N/P Reducing Pellets ("Solid Vodka") - "Wow" ... 3 month update

[Delphinus]

Kien, will you be paying out the ten cents per pellet recycling deposit? If so, you can have all of mine. :lol:

[RuGlu6]

My problem is that I have a 550gallon system and I'm running almost 3L of Biopellets. It would take a huge reactor and a huge pump to tumble that much. This is why I chose to put it with the zeolites. I can manually pump the reactor and mix everything up 2x a day this way. Is there something you would recommend for running this much NP?

here is good size media reactor for $37 CAD (shipping is +$30)

http://www.reefshops.com/diy-product-you-can-place-it-before-the-filter.html
diameter: 21cm high: 38cm 8" inch x 15" high
Would it hold 3L ? but price is sweet though, and looks like ppl on here are are buying from these guys.

[banditpowdercoat]

here is good size media reactor for $37 CAD (shipping is +$30)

http://www.reefshops.com/diy-product-you-can-place-it-before-the-filter.html
diameter: 21cm high: 38cm 8" inch x 15" high
Would it hold 3L ? but price is sweet though, and looks like ppl on here are are buying from these guys.


WOW, that looks good, for the price. I'd be in on splitting shipping with someone if they were making an order.

[albert_dao]

i'm on long island, i'm actually a vendor but i was searching for some people on the internet that is running both np and zeo together. Thanks for the info!

lol! What's up felix???

[Zoaelite]

This can't actually be true, look at the prices on that website they are WAY out to lunch. They have a similar lighting system to mine for less than $200.00 while I payed over $800.00 retail for mine...
Levi

WOW, that looks good, for the price. I'd be in on splitting shipping with someone if they were making an order.

[OceanicCorals-Ian-]

This can't actually be true, look at the prices on that website they are WAY out to lunch. They have a similar lighting system to mine for less than $200.00 while I payed over $800.00 retail for mine...
Levi


It is likely true pricing but also looks to be cheap Chinese knock offs..... Correct me if I am wrong...

[Zoaelite]

Could be true, I have never heard of any of the brands they are trying to sport.

[Ron99]

Prices are for real. I bought my Bubble Magus skimmer from them. Shipping is expensive though. Which light fixture are you looking at? Many of the chinese fixtures use the same parts (especially housings) as other commercial ones that are non-chinese companies manufacturing their fixtures in China.

[RuGlu6]

Prices are for real. I bought my Bubble Magus skimmer from them. Shipping is expensive though. Which light fixture are you looking at? Many of the chinese fixtures use the same parts (especially housings) as other commercial ones that are non-chinese companies manufacturing their fixtures in China.

I lake their skimmers a lot, especially ones with eheim and aquabee pumps, the acrylic part is very well made, and pumps we already know are reliable.
So what do we have to loose ? The web site is real and been around for some time now.
If we look at our equipment how many units are made in Canada ?:wink:

[Coleus]

Well, Alberta_reef came over my place with his cut out mesh and installed them into my TLF, it has been tumbled nicely for last two days now. Thanks Cory

[kien]

So far i have not heard anything negative about these pellets. They seem to do what they claim to do and that is reduce nitrates and phosphates. So my question is, why would you run zeo rocks or macro algae or mangroves or VSV knowing that these pellets exist and are so easy to use? Just curious :-)

[karazy]

So far i have not heard anything negative about these pellets. They seem to do what they claim to do and that is reduce nitrates and phosphates. So my question is, why would you run zeo rocks or macro algae or mangroves or VSV knowing that these pellets exist and are so easy to use? Just curious :-)

because at 100 bucks a litre dey expensive! (compared to macro algae atleast)

[kien]

because at 100 bucks a litre dey expensive! (compared to macro algae atleast)

oh that is a very good point! They are not cheap.. but they do last a long time it seems.

[OceanicCorals-Ian-]

oh that is a very good point! They are not cheap.. but they do last a long time it seems.


Not cheap for something that lasts up to 14 or more months? I would say it is an easy choice even compared to the natural route. Around $6 a month for the cost of pellets is insanely cheap in this hobby.

It is easy to forget the food source aspect of the pellets too, pretty nice added benefit....

[Delphinus]

Not being a true blue zeohead I can only guess here .. but I think zeo does more than just reduce nutrients. For one, there's the food thing (ok, guess that's still equivalent to the pellets, but I bet the particulate size is different, which makes it somewhat distinguishable), water clarity and brighter SPS colours. Just guesses though.

If the goal was just nutrient reduction though - the pellets are cheaper and more effective without manual daily intervention. That said, some regular basis monitoring is still needed (make sure there are no clogs etc) but at least you're not pumping some reactor every day.

I dunno. I'm not sure if the zeo guys are worried yet, but I do agree the pellets on their own seem probably good enough for most folks. Going beyond that and doing both is probably venturing into a more experimental type category perhaps..

[kien]

Well, I think the zeo additives will continue to be used, perhaps in conjunction with the pellets (i'm sure tonnes of people are doing that now). I didn't realize the zeo rocks clarified the water as well. I thought coral snow did that. $6 a month is pretty darn cheap in this hobby! Especially for what the $6 is getting you each month, low nutrients (which is priceless in my opinion).

[Lance]

I've been using the pellets along with the Zeovit Amino Acid, Sponge Power and Coral Vitalizer, without the Zeo Rocks. Nitrate levels have dropped considerably which I attribute to the pellets. I may drop the additives to see if there is any change in coral colour and growth.

[OceanicCorals-Ian-]

I've been using the pellets along with the Zeovit Amino Acid, Sponge Power and Coral Vitalizer, without the Zeo Rocks. Nitrate levels have dropped considerably which I attribute to the pellets. I may drop the additives to see if there is any change in coral colour and growth.

The Vertex reactor package sure works well hey?:wink:

[ALBERTA REEF]

Well, Alberta_reef came over my place with his cut out mesh and installed them into my TLF, it has been tumbled nicely for last two days now. Thanks Cory

Tai No prob. Glade I could help. My pellets have been tumbling for over 10 day with no problems after I have done the mesh. At that time I cleaned my skimmer cup. Tonight I cleaned the top mesh of the TLF reactor. Just cleaned it in the sump. There is going to be some maintenance with the top mesh. I cleaned the skimmer cup as well. It was only half full but big difference in the skim.

Tai when I had the cover of my TLF there is a rubber o ring you are missing on yours. Once you install the o ring. You have no more problems with leaks.

I will post some test results later.

[Lance]

The Vertex reactor package sure works well hey?:wink:


Yup. The UF-15 easily holds one liter of pellets and tumbles them very nicely with the MJ-1200. Very happy with it.

[freezetyle]

Yup. The UF-15 easily holds one liter of pellets and tumbles them very nicely with the MJ-1200. Very happy with it.

how did you do the plumbing on yours?

[kien]

LOL,

Kien,

You will love the Reactor combo, post pics when you get it going.....

:mrgreen:

Are you talking about this bad boy? :biggrin:

http://i1002.photobucket.com/albums/af144/muzanji/IMG_9401.jpg?t=1268118407 http://i1002.photobucket.com/albums/af144/muzanji/IMG_9403.jpg?t=1268118425

tumble tumble tumble (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prNQoUlejNM)

[Delphinus]

Man look at all those shiny RED reactors out there. I feel so ... blue ... with the MR-1. :lol: 3/4" inlets too on the Vertex ... nice, that has has Mag drive written all over it. The MR-1 is nice for being 1/2" outlets so fits on the MJ1200 easier, but I found it already once having stopped tumbling so I reduced the pellets to half and it started tumbling again sometime during my week away. Was thinking I'd have to modify the reactor to accept larger piping and a Mag drive ... Oh, IF ONLY SOMEONE HAD TOLD ME ABOUT THE VERTEX!!! :p

[freezetyle]

Are you talking about this bad boy? :biggrin:

http://i1002.photobucket.com/albums/af144/muzanji/IMG_9401.jpg?t=1268118407 http://i1002.photobucket.com/albums/af144/muzanji/IMG_9403.jpg?t=1268118425

tumble tumble tumble (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prNQoUlejNM)

This thing is a monster!

