Hikari-Germ also help support the fish’s own good bacteria, helping prevent a build up of bad bacteria thereby helping build up stronger natural defences. Furthermore waste that is excreted is highly decomposed by the activity of the bacteria, which helps maintain the quality of water while also reducing the load on the filter, therefore reducing maintenance.The illustration below shows the four different stages that the Hikari-Germ goes through and how it impacts both the fish and water.