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The Shrimp Cartel

Biofilm Booster Cycle Tea | Beneficial Bacteria Growth | Natural Saponing Formula

Biofilm Booster Cycle Tea | Beneficial Bacteria Growth | Natural Saponing Formula

Regular price $5.00 USD
Regular price Sale price $5.00 USD
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Premium Aquarium Cycle Tea (Natural Biofilm Booster for Shrimp & Fish Tanks)

Boost your aquarium’s biological stability naturally with our high-quality Cycle Tea — a proven method used by advanced shrimp breeders to establish healthy tanks faster and safer. Don't waste your money on Lubao bags / Kallax balls or expensive powder bacteria; all you need to cycle and promote biofilm in your tanks is Cycle Tea.  

Same method used by Hop Buy, grand master shrimp breeder, and owner of TB Shrimp.  A biofilm will form on the loose tea and the tea bags. Over time, the loose tea will decompose in the substrate, and the tea bags will sink and slowly release glucose, creating a constant biofilm source. Keep the tea bags in the tank until your next reset!


What is Cycle Tea?

Cycle Tea is a natural botanical extract, a nutrient-rich byproduct of camellia oil extraction. It contains at least 15% natural saponin, which makes it effective at controlling pests. Think of saponins as a natural detergent that lightly stresses the system to eliminate any bacterial infections, Planaria, Hydra, Damselfly nymphs, bladder snails, and any other pests during your aquarium cycling and setup. Allowing beneficial bacteria to thrive for a stable and clean tank. 

During the initial setup and cycling process, Cycle Tea introduces plant saponins and organics, slightly stresses the system, and triggers a bacterial bloom.  That bloom becomes biofilm → shrimp food


How to use Cycle Tea in Your Aquarium?

1. Initial Set-up (no fish or plants in aquarium)

The Shrimp Cartel will provide you with the exact amount of cycle tea based on your tank size.  
  • Disconnect any skimmer or UV filter. Continue to run your sponge or HOB filters. 
  • Add the two tea bags and the loose tea to your aquarium.
  • Within the next two hours, you will see foam forming on the top of the aquarium. This is the saponification working. Saponins attach to proteins, detritus, and dissolved organic compounds, then lift them toward the surface, forming foam.
  • The foam isn’t just waste, it’s also beneficial bacteria, organic carbon, and microbial byproducts, producing biofilm.
  • Wait 30-45 days prior to doing the first water change. Change 90% of the water. After a water change, wait 1 day, then test ammonia and nitrates. If levels are ok, you can add your shrimp or fish to your tank.
2. Stocked tanks (tanks already cycled and running with fish and/or shrimp)

Even though cycle tea can be added to tanks with shrimp and fish already in them, The Shrimp Cartel does not recommend that the average hobbyist do so. Cycle tea, used incorrectly, can wipe out your entire stock! Saponification will deplete the tank's oxygen. 

As an experienced breeder, The Shrimp Cartel uses 1/4 of the cycle amount to add to stocked tanks, aiming to eliminate pests and bacterial infections and/or increase biofilm in heavily stocked tanks. Do this at your own risk!

Why Use Cycle Tea in Your Aquarium?

  • Accelerates tank cycling – Reduce waiting time before adding livestock
  • Enhances biofilm – Critical for shrimp survival, especially baby shrimp
  • Natural & shrimp-safe – No harsh chemicals
  • Improves water quality – Supports a balanced ecosystem
  • Widely used by professional breeders
  • No need to buy expensive Lubao bags, Kallax balls, or packaged beneficial bacteria.

Perfect For:

  • Caridina shrimp tanks (Crystal Red, Taiwan Bee, Blue Bolt, etc.)
  • Neocaridina shrimp setups (Blue Dream, Fire Red, Yellow Golden Back etc.)
  • New aquarium cycling
  • Established tanks needing a biofilm boost or bacterial infection treatment

What You Receive

  • Premium Cycle Tea (perfectly measured portion per your tank size)
  • A portion of loose product for fast-acting release and 2 tea bags for slow release. 
  • For a 5-gallon tank, you will receive 1 tea bag. 
  • Clean, properly stored product
  • Simple usage instructions

Important Notes

  • Slight tint in water is normal and beneficial
  • Safe for shrimp, fish, and plants when used as directed
  • Store in a cool, dry place

Why Buy From Us?

  • Carefully sourced, high-quality organic product
  • Trusted by aquarium hobbyists
  • Fast shipping & secure packaging
  • Dedicated to shrimp-keeping success
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