{"product_id":"bta-oc-k-nutrient-growth-fuel","title":"BTA OC-K Nutrient Growth Fuel","description":"\u003ch1 class=\"bta-h2\"\u003eOC-\u003cspan class=\"gold\"\u003eK\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"bta-page-hero-sub\"\u003eMicrobe Nutrient Growth Fuel. 100% organic, alcohol-free bacterial nutrition formulated to feed Archaea through Nitrospira — with metalloenzymes, nucleotides, and trace elements. No boom-and-bust cycles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"bta-page-hero-sub\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"bta-wrap\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"bta-strip\"\u003eNot all carbon sources are created equal. \u003cem\u003eOC-K\u003c\/em\u003e isn't just organic carbon — it's a liquified smorgasbord of nutrients, amino acids, vitamins and minerals, all organically derived and completely alcohol and sugar free.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWe refined OC-K specifically to grow our own bacterial biomass, so we know it works. That's why we made it — because nothing else really cuts the mustard as far as we're concerned.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAnd it's all organically derived. The core components that make up OC-K come from naturally digested marine biomass — exactly what bacteria are naturally acclimatised to eat. We just refine it, add some secret herbs and spices, simmer on low for 47 minutes and 27.3 seconds \u003cem\u003eEXACTLY\u003c\/em\u003e, and bottle it for your convenience!\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"bta-section\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"bta-wrap\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"bta-section-label\"\u003eWhy OC-K Was Developed\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"bta-section-title\"\u003eA Better Food for \u003cspan class=\"gold\"\u003eMicroorganisms\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"bta-section-intro\"\u003eOC-K was developed as a readily available biological nutrient matrix for aquatic life — not simply as a source of free organic carbon. Every part of the formulation is designed to make that nutrition useful, stable, and biologically productive throughout the system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"bta-diff-grid\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"bta-diff-card\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"bta-icon\"\u003e🌿\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eNaturally Available Nutrition\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFirst, we wanted a naturally available source of nutrients: \u003cstrong\u003eorganic, aquatic-based nutrition\u003c\/strong\u003e that fits the biology of an established aquatic system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"bta-diff-card\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"bta-icon\"\u003e⚗️\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eEasy to Digest and Stable\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSecond, the nutrients needed to be presented in an \u003cstrong\u003eeasy-to-digest, stable form\u003c\/strong\u003e so microorganisms can access them consistently rather than receiving a short-lived surge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"bta-diff-card\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"bta-icon\"\u003e🚫\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eNo Alcohol or Sugar\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThird, OC-K contains \u003cstrong\u003eno alcohol and no sugar\u003c\/strong\u003e. Its organic matrix provides a more considered nutrient source than simply adding a rapidly available carbon feed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"bta-diff-card\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"bta-icon\"\u003e🧬\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eMicrobes Work for the Carbon\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost importantly, the organic carbon is bound within the OC-K matrix. Microorganisms must \u003cstrong\u003ehydrolyse and break down the matrix to access it\u003c\/strong\u003e, helping moderate its release into the system. As they do that work, they also produce metabolites, enzymes, and other useful biological products along the way.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"bta-strip\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOC-K feeds the whole aquatic system.\u003c\/strong\u003e In freshwater, it supports the microbial community while also providing organic nutrition that can benefit the substrate and plants. In saltwater, it helps fuel microbial activity, supports the breakdown of solid waste, and provides a food source for filter-feeding organisms. Because everything in an aquatic system is connected through its microbial processes, OC-K was designed as a biological nutrient matrix for the entire tank — not just a quick carbon input.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"bta-strip\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"bta-strip\"\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"bta-section-dark\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"bta-wrap\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"bta-section-label\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eOC-K Is Different\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"bta-section-title\"\u003eMore Than \u003cspan class=\"gold\"\u003eOrganic Carbon\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"bta-section-intro\"\u003eMany organic carbon supplements are designed primarily to add a rapidly available carbon source. OC-K takes a broader approach: it is a unique, seven-ingredient biological nutrient formulation with enzymatic cofactors and metabolic support compounds selected to promote optimal microbial growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"bta-diff-grid\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"bta-diff-card\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"bta-icon\"\u003e🧪\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSeven-Ingredient Formulation\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOC-K combines \u003cstrong\u003eseven complementary organic ingredients\u003c\/strong\u003e into one readily available nutrient matrix. The result is a broader food source for microorganisms than a single-source carbon supplement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"bta-diff-card\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"bta-icon\"\u003e⚙️\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eEnzymatic Cofactors\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe formulation includes \u003cstrong\u003eenzymatic cofactors\u003c\/strong\u003e that support the biological pathways microorganisms use as they process the organic matrix and build new biomass.