[kien]

This thing is a monster!

Go big or go home! :lol: Seriously though, you do want these things pretty big to successfully use the pellets in my opinion. I ran them in a TLF phosban reactors for a while and although that worked out okay, I did find I was having to shake it every so often to dislodge the pellets as they clumped quite easily. Also, the max that i could get in the TLF reactor was like, 300ml or something like that. I suppose that would be okay for smaller tanks.

[ALBERTA REEF]

http://i1002.photobucket.com/albums/af144/muzanji/IMG_9401.jpg?t=1268118407 http://i1002.photobucket.com/albums/af144/muzanji/IMG_9403.jpg?t=1268118425

The reactor is a well build unit. I had one apart at Red Coral last week. Only think I would change would be the valve. A gate valve would really make it that much better.

[OceanicCorals-Ian-]

Oh, IF ONLY SOMEONE HAD TOLD ME ABOUT THE VERTEX!!! :p


OKAY OKAY! If this could be anymore directed it would have hit me right in the forehead! :lol:

We had not tested the Vertex reactors when you bought your Nextreef model; however, this would have been the one recommended if we knew what what we know now. Both reactors are good but the Vertex one is a better design when running a litre or more of the pellets.

I have an idea! Because O.C. is all about service, I will send you a shiny new "red" reactor and once you get it wrap up your Nextreef and send it back. I have a use for the used Nextreef, just pay the difference!

Hmmm, how is that? LOL :mrgreen:

[muck]

OKAY OKAY! If this could be anymore directed it would have hit me right in the forehead! :lol:

We had not tested the Vertex reactors when you bought your Nextreef model; however, this would have been the one recommended if we knew what what we know now. Both reactors are good but the Vertex one is a better design when running a litre or more of the pellets.

I have an idea! Because O.C. is all about service, I will send you a shiny new "red" reactor and once you get it wrap up your Nextreef and send it back. I have a use for the used Nextreef, just pay the difference!

Hmmm, how is that? LOL :mrgreen:

Can't get a better offer than that TOE-NEE!!!
DO IT DO IT DO IT DO IT DO IT DO IT DO IT

[Lance]

how did you do the plumbing on yours?


I found a barbed fitting that was 1/2" on one end and 3/4" on the other. Then a couple of hose clamps.

[OceanicCorals-Ian-]

Are you talking about this bad boy? :biggrin:

http://i1002.photobucket.com/albums/af144/muzanji/IMG_9401.jpg?t=1268118407 http://i1002.photobucket.com/albums/af144/muzanji/IMG_9403.jpg?t=1268118425

tumble tumble tumble (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prNQoUlejNM)


Nice! Thanks for the pictures! Do you have the sponge in the bottom? If so take it out right away, you don't need to run ANY sponges, it is okay if the pellets fall down below the bottom plate. Even better get some of our Reactor Mod material or buy something locally like it and modify your reactor.

Ian

[kien]

Nice! Thanks for the pictures! Do you have the sponge in the bottom? If so take it out right away, you don't need to run ANY sponges, it is okay if the pellets fall down below the bottom plate. Even better get some of our Reactor Mod material or buy something locally like it and modify your reactor.

Ian

Ya, i cut both sponges down to like 2-5mm.. but you are right, the bottom sponge is not necessary and I will likely take it out soon. The top sponge is nice to have in case I accidentally blast the reactor and blow pellets through the top :-) But again, just a thin 2-5mm sponge.

[Delphinus]

Hmmm, how is that? LOL :mrgreen:

:lol: Me likey. PM inbound your way there..

[Kryptic4L]

so got my pellets tonight, tumbling away for now...

Since I managed to sell a component of my project. I made a picture of it, and hopes someone will turn my dream into reality.


This was my idea for a bio pellet tumbler.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y223/kryptic4l/Untitled-1.jpg

Made out of a CPR refuge.

[Parker]

I just ordered some this morning, I look forward to giving them a try.

[Delphinus]

So, I've kind of let some of the week to week updates slide in this thread because there hasn't been much new to report, other than "my nitrates are still basically undetectable."

But it's closing in on 3 months in now (I think, haven't quite counted the weeks, please forgive me if I'm a little off), so I think it's time for an update.

1. Feedings. I have put two auto feeders on my tank. One is programmed to dump food on a 4 hour schedule. The other is a bit more primitive, is a battery operated drum that rotates twice per 24 hours. I've tried to time that one to dump in at 10am (shortly before lights on) and 10pm (shortly before lights out). The other dumps in at 10:30, 2:30, 6:30 and 10:30. I have the light sensor switch on so it only dumps during the daytime when lights are on.

So that is 6 feedings per day. I find it quite significant that I can do this and maintain nitrates at undetectable. I think the fish are looking great.


2. Filter feeders. I have noticed an increase in the density of feather dusters in the sump, particularly on the baffle directly downstream of the reactor effluent. I think that is telling.

I couldn't quite get perfect pictures that illustrate the phenomenon, but here is what I did manage to photograph:

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn239/delphinus_photos/Zeovit%20and%20NP%20Reducing%20Pellets/IMG_0795.jpg

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn239/delphinus_photos/Zeovit%20and%20NP%20Reducing%20Pellets/IMG_0794.jpg


3. Tumbling. This area hasn't been quite problem free and here's what I can share for key learnings.

It is crucial to optimal performance that the pellets are constantly fluidized energetically.

To that end, it is better to use a smaller volume of pellets than the recommended dosage for your tank volume, if it can be maintained as tumbling - than it is to worry about the volume used. A half litre of pellets will work far better than a full litre if that full litre is not tumbling. What will happen if you use a smaller volume than recommended is that they will dissolve faster and need faster replacement - however the overall nutrient reduction capacity is not diminished with fewer pellets.

I am considering upgrading my feed pump to perhaps a Seltz pump L35 or L40 to increase the vigor of tumbling in my own reactor.


4. Zeovit. I initially went into this with enthusiasm for mixing both systems. As time goes on, I must confess now that I am considering curtailing back the zeolites and compensating with additional pellets. I will still continue with other typical Zeovit products (eg., Coral Snow, Coral Vitalizer, and Sponge Power). At the moment I haven't made any final decisions towards this end, however.

[TJSlayer]

Should be starting the pellets on my tank next week!

[Willito]

hey Ton, what size tank are we talking about and can you name all the occuppance. I just wanted to have a better idea of the bioload. Keep up the good updates, it's very informative.

[OceanicCorals-Ian-]

We still have Pellets in stock and ready to ship, we only have the 500ml sizes, if you order the 1000ml sizes you will be shipped two 500ml bags! We also have the Vertex reactors in stock for our "original" Reactor package deal!

Ian
O.C.

[Delphinus]

hey Ton, what size tank are we talking about and can you name all the occuppance. I just wanted to have a better idea of the bioload. Keep up the good updates, it's very informative.

Wow, good question Will. I can't believe I didn't think to list that out here. I'm sorry. I'll list it out here and the copy that into the initial post just so that anyone else wondering doesn't have to sift through the whole thread to find that info.

