1.25 mL per gallon, dispersing it broadly in an area with moderate water flow.
• For Maximum Colonization:
  • Inject directly into substrate or porous biomedia to provide an anaerobic refuge.
  • Soak dry rock or biomedia in the product under oxygen-free conditions for 24 hours before introducing it to the tank.
• Equipment Considerations: Temporarily turn off protein skimmers, UV sterilizers, and ozone generators for one hour post-application to allow bacterial settlement.
• Repeat dosing is safe and may enhance the likelihood of long-term colonization.

Transforming the Reef Aquarium Microbiome

A thriving reef aquarium is more than just a collection of corals and fish—it is an intricate web of microbial interactions. PNS Deep Cycle offers a way to restore missing elements of this web, providing aquarists with a powerful tool to naturally enhance water quality, promote biological stability, and support coral health.

By harnessing the power of naturally occurring phototrophic diazotrophs, aquarists can take a step closer to replicating the intricate microbial symbioses that sustain wild coral reefs. With PNS Deep Cycle, maintaining a relatively self-sustaining aquarium ecosystem has never been easier!

Just click here for more detailed information on how this particular grouping of syntrophic microbes works together to cycle carbon, nitrogen and sulfur.