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"bta-diff-card\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"bta-icon\"\u003e🔬\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eMetabolic Growth Support\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOC-K supplies metabolic support for \u003cstrong\u003eoptimal microbial growth\u003c\/strong\u003e, including the nutritional components microorganisms need while accessing and transforming the matrix.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"bta-diff-card\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"bta-icon\"\u003e🌊\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDesigned for the Whole System\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause OC-K supports microbial activity rather than simply adding free carbon, it is designed to benefit the wider aquatic environment — from biofilters and substrates to plants, waste-processing communities and filter-feeding organisms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"bta-strip\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThat is the OC-K difference.\u003c\/strong\u003e The organic carbon is part of a complete biological nutrient matrix. Microorganisms access it by working through the formulation, while the accompanying ingredients, enzymatic cofactors and metabolic support help make that process more useful than adding a basic, rapidly available organic carbon supplement on its own.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"bta-section-dark\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"bta-wrap\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"bta-section-label\"\u003eThe OC-K Science\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"bta-section-title\"\u003eFormulated Bacterial \u003cspan class=\"gold\"\u003eNutrition\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"bta-section-intro\"\u003eOC-K is a refined organic matrix delivering sustained microbial nutrition with bioavailable trace elements, nucleotides, and amino donors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"bta-diff-grid\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"bta-diff-card\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"bta-icon\"\u003e🧬\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eMetalloenzyme Core\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProprietary \u003cstrong\u003etrace element and vitamin matrix\u003c\/strong\u003e keeps biological pathways active. Includes Fe, Zn, Mo, Mn, Cu, B, Si, Se, Co in highly bioavailable forms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"bta-diff-card\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"bta-icon\"\u003e🔋\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eStable 24-Hour Fueling\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlcohol-free organic carbon donors\u003c\/strong\u003e provide sustained energy release. No rapid spikes followed by crashes — steady microbial growth over 24 hours.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"bta-diff-card\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"bta-icon\"\u003e🧪\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eMaximum Uptake\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvides raw \u003cstrong\u003enucleotides and universal amino donors\u003c\/strong\u003e directly to bacteria. Bypasses synthesis steps for faster biomass building.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"bta-section bta-section--angle\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"bta-wrap\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"bta-section-label\"\u003eComposition\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"bta-section-title\"\u003ePer mL \u003cspan class=\"gold\"\u003eConcentration\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"bta-section-intro\"\u003eComplete breakdown of the OC-K formula per millilitre of solution.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"bta-table-wrap\"\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"bta-table\"\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eComponent\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eConcentration per mL\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"bta-model\"\u003eOrganic Carbon (Alcohol-Free)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"bta-highlight\"\u003e~115.0 mg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"bta-model\"\u003ePotassium (K)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e15.85 mg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"bta-model\"\u003eNitrogen (N)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e14.30 mg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"bta-model\"\u003eSodium (Na)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e~3.00 mg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"bta-model\"\u003eSulphur (S)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2.16 mg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"bta-model\"\u003ePhosphorus (P)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1.45 mg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"bta-model\"\u003eCalcium (Ca)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0.90 mg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"bta-model\"\u003eMagnesium (Mg)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0.50 mg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"bta-model\"\u003eTrace Elements\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"bta-highlight\"\u003eFe, Zn, Mo, Mn, Cu, B, Si, Se, Co\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"bta-model\"\u003eVitamins \u0026amp; Nucleotides\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"bta-highlight\"\u003eHigh-Density Bioavailable Matrix\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"bta-section-dark\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"bta-wrap\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"bta-section-label\"\u003eDirections for Use\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"bta-section-title\"\u003eApplication \u0026amp; \u003cspan class=\"gold\"\u003eUse Rates\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"bta-section-intro\"\u003eDetailed use-rate guidelines for standard use, new users, biofilm management, and advanced users.