Tank background:
- 115g cube tank (30x30x30)
- Approx 80 lbs live rock arranged in a bommie, or "rock island" style aquascape
- 1" sandbed (about a 4" wide strip surrounding the bommie)
- no refugium (previously was running chaeto in a small aquaclear lit by 2x9w PC; but this is now offline, the chaeto was the first algal casualty to the pellets)
- 2 part autodosing for Ca and Alk, Mg dosed manually
- Skimmer: Precision Marine "Bullet 1" beckett
- Light: single 250w DE on 12 hour photoperiod

Inhabitants:

There are 15 fish in this tank:
- Tangs: Zebrasoma desjardini (Red Sea sailfin), Acanthurus tennentii (lieutenant), A. nigrofuscus (lavender)
- Rabbit: Siganus doliatus (penciled)
- Angels: Centropyge potters (potters), M/F pair Genicanthus bellus (bellus)
- Butterflies: pair Chaetodon ulietensis (doublesaddle or false falcula)
- Wrasse: Halichoeres chrysus (canary)
- Dottyback: Psuedochromis fridmani (orchid)
- Eel: Gymnothorax melatremus (golden dwarf moray)
- Trigger: Xanthicthys mento (crosshatch)
- Chromis: Chromis viridis (green)
- Blenny: Cirripectes stigmaticus (ember or scarface)

Other inhabitants:
- Various tridacnids (T. derasa, T. crocea, T. squamosa)
- Various ps gorgonians
- Various zoanthids
- E. quadricolor (rose BTA)

Currently no SPS or LPS (would be butterfly food).

[Haloreef]

Paul, would I be able to pick up my reactor and pellets on my way home from work today?
Keith.

[OceanicCorals-Ian-]

Paul, would I be able to pick up my reactor and pellets on my way home from work today?
Keith.


Keith,

Your reactor is waiting for you at the shop, the pellets are sitting in my office in Langley. You are welcome to swing in here to get your pellets then meet Paul at the store to get your reactor.... I would pick up our reactor Mod well you are at it.

[Haloreef]

Ian, I am off work tommorow, would that work better?
No hurry really.
Keith.

[Delphinus]

Just was watching the fish after dinner here, watching the ember blenny scoot around and I realized .. I forgot to list him. So it's actually 15 fish in there. (List updated...)

[Delphinus]

This was my idea for a bio pellet tumbler.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y223/kryptic4l/Untitled-1.jpg

Made out of a CPR refuge.


I think this would work really well except for not with a stream powerhead like that since what will happen is the pellets will just get sucked up to the intake slots. So what I'd do is basically a miniature closed loop. Use a powerhead or small pump (like a Seltz or similar), and use tubing or piping so that the intake is near the surface where the pellets wont be and then exhaust that water at the bottom where you have the powerhead in the drawing now.

Or better yet, just have the pump in the sump or whatever, and that is both your feed pump AND pellet tumbler.

[BC Mosaic]

Has anyone modified their Zeovite reactor to accomodate the pellets? I keep getting an inch or so of stuck pellets at the top while the rest is tumbling somewhat.

[Delphinus]

I was thinking about that too. Probably a slam dunk since they tend to come with a pump. So long as it's strong enough to tumble them in the reactor..

[globaldesigns]

Has anyone modified their Zeovite reactor to accomodate the pellets? I keep getting an inch or so of stuck pellets at the top while the rest is tumbling somewhat.

Actually I did that last night, removed the zeolites and put another litre of pellets in it. It doesn't work that well, I have the vertex reactor and found that even though they tumbled, over time they bunched up and stopped.

Today I went to see Danny @ Wai's to buy another Deltec 509 Fluidizer. Currently I am running 1.5L of BioPellets in that type of reactor with a MJ1200. I don't use any foam, and therefore they tumble nicely with no clogging. So now am running the second Deltec the same way with another 1L of Pellets.

I know the Deltec's are more, but I can tell you that they run much better than the cheapies, and I don't have the clogging issues as most of you do, as I don't need to run any foam inside them.

No more Zeolites. I have some new in the bag if anybody needs some.

All I can say is that I love these NP BioPellets.

[Werbo]

What can you do about the pellets rising to the top of the reactor. Currently have about 1/5 of my pellets clumped together at the top. Rest are on the bottom tumbling.

MJ 1200
TLF reactor
250ml pellets
no foam
michaels plastic mesh (stuff mentioned earlier in thread)

Thanks,
TW

[Canadian]

Tyler,

Some of the pellets seem to be more buoyant at first and in short order fall back down.

[blueyota]

Hello Ian
How would i go about picking up a bag of these pellets ?? I would like to give it a try ..and how much
Thanks Shawn

[OceanicCorals-Ian-]

Tyler,

Some of the pellets seem to be more buoyant at first and in short order fall back down.


We suggest soaking the Pellets in really warm water for a few hours before placing them in your reactor, as the pellets are being soaked give the container a shake every once and a while, this will dislodge all of the bubbles that stick to the pellets. New Pellets have some of the manufacturing dust on them which causes the bubbles to stick which in turn causes floating and clumping issues.

Hope this helps!

[OceanicCorals-Ian-]

Hello Ian
How would i go about picking up a bag of these pellets ?? I would like to give it a try ..and how much
Thanks Shawn


Shawn,

We have two sizes normally available 1000ml and 500ml, the amounts of Pellets to run is a matter of opinion and or trial but not error, you cannot overdose the Pellets. I would suggest you take a peak at our website (http://www.oceaniccorals.com/store/index.php?_a=viewCat&catId=56) for pricing on the Pellets, you are also welcome to give us a call so we can make arrangements to get some into your hands...

Ian
O.C.

[globaldesigns]

What can you do about the pellets rising to the top of the reactor. Currently have about 1/5 of my pellets clumped together at the top. Rest are on the bottom tumbling.

MJ 1200
TLF reactor
250ml pellets
no foam
michaels plastic mesh (stuff mentioned earlier in thread)

Thanks,
TW

Turn off your reactor and let them drop, then restart. You might have to do this a couple times. Mine do that to, but they will eventually drop.

Or

Maybe you have too much flow in the reactor forcing the pellets to the top, try dropping the flow

[Chin_Lee]

What can you do about the pellets rising to the top of the reactor. Currently have about 1/5 of my pellets clumped together at the top. Rest are on the bottom tumbling.

MJ 1200
TLF reactor
250ml pellets
no foam
michaels plastic mesh (stuff mentioned earlier in thread)

Thanks,
TW
Tyler
use the flow reducer that comes with the tlf reactor (green on black ball valve) on the pipe between reactor and pump. shake all the pellets down to the bottom, close valve complete, then turn on pump. SLOWLY turn the valve on while shaking the reactor to get the clumps to break apart and not flow to the top. open the valve until you get them tumbling but not floating to the top.

[Werbo]

Thanks Chin, Canadian and Ian. Couple things to try when I get home tonight.

[globaldesigns]

Thanks Chin, Canadian and Ian. Couple things to try when I get home tonight.

Hey, what about me... HEHE, no worries, hopefully you work it out.

[globaldesigns]

Update:

Yesterday I posted that I added a second Deltec 509 fluidizer... both were running independantly with MJ1200's powering each.

I was bored so today, I took them and made them run inline with only one MJ1200. Figured one less pump, cleaner look and of course probably even better water results out of them. The one pump works well and powers both quite nicely. Pellets are not as crazy in the tumbling, but they are tumbling quite well overall, little slower so probably better contact time with the water.

[Delphinus]

That's interesting .. I wonder if you'll find you need to step up the pump over time though.

My prediction - the first one will deplete faster as it has the nitrates and phosphates coming in. The second one will have water with zero nitrate coming in and at the very least "reduced" phosphate coming in (if not outright zero, but don't know, since I never bothered testing before/after with PO4 anyhow). But it will also have the shed mulm from the first. So it's interesting to see if it will be able to shed these or if you'll need to step up the pump.

Personally although I understand the urge to put "more! MORE!" on because they work so well .. I don't know if I think there's a benefit other than maybe you will not need to top up as much. If the reactor emits water with zero nitrate to begin with (as I found was happening even with less the recommended dosage for my water volume), then the nitrate reducing capacity is not increased with more pellets. Instead the limiting factor is then the water turnover through the reactor compared to the overall tank water. Ie., if you want "more nitrate reduction" then you actually need more water throughput with the effluent still emitting zero. In other words you're probably better off with the two reactors independent of one another, since they will be double the flowrate of one .. but with the two in series you have the same flowrate as one.

