Purple Helix Plus version contains 8 separate strains of live Coralline Algae along with a marine-based nitrifying bacteria. Purple Helix seeds your tank with spores from carefully selected Coralline Algae species. All the species are bright vibrant colored species that grow slowly so aid with tank maintenance..Watch your rockwork as vibrant hues of purple soon form and then grow. It can take up to 10 weeks before you see colorful spots of this algae take hold all over your aquarium and rockwork. The growth timeframe is dependent on your water parameters and tank stability. 1 bottle is needed per each 50 gallons of tank volume, including your sump. This product is a live product and must be used within 30 days.