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"bta-table-wrap\"\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"bta-table\"\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eApplication\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eUse Rate\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eNotes\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"bta-model\"\u003eStandard\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"bta-highlight\"\u003e0.5–1.5 mL per 100L daily\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAdd into high-flow area with aeration\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"bta-model\"\u003eNew Users\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"bta-highlight\"\u003e0.25 mL per 100L daily\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"bta-muted\"\u003eFirst week, gradually increase\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"bta-model\"\u003eBiofilm Bloom\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWhite stringy biofilms visible\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"bta-muted\"\u003eReduce use rate by 60–80% until bloom subsides, then slowly increase to safer level\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"bta-model\"\u003eAdvanced Users\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIncrease slowly\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"bta-muted\"\u003eIncrease by max 0.25 mL per day per 100L. Monitor dissolved oxygen, filtration, protein skimmer performance and water quality\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"bta-model\"\u003eOver-Correction\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReduce use rate immediately\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"bta-muted\"\u003eStop adding until biofilms clear. A water change and extra aeration may be required. Resume at 40% of previous rate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"bta-table-note\"\u003eAvailable: 500ml | 1000ml\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"bta-section bta-section--angle\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"bta-wrap\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"bta-section-label\"\u003eCompatibility\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"bta-section-title\"\u003eSystem \u003cspan class=\"gold\"\u003eCompatibility\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"bta-section-intro\"\u003eOC-K works across both saltwater and freshwater systems with specific guidelines for each environment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"bta-diff-grid\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"bta-diff-card\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"bta-icon\"\u003e🌊\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSaltwater (Marine \/ Reef)\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFully compatible\u003c\/strong\u003e with active protein skimming. OC-K's alcohol-free formula won't cause the violent skimmer foaming seen with vodka or other carbon sources. Ideal for reef tanks, marine systems, and aquaculture RAS.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"bta-diff-card\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"bta-icon\"\u003e💧\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFreshwater\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompatible while maturing biofilters.\u003c\/strong\u003e Can be used regularly as long as active uptake\/removal of bacteria is removed. \u003cem\u003eAdvanced users:\u003c\/em\u003e manage bacterial export via mechanical filtration or protein skimming on freshwater systems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.btaqua.com.au\/products\/nitroplex-complete-nitrogen-reduction-consortium\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"bta-diff-card\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"bta-icon\"\u003e🧫\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eNitroplex \u0026amp; Microplex\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYes, they are complementary.\u003c\/strong\u003e OC-K fuels the bacteria in \u003cstrong\u003eNitroplex\u003c\/strong\u003e (nitrogen-reducing microbial consortium) and \u003cstrong\u003eMicroplex\u003c\/strong\u003e (beneficial bacteria blend). For pond-side culturing of Nitroplex, OC-K serves as the dedicated nutrient fuel. \u003cem\u003eView Nitroplex →\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"bta-section-dark\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"bta-wrap\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"bta-section-label\"\u003eFAQ\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e","brand":"The Coral Shop","offers":[{"title":"100ml","offer_id":67990450110526,"sku":null,"price":31.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"250ml","offer_id":67990450143294,"sku":null,"price":55.9,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"500ml","offer_id":67990450176062,"sku":null,"price":94.5,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1000ml","offer_id":67990450208830,"sku":null,"price":171.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0552\/0778\/8606\/files\/Gemini_Generated_Image_y5zu1sy5zu1sy5zu.webp?v=1793325468","url":"https:\/\/thecoralshop.com.au\/products\/bta-oc-k-nutrient-growth-fuel","provider":"The Coral Shop","version":"1.0","type":"link"}