My prediction anyhow. Maybe I'm wrong..

[fishytime]

Hello Ian
How would i go about picking up a bag of these pellets ?? I would like to give it a try ..and how much
Thanks Shawn

We've got em Shawn.....at least I hope we still have some:lol:

[OceanicCorals-Ian-]

:nono:

[Borderjumper]

Ive had the pellets going in 2 of my tanks for 1 week now. Both are using a TLF reactor with a mesh mod and a maxijet 1200. Each has a little less than 500ml of pellets. Both tumble nicely... but one tank is making tons of mulm.. enough that its coating the intake and exhault tubes, which then reduces flow and the pellets stop tumbling. I clean the hoses and its fine again for a day. The only difference I see in the setups is the one that is making so much white gunk gets alot of light from the refuge... any ideas??

[freezetyle]

did anyone else find setting up there reactor a little anti-climatic?

[hillbillyreefer]

Anyone noticing more mulm like crap coming off of their rockwork when they blow it off?

My corals seem to respond favourably to basting the rocks.

[OceanicCorals-Ian-]

did anyone else find setting up there reactor a little anti-climatic?

LOL, The pellets don't turn to gold when they touch salt water!:mrgreen:

[kien]

did anyone else find setting up there reactor a little anti-climatic?

You were expecting climax?!?!? :surprise:

[freezetyle]

You were expecting climax?!?!? :surprise:

ha! well with all the the hype around these things i guess i expected something!

Although after only running these things for a few days there have been some improvements. Patience for the win!

[Kryptic4L]

ha! well with all the the hype around these things i guess i expected something!

Although after only running these things for a few days there have been some improvements. Patience for the win!

for the price you most definitly should recieve a " happy ending "

[Delphinus]

for the price you most definitly should recieve a " happy ending "

:lol: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3IVo8Q1jRw

[Delphinus]

Soooooo. I had pretty much all decided I was going to discontinue Zeovit, just hadn't pulled that particular trigger as yet.

Then the good folks at Korallen-Zucht had to go and pull THIS:
http://reefbuilders.com/2010/03/15/zeovit-releases-powerful-filter-media-fancy-colored-bag/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reefbuilders%2FCTjt+%28Reef+B uilders%29&utm_content=FaceBook

I dunno.. !!! Fancy coloured bag!!! Pretty darned tempting !!!

(No, I'm totally being serious here. Or at least, I'm seriously interested in at least finding out how different they really are, packaging change notwithstanding. :) )

[kien]

It is "more powerful" with "new composition" .. oohh.. ahhh. :lol: That has always been one issue that I've had with zeovit, on all the packaging they mind as well write, "Contains Stuff; just use it". :lol:

[christyf5]

It is "more powerful" with "new composition" .. oohh.. ahhh. :lol: That has always been one issue that I've had with zeovit, on all the packaging they mind as well write, "Contains Stuff; just use it". :lol:

:rofl: agreed. Its like magic! And now in a colorful bag! I gotta admit though, the stuff kept my algae at bay.

[Delphinus]

Well .. actually, been sort of thinking about this on and off all day. And, .. I think I am going to discontinue the Zeovit/Zeolites reactor after all. I just took out 1/4 of the zeolites, will wait a bit and repeat and wait, and so on, until it's empty.

The reason being this. More or less I've been off the zeovit system anyhow since I left for vacation and kind of never really got it going again after coming back. So I hadn't been dosing or agitating it much for two weeks. My 4 year old kid today was playing with my nitrate meter and it jogged my memory to calibrate it as it's been a while and do some tests. I found that my nitrates are no longer zero but instead hovering around 6 or 7. Ok, not bad, but, being that it was zero a while ago, not great either. So I checked the pellet reactor output and it still seems to be zero. I checked the zeovit reactor and it's outputting 9. :neutral:

So ... that's not what I want to see. I realize that it's my own fault for letting the zeolites maintenance routine slide a little, but I think it's the impetus to fully commit to the pellets. As long as the pellets stay fluidized it seems that they are far less work overall and no messing around with additives to keep the reactor working as advertised.

Sorry Zeovit! I gave it my best shot.

[kien]

I checked the zeovit reactor and it's outputting 9. :neutral:

Well, it is a good thing that the pellets were there to pick up the slack. :lol:

[Kryptic4L]

im still convinced the new bag contains some pellets.

[Delphinus]

Well, it is a good thing that the pellets were there to pick up the slack. :lol:

No kidding. Now I'm wondering if I should get the TLF reactor going again just so I can ante up the pellets. I'm not sure if I have a spare powerhead is the problem, well, not until I take the zeolite reactor offline altogether, since that one is fed by a MJ12. I have a couple MJ12's without impellers, I need to remember to buy a bunch of new ones next time I order from somewhere..

[Kryptic4L]

oh ffs, go get your self a used washing machine already and plumb it in. 50 gallons worth of agitation vibration..


Hmmmmm, mini washer.... I really should be a millionaire at this point.

[Delphinus]

:lol:

[globaldesigns]

Well .. actually, been sort of thinking about this on and off all day. And, .. I think I am going to discontinue the Zeovit/Zeolites reactor after all. I just took out 1/4 of the zeolites, will wait a bit and repeat and wait, and so on, until it's empty.

The reason being this. More or less I've been off the zeovit system anyhow since I left for vacation and kind of never really got it going again after coming back. So I hadn't been dosing or agitating it much for two weeks. My 4 year old kid today was playing with my nitrate meter and it jogged my memory to calibrate it as it's been a while and do some tests. I found that my nitrates are no longer zero but instead hovering around 6 or 7. Ok, not bad, but, being that it was zero a while ago, not great either. So I checked the pellet reactor output and it still seems to be zero. I checked the zeovit reactor and it's outputting 9. :neutral:

So ... that's not what I want to see. I realize that it's my own fault for letting the zeolites maintenance routine slide a little, but I think it's the impetus to fully commit to the pellets. As long as the pellets stay fluidized it seems that they are far less work overall and no messing around with additives to keep the reactor working as advertised.

Sorry Zeovit! I gave it my best shot.

Tony, I have already done this, its been about a week... running 2 Deltec 509 Fluidizers now, they are inline with a MJ 1200 running 2.5L of NP BioPellets.

I am a very happy guy.

[OceanicCorals-Ian-]

We have another order of Biopellets going out to all those that have put in orders, we also had a new shipment arrive so we have stock!

[kien]

Well .. actually, been sort of thinking about this on and off all day. And, .. I think I am going to discontinue the Zeovit/Zeolites reactor after all. ...
Sorry Zeovit! I gave it my best shot.

Tony, I have already done this, its been about a week... running 2 Deltec 509 Fluidizers now, they are inline with a MJ 1200 running 2.5L of NP BioPellets.

I am a very happy guy.

and so it begins..

[Delphinus]

Tony, I have already done this, its been about a week... running 2 Deltec 509 Fluidizers now, they are inline with a MJ 1200 running 2.5L of NP BioPellets.


Hi Rick, did you just quit the zeolites cold turkey or did you phase them out? Did you notice any reaction of the tank? Or did you time it to coincide with the time you increased the pellets?

thanks

[globaldesigns]

Hi Rick, did you just quit the zeolites cold turkey or did you phase them out? Did you notice any reaction of the tank? Or did you time it to coincide with the time you increased the pellets?

thanks

Hey Tony, I quite cold turkey. It was time to do my 80% change out, but got tired of it, so just removed it and bought the second Deltec fluidizer and put another 1L of pellets in at the same time.

So I haven't seen any ill effects, all is good. My Pink Birdnest keeps getting whiter and whiter as each day goes by and the pink is starting to really come out in it. It was brownish before, as you know I am not really testing nitrates and so on. Basing my results on coral responsiveness and happiness.

I can also say zoa's are popping color much more along with all my happy SPS

For those with LPS or Softies, I have some colt, brains, frogspawn, etc... I can say that all of them are also quiet happy with the BioPellets. Others have asked this, so I thought I should post. Good extension and fullness on everything.

[freezetyle]

Has anyone else noticed a huge increase in copepods? also a build-up of mulm in their skimmer?

[Chin_Lee]

Has anybody experienced cloudy water after starting the NP pellets? I started a friend's tank and his water is very cloudy. The reactor got clogged and it didn't tumble inside the reactor for about a week so i'm not sure if this contributed to it.

[Delphinus]

Hmmm, no cloudiness for me per se, but when the pellets would clog up and then get unclogged they would release so much mulm that the tank would go white. That's why they need to be fluidized so mulm can be shed as it is produced.

Freezestyle, yes and yes. :)

[globaldesigns]

Update:

It has been just over a week, since adding the second Fluidizer with another 1L of pellets and completely removing the Zeolites/Reactor. I did seperate the inline of both and have been running both fluidizers seperately for a couple days now. Just found them to tumble better. So I am now running 2.5L of Pellets.

Anyways, starting last night the skimmers are going crazy, and the tank is looking even brighter/cleaner.

I just cleaned the skimmers late last night.

http://www.tanktopia.com/personalimages/skimmer1.jpg
http://www.tanktopia.com/personalimages/skimmer2.jpg

[Delphinus]

Not surprised that you ended up separating them. :) But dude that is AWESOME to hear otherwise. :) I can't believe how excited I am over a stupid little pellet. I want more! More! MORE! Must .. buy .. 'nother .. reactor !!! :lol:

I noticed mine are producing microbubbles like crazy lately. Is that happening to anyone else?

[globaldesigns]

Not surprised that you ended up separating them. :) But dude that is AWESOME to hear otherwise. :) I can't believe how excited I am over a stupid little pellet. I want more! More! MORE! Must .. buy .. 'nother .. reactor !!! :lol:

I noticed mine are producing microbubbles like crazy lately. Is that happening to anyone else?

HEHEHE... Aren't we like little school girls, giggling over a boy... Damn these pellets. but yes, you need another reactor... Also you need to get rid of the foam, much better flow, no plugging of mulm and no cleaning.

Edit: oh yeah, no bubble issues with me, but I have my fluidizers just before a bubble trap before going to the return pump

[kien]

no micro bubbles but i too have ditched both foam pads.. running foamless now!

[ILIKECOUGARS]

Has anybody experienced cloudy water after starting the NP pellets? I started a friend's tank and his water is very cloudy. The reactor got clogged and it didn't tumble inside the reactor for about a week so i'm not sure if this contributed to it.

I notice that my water is on hazy side, but only one week in using the pellets. Not useing any foam in the reactor and the pellets are tumbling nicely .

[Lance]

I'm using the Vertex UF-15 reactor with no foam. Works very well with an MJ-1200. Pellets tumble nicely and no bubbles or mulm clogs.

[Delphinus]

The bubbles aren't causing a problem for me in any way because it just stays in the sump but to me it's still noteworthy that they are there. I wonder what it means or what the cause is.

[Delphinus]

It looked like somehow I was getting an air bubble trapped under the bottom sponge. I finally managed to get some quilting mesh a couple days ago, so I took the opportunity last night to replace the bottom sponge. Also I was running spongeless on the top already, but every so often the reactor would burp and I'd get a few pellets into the sump (and sometimes all the way up to the display tank) so I decided to put a top layer of the mesh in as well.

The MR-1 isn't as nice of a tumbler as the Vertex because of the bottom plate design (have now seen both reactors in action so have a fair basis of comparison). The MR-1 has a circular/slotted style openings and it seems that this causes an uneven upward flow whereas the phosban reactors and vertex have drilled bottom plates. I think this does make a difference so I think I will be at some point switching to a Vertex instead.

Rick - actually at some point I'd kinda like to see what the Deltecs look like in action as well. Maybe someday I could show up with a coffee or something? What's your favourite Timmie's concoction?

So.. anyhow, another update. I finally finished pulling the trigger on the zeolites last night, after removing them about 250ml at a time every couple of days for the last week. In the spirit of wanting to increase the pellets at the same time to compensate for any potential loss posed by the zeolites removal, I put my phosban reactor back on, so I can have two reactors running pellets now. I bought an Odyssea pump from Red Coral on Friday, put that on the MR-1, and switched over the MJ12 to the phosban. Only I took the sponges out of the phosban and put the mesh in there too. WOW, does that ever work awesome. Between the bottom plate difference and the sponge removal, the pellets are dancing like berserk in the little reactor.

So now running close to 2l total.

[globaldesigns]

It looked like somehow I was getting an air bubble trapped under the bottom sponge. I finally managed to get some quilting mesh a couple days ago, so I took the opportunity last night to replace the bottom sponge. Also I was running spongeless on the top already, but every so often the reactor would burp and I'd get a few pellets into the sump (and sometimes all the way up to the display tank) so I decided to put a top layer of the mesh in as well.

The MR-1 isn't as nice of a tumbler as the Vertex because of the bottom plate design (have now seen both reactors in action so have a fair basis of comparison). The MR-1 has a circular/slotted style openings and it seems that this causes an uneven upward flow whereas the phosban reactors and vertex have drilled bottom plates. I think this does make a difference so I think I will be at some point switching to a Vertex instead.

Rick - actually at some point I'd kinda like to see what the Deltecs look like in action as well. Maybe someday I could show up with a coffee or something? What's your favourite Timmie's concoction?

So.. anyhow, another update. I finally finished pulling the trigger on the zeolites last night, after removing them about 250ml at a time every couple of days for the last week. In the spirit of wanting to increase the pellets at the same time to compensate for any potential loss posed by the zeolites removal, I put my phosban reactor back on, so I can have two reactors running pellets now. I bought an Odyssea pump from Red Coral on Friday, put that on the MR-1, and switched over the MJ12 to the phosban. Only I took the sponges out of the phosban and put the mesh in there too. WOW, does that ever work awesome. Between the bottom plate difference and the sponge removal, the pellets are dancing like berserk in the little reactor.

So now running close to 2l total.

You can come over anytime, Yum, timmies Iced Cap. I work from home, so anytime will work.

[Delphinus]

Some videos of the pellets doing their thing in the two reactors.

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn239/delphinus_photos/Zeovit%20and%20NP%20Reducing%20Pellets/th_reactors2.jpg (http://s305.photobucket.com/albums/nn239/delphinus_photos/Zeovit%20and%20NP%20Reducing%20Pellets/?action=view&current=reactors2.flv)

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn239/delphinus_photos/Zeovit%20and%20NP%20Reducing%20Pellets/th_reactors1.jpg (http://s305.photobucket.com/albums/nn239/delphinus_photos/Zeovit%20and%20NP%20Reducing%20Pellets/?action=view&current=reactors1.flv)

[blueyota]

Thanks for that video Tony ...I have been trying to figure out a good rate for the tumbling but wasnt sure .....
what size of pump are you using for your reactors and are they daisy chained together???
Thanks
Shawn

[banditpowdercoat]

Ya, Mine tumbles like that too. I was running carbon in series, but it blocked flow to much. Need another pump I guess...

[Delphinus]

Thanks for that video Tony ...I have been trying to figure out a good rate for the tumbling but wasnt sure .....
what size of pump are you using for your reactors and are they daisy chained together???
Thanks
Shawn

I am running them independently of one another.

The TLF150 (smaller reactor) is fed by a MJ1200 powerhead. When I first started this I ran the pellets in that reactor with a MJ12 pump but didn't get anywhere near that level of agitation with the pellets. The only thing that has changed is I took out the bottom sponge and replaced it with a piece of quilting mesh. I used 3 small zap straps to hold the quilting mesh to the bottom plate so it wouldn't move around.

The MR-1 reactor is fed by an Odyssea 500gph pump ($30 at Red Coral :D ). This same pump is feeding their Vertex reactor on their SPS tank. It is tumbling the pellets on their system quite nicely (more so than mine is). I think the difference is the bottom plate design, although it may also have to do with the fact that the MR-1 uses 3/8" tubing while the Vertex uses 1/2" PVC - so the Vertex will have faster flow capabilities with the same pump.

For what it's worth, I was running a MJ12 on the MR-1 up until this weekend, with a smaller pellet volume in there, and the tumbling was about the same. So given how many pellets you have in the reactor, the MJ12 powerhead can be an adequate pump to drive the pellets. I would guess the threshold to be around 500ml - 750ml of pellets.

[Delphinus]

Oh wow, can people actually SEE my videos? I just tried watching one from my work computer and it's so dark I can't see anything. It was not like that on my home laptop when I posted them last night. :( Maybe I will try replacing the videos tonight using a spotlight to shine on the reactors to get a better quality video. Sorry folks!

[The Codfather]

Video's are fine.

[Lance]

The Vertex UF-15 with an MJ 1200 tumbles the same, maybe a little harder.

[Red Coral Aquariums]

The TLF150 (smaller reactor) is fed by a MJ1200 powerhead. When I first started this I ran the pellets in that reactor with a MJ12 pump but didn't get anywhere near that level of agitation with the pellets. The only thing that has changed is I took out the bottom sponge and replaced it with a piece of quilting mesh. I used 3 small zap straps to hold the quilting mesh to the bottom plate so it wouldn't move around.



On our Zoanthid frag tanks I was running a TLF 150 with carbon and decided to try the Pellets in the TLF. I was having a tumbling problem with the TLF so I tried a mod that seems to work fine. I took out the sponges and the bottom red plate and glued the plastic tubing in and am blasting water from the pump straight to the bottom. It seems to be working perfect and a very easy mod if all you have is a TLF 150.
Kevin

[Delphinus]

Interesting. So it's just glued into the top plate or did you take out the top plate too?

[Red Coral Aquariums]

I left the top red plate but the hard clear tubing that goes down to the bottom red plate kept coming off so I glued it into place and it seems to be working perfect.
Kevin

[Chin_Lee]

good idea on this mod Kevin. this should create enough direct flow to keep the pellets tumbling nicely.

[Borderjumper]

I woke up this morning with a cloudy tank. The pellets were barely moving. The hoses had started to plug again. After cleaning the hoses the pellets are tumbling again.

Anyone know if the cloudy is bad for my tank?

[Chin_Lee]

I woke up this morning with a cloudy tank. The pellets were barely moving. The hoses had started to plug again. After cleaning the hoses the pellets are tumbling again.

Anyone know if the cloudy is bad for my tank?

same thing happened to my friend. his pellets stopped tumbling, got clumped together and all the hoses and holes got gunked up. He couldn't get the pellets to stop spitting out cloudy white stuff and it appeared some of his corals were reacting badly to it. finally we took it offline and had to wash all the pellets to get the gunk off them. apparently took a long time to clean them. They are now dried and i'll start them up again next week with the mod mentioned above.

[Borderjumper]

same thing happened to my friend. his pellets stopped tumbling, got clumped together and all the hoses and holes got gunked up. He couldn't get the pellets to stop spitting out cloudy white stuff and it appeared some of his corals were reacting badly to it. finally we took it offline and had to wash all the pellets to get the gunk off them. apparently took a long time to clean them. They are now dried and i'll start them up again next week with the mod mentioned above.


my pellets didnt gunk together at all and tumbled very nicely as soon as I cleaned out the hoses. Corals and fish all look ok.. just the water is v ery slightly cloudy. I will do a water change tonight and hope everything is settled by morning.

[Delphinus]

I have had several tank "whiteout blizzard" conditions as a result of pellets clogging. It is unsettling to see, but the tank inhabitants didn't seem to care (actually my fish seem to eat the "snowflakes"). My skimmer seems to pull it out and the water is clear within a couple hours. Also I have a filter sock - one thing since adding the pellets is I have to clean out my filter sock way more often, so I'm pretty sure it's pulling the stuff out too.

It seems to not take very long after the pellets have settled for the mulm to accumulate to "biblical plague of locusts" levels. Seems very important to make sure that lines, sponges and meshes aren't clogging up and finding the right combination of reactor, pump and/or reactor mods so that they are always churning.

[OceanicCorals-Ian-]

my pellets didnt gunk together at all and tumbled very nicely as soon as I cleaned out the hoses. Corals and fish all look ok.. just the water is v ery slightly cloudy. I will do a water change tonight and hope everything is settled by morning.

No need for a water change, the skimmer will pull out the bacteria (mulm) which is harmless.

[Chin_Lee]

my friend didn't do a water change either and it cleared up within a day.

[Borderjumper]

jeeze the trama of waking up to a cloudy tank:mrgreen: I will remain calm

[Zoaelite]

jeeze the trama of waking up to a cloudy tank:mrgreen: I will remain calm

+1, scared the crap out of me this morning until I realized my reactor was clogged (and FULL of mulm). After a quick cleaning I'm pretty happy, I can't wait for them to fully establish!

[Zoaelite]

No need for a water change, the skimmer will pull out the bacteria (mulm) which is harmless.

Out of curiosity is it harmless to humans? Should I be wearing gloves when I'm cleaning my slimmy mesh screen?

[OceanicCorals-Ian-]

Out of curiosity is it harmless to humans? Should I be wearing gloves when I'm cleaning my slimmy mesh screen?

Harmless! :mrgreen: What the heck is with all of this clogging? I have not experienced any such clogs on either the store system or home system...... :neutral:

[Chin_Lee]

the cloggings happens when the pellets stop tumbling for whatever reason.

[Borderjumper]

my tank is still just as cloudy today. In my case both tanks its been the hoses gradually building up gunk, until it impeads the flow enough the pellets dont move enough.

[Delphinus]

Is it cloudy like "milky" or is it particulate from the mulm? I don't think I've ever had any cloudiness, per se, from the pellets, just blizzard like conditions. Are you running carbon? Can you dose some coral snow maybe to polish up the water? I'm not sure what to think of the continued cloudiness. Unless you can tell it's still the reactor shedding mulm? What reactor and what pump combo are you using? (Sorry just asking these questions so I can get a feel for things .. maybe we can come up with some suggestions?)

[OceanicCorals-Ian-]

my tank is still just as cloudy today. In my case both tanks its been the hoses gradually building up gunk, until it impedes the flow enough the pellets don't move enough.


The cloudiness is harmless with one exception, dissolved oxygen can plummet if too much bacterial mass exists in suspension or if too much volume of pellets are used with too much flow. This is likely not the case with you but it can happen.

The very best setup for these pellets that I have seen is actually the Vertex Reactor for the simple reason that it has 1/2" inlet and outlet size, this all but eliminates hose clogging issues.

Anoxic conditions can be prevented by simply aiming the return of the reactor to the inlet of the skimmer, the aeration of the skimmer returns the oxygen levels within the water to normal levels.

Ian

O.C.

[Lance]

Ian is bang on. Since I've switched from the TLF reactor to the Vertex I've not had a clog.

[OceanicCorals-Ian-]

O.C. has started a new Sub Forum for everything related to Pellet De-nitrification, questions and answers can be posted in the thread and will be monitored daily.

Thanks!

O.C.
#1 Source for De-nitrification Pellets.

http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=62637

[stevek]

http://picasaweb.google.com/m/photo?uname=acutehomecare&id=5452629020927406306&aid=5452627586685690321&start=0

[Seamazter]

Hey delp
Are those the same vodka pellets that they sell at ocean city that your using?
Made by "reef intrests"

[stevek]

Hey delp
Are those the same vodka pellets that they sell at ocean city that your using?
Made by "reef intrests"
Yes

[Finley]

Kien,

Can you post larger pics of your install so I can tell where your vertex draws from and returns to in your sump.

Thanks

[kien]

I snapped quite a few pics of my pellet rig here (http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=512952&postcount=398). Let me know if you want me to email you the full resolution pictures; pm me your email and I'll email them to you.

I think this is what you're looking for though?

http://i1002.photobucket.com/albums/af144/muzanji/IMG_9907.jpg?t=1272313480

After the water drops into the sump and through a filter sock, the first thing that it runs into is the pellet reactor powered by a 500gph pump. The outlet of the reactor points at the inlet to my skimmer, then over a few baffles and into the return section of the sump.

[balistidae]

I have been battling hair algae in my 28g nano cube and have tried almost everything, now as a last resort I am interested in giving these new n/p pellets a go.
Seeing how there is no room for a reactor on the tank I am wondering if I could bag the pellets and just put them in the overflow chamber? I could maybe take the bag out every few days and give it a shake. Would there be enough movement for this to work? Any other ideas how to add them reactor-less?

Thanks all!

[globaldesigns]

I have been battling hair algae in my 28g nano cube and have tried almost everything, now as a last resort I am interested in giving these new n/p pellets a go.
Seeing how there is no room for a reactor on the tank I am wondering if I could bag the pellets and just put them in the overflow chamber? I could maybe take the bag out every few days and give it a shake. Would there be enough movement for this to work? Any other ideas how to add them reactor-less?

Thanks all!

The pellets need to be tumbled vigorously, so no your idea will not work. If possible figure out how to run a fluidizer.

[Cameron]

Here is my reactor tumbling nicely.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MbuPRkYg-FA

[George]

Here is my reactor tumbling nicely.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MbuPRkYg-FA

Nice movement in that TLF. What powerhead are you using? How many pellets in that reactor?

[Dyspnea]

So some people have been running the pellets for nearly 7 months, Is everyone still happy? Anyone seeing improved coral growth/colors?

I strongly considering jumping on the bandwagon, I thought of going zeo however the constant dosing, shaking, plus my work schedule, pellets semm a far better choice for myself.

[Cameron]

I have had a severe hair algae outbreak...not sure if its the pellets or not...but I never had it before.

I have notices my corals are much brighter...but my kenya tree has lost all its color.
No change in my clams.

[SeaHorse_Fanatic]

No cyano or algae break out after adding the NPX pellets to my system. Perhaps the dozen or so tangs in the tank have something to do with that:wink::biggrin:

[Lance]

I've been running the pellets since January and have been pleased with the outcome. I have an overstocked 225g mixed reef with large, fat fish and I was constantly battling nitrates. Since the pellets I've been able to cut water changes in half and the NO3 & PO4 levels stay low. I also had a serious bubble algae problem which is virtually gone now.
I can't say I've seen an improvement in coral colours, but growth has definitely improved.

[DiverDude]

I started pellets 2 months ago and like Cameron, I too have had a bad HA outbreak. I can't say for sure it was the pellets either but the timing is highly suspiscious !

[lastlight]

Here is my reactor tumbling nicely.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MbuPRkYg-FA

Wow those are massive compared to the npx beads! I'm getting the same tumble with an mj600 on a TLF using the newer (and smaller) beads.

[burrows14]

It seems that people with smaller thanks seem to have the algae problems.... I have run pellets since january and have not had any algae at all. I have noticed that I have had a Copepod explosion tho! they are everywhere! lol

[Cameron]

I'll take some pods.

[SeaHorse_Fanatic]

My pods in the sump also love the pellets. Used to see a few, now see lots in comparison.

[Coleus]

Well i have run it for 7 months now, and did not see the result i was expecting until i unplug my UV sterilizer. So now i am very happy with it because it really keep my nitrate down with less water change and feed the fish more. (like 3 time more :-) )

Not sure about coral because my angels are picking all my corals left and right so ..... oh well, maybe i should them more until they can't move anymore to pick on my corals.

Also. the bigger reactor, the better result you get. I was running 2x small TLFs and did not get the same result as one big deltec.

I am running 1L of pellets on my 155 gallon tank

[hairy_frogfish]

The MR-1 isn't as nice of a tumbler as the Vertex because of the bottom plate design (have now seen both reactors in action so have a fair basis of comparison). The MR-1 has a circular/slotted style openings and it seems that this causes an uneven upward flow whereas the phosban reactors and vertex have drilled bottom plates. I think this does make a difference so I think I will be at some point switching to a Vertex instead.



Hello,
I indeed have some problem getting good tumbling with the MR1. Could you please post of photo of the "drilled bottom plates" of the other reactors so I can see if I can make a modification on the MR1?

Thanks

Cia

Renaud

[Delphinus]

Oh wow, I wrote that some time ago. :redface: Should have posted an update, but I did switch over to the .. I think it's called the UF20. It's the slightly taller version of the two reactors by Vertex that people seem to be using for pellets. With the same pump, but now using 1/2" lines instead of 3/8", the difference in tumbling is quite significant. I haven't had to touch that thing in a number of months and the pellets are still spinning away in there.

I'll see if there's something I can snap a photo of, or maybe someone else can do so as well ... but in the meantime, imagine an acrylic disk for the bottom plate, with a grid of holes about 1/8" diameter or so. If you've seen the bottom plate of a TLF Phosban150 reactor, it's more or less the same idea.

[Delphinus]

Where are my manners!

Welcome to Canreef!! / Bienvenue a Canreef !! :)

[hairy_frogfish]

Where are my manners!

Welcome to Canreef!! / Bienvenue a Canreef !! :)

Thanks Delphinus :)

[Twinn]

Any one else with the smaller tanks who are running the pellets having issues with HA?

[Canadian]

Any one else with the smaller tanks who are running the pellets having issues with HA?

Not me. I've been running them for over 6 months now on a 50 gallon SPS tank and have zero hair algae.

[Cameron]

I am...65 gal RSM and the HA is crazy

[Borderjumper]

I am...65 gal RSM and the HA is crazy

How's your skimmer working?

[fkshiu]

Running about 600ml of the smaller NP pellets in a 150 gallon system so about a month and a half. Using a TLF reactor hooked up off of a manifold powered by my Eheim 1260 return. Pellets churn like crazy and without the trusty Eheim breaking a sweat.

My nitrates were creeping up towards 30ppm after an all out SPS crash and there was nothing I could do to stop the rise. Nitrates now at 20ppm but won't budge any lower. I tossed out many corals that were on their way out which would have helped as well. Going to add a bit more pellets. Still cyano hanging around with a few tufts of HA. I've been adding Zeobak as directed and occasionally add Coral Snow as well.

[Frozenocean]

I picked up a TLF 150 with 300 ml of pellets from RIPTANK. (Thanks man)He was using hydor L20 pump... I noticed the pellets moving in somewhat of a solid form....about 2/3 the way up the reactor. I switched out to a Maxijet and now I notice more vigorous tumbling and about 7/8 up the reactor.

Any feedback on the proper pump setup for this system.

I'm running a 90G. He had been running the system for 2 months

[Coleus]

I think maxijet 1200 will make the pellets tumble nicely in TLF150. That was what i used, I upgraded to a bigger reactor and still use maxijet 1200 and still get the same result. Make sure you soak the pellets well.

[Frozenocean]

Thanks man!!

When you say soak the pellets well.......are you talking about new additions?

[Cameron]

pulling rancid smelling gooooo out

[Coleus]

Anyone has experienced with the decrease in ph level when using pellets.

Since the day i start to use the pellets i notice my ph keep dropping slowly which i never experience before.

Here are my parameters

Mg: 1400
Calc: 400
AlkL:9-10

Nitrate: < 5

I using two part dosing. What can i do to help with my ph?

Thanks

[regent2009]

mine sometimes down to 8.0 ph , then i put some kalkwasser bring it up..

[purelife]

I started using the NPx pellets 2 days ago in a Vertex Uf-20 reactor, did anyone notice how long it took for their skimmer to return to being able to produce skimmate?

Right now its just rapid bubble popping at the top no foam head at all.

[loveless]

I started using the NPx pellets 2 days ago in a Vertex Uf-20 reactor, did anyone notice how long it took for their skimmer to return to being able to produce skimmate?

Right now its just rapid bubble popping at the top no foam head at all.

I had this happen to me http://glassbox-design.com/2010/np-biopellets-killing-skimmer/ I know it says that it only happened across the pond but for some reason I got a bad batch. It tookme along time to figure it out and in that time my N sky rocketed because of lack of skimming. The product still isnt working for me. I dont think that they should affect skimming so keep an eye out.

[Coleus]

I started using the NPx pellets 2 days ago in a Vertex Uf-20 reactor, did anyone notice how long it took for their skimmer to return to being able to produce skimmate?

Right now its just rapid bubble popping at the top no foam head at all.


does your skimmer produce form head without vertex reactor running? The only thing i notice what pellets did to my skimage is color from green to dark brown

[globaldesigns]

I personally didn't have that problem, and my skimmer worked fine. As Coleus stated, my skimmate to went from green to dark brown, probably due to the fact there was no more algae, and now it was just removing the excess nutrients.

[SeaHorse_Fanatic]

My skimmate also went darker & thicker at the same settings.

[purelife]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXpR5HFV5tU

Sorry for the crappy video quality i shot this with my phone.. Is my media tumbling fine or to aggressive when i dial it back more i get a dead spot on the right side

[Coleus]

i think that is way too aggressive

[globaldesigns]

I agree, that is way to aggressive.

You don't have many pellets in there, but it is recommended that only the top layer moves somewhat aggresively, while the rest tumbles quite slowly/gently, so slowly that they don't move much, but pressure will build within it and you will see area turn over with time, releasing the mulm/bacteria.

This is the problem with the pellets, many failures, due to the fact of the pellets not being used properly. I myself am one of them that used incorrectly in the past.

I can tell you this, if used properly, they do work... I am seeing great results with them overall.

[Delphinus]

Rick, when you get a chance, could you maybe post a video or some pictures about how you have yours setup now? (please and thank you)

[purelife]

ok thanks
thats what i was thinking i just was worried about it being stale and sitting creating a bad zone. let me go tune it down some more

[purelife]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4ORW67oyxk
tuned it down some more, i dunno its hard to really fine tune it.

[globaldesigns]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4ORW67oyxk
tuned it down some more, i dunno its hard to really fine tune it.

That looks really good, and is how I have mine. Now I am running 1-1.5L in each reactor, and I have 2 reactors.... But you have yours close to how mine are running now. You will find that you won't have dead spots, the areas that churn a bit will move around the reactor.

With how you have yours now, the bacteria has a chance to grow and can actually attach to the pellets. For everyone who is running pellets, think of it this way... If you were in a hurricane, could you hold on to something, well the same goes for the bacteria. You create a hurricane, they go bye bye.

How big is your system, as you can probably have more running?

[Zoaelite]

That looks really good, and is how I have mine. Now I am running 1-1.5L in each reactor, and I have 2 reactors.... But you have yours close to how mine are running now. You will find that you won't have dead spots, the areas that churn a bit will move around the reactor.

With how you have yours now, the bacteria has a chance to grow and can actually attach to the pellets. For everyone who is running pellets, think of it this way... If you were in a hurricane, could you hold on to something, well the same goes for the bacteria. You create a hurricane, they go bye bye.

How big is your system, as you can probably have more running?

Life has special ways of surviving in adverse conditions, think of the algae that grows on the edge of a water fall. Sure as heck alot of flow there yet it still thrives, besides I was under the impression that the pellets worked by releasing a dissolved carbon source into the water. If that's true you are capitilising on the bacteria growth all over your tank and not just in the reactor.

On that note I just upgraded my pump so the pellets are really flying around, Rick you might be right in giving them some time to produce bacteria but I figure the more flow the more dissolved carbon = more bacteria in the tank = More colonization of all surface area.

Just my 2 cents.

[kien]

Life has special ways of surviving in adverse conditions, think of the algae that grows on the edge of a water fall. Sure as heck alot of flow there yet it still thrives, besides I was under the impression that the pellets worked by releasing a dissolved carbon source into the water. If that's true you are capitilising on the bacteria growth all over your tank and not just in the reactor.

On that note I just upgraded my pump so the pellets are really flying around, Rick you might be right in giving them some time to produce bacteria but I figure the more flow the more dissolved carbon = more bacteria in the tank = More colonization of all surface area.

Just my 2 cents.

I was under the impression that these pellets provided a localized area inside the reactor for bacteria to grow, ad opposed to all over your tank :). That is, I think the bacteria remains in the your reactor and on the pellets as they consume Nitrates, Phosphates and the pellets themselves.

[Zoaelite]

I was under the impression that these pellets provided a localized area inside the reactor for bacteria to grow, ad opposed to all over your tank :). That is, I think the bacteria remains in the your reactor and on the pellets as they consume Nitrates, Phosphates and the pellets themselves.

I would see no way of containing the bacteria to one localized area of your system considering that it actually came from the system to begin with. On top of that I thought that this bacterial mulm was an excellent source of coral food, if it's contained in the reactor I must be wrong.

Then again it's quite easy to see when someone has a bacterial bloom in the tank from slow flowing pellets. Perhaps we should get an OC expert on here to clear everything up for us?

[globaldesigns]

Life has special ways of surviving in adverse conditions, think of the algae that grows on the edge of a water fall. Sure as heck alot of flow there yet it still thrives, besides I was under the impression that the pellets worked by releasing a dissolved carbon source into the water. If that's true you are capitilising on the bacteria growth all over your tank and not just in the reactor.

On that note I just upgraded my pump so the pellets are really flying around, Rick you might be right in giving them some time to produce bacteria but I figure the more flow the more dissolved carbon = more bacteria in the tank = More colonization of all surface area.

Just my 2 cents.

Well, I can tell you this, my newest bags of NP BioPellets explain the same thing as I just outlined prior... Also much more research out there on this now. So I outline this because NP is now telling me this, research from others also supports it.

Again, my 2 cents also... I base it on what the manufacturer and research dictates, and from what I see in results.

If you have any newer bags of NP Pellets, look for a sheet of paper in the bag, believe it or not they do now have instructions outlining use.

[globaldesigns]

Let me also outline a test I did a couple of times. This test was done to see if it had any good or bad results with the use of the NP BioPellets.

As instructed, I have the export from the reactors at the intake of the skimmer. This is to remove any excessive bacterial mulm and to re-oxygenate the water as the bacterial growth does use up oxygen in the water. My interpretation may not be 100% correct, but it is something like that.

Anyways, I added a filter sock to the export from the reactors, and found that the sock itself would filter more when the flow of the reactor was slower than faster (meaning I had to change the sock more often when slower tumbling). So does this indicate better bacterial growth? I would think so, and the filter is taking more out, as there is more.

Just wanted to give you all this example, I think it does tell a story on how better the pellets may work with slower tumbling/flow.

Also, can anybody also state they got the instructions in the bag on the newer bags. Reason I ask is that many people are failing with these pellets, but in my opinion, failing because of not using them properly. So lets try to settle on proper usage and move forward with it.

I don't have a scanner anymore, as I just upgraded to windows 7, so my scanner went to the recycle bin, but if someone can scan the paper that is in the bags, and then post it up, it would be very beneficial to everyone.

[globaldesigns]

I found a link that has the instructions that are coming in the NPX bags, this is the same as what I got in mine.

http://glassbox-design.com/2010/npx-bio-beads/

In the above link go half way down the page, in the blue box is the actual instructions. Please note it says "are best used within a fluidized reactor with enough flow to keep the top layer of Beads tumbling aggressively". I am trying to find some of the research articles I found, if I can find them again, I will paste for your reading enjoyment.

Edit: here is a Link to a great article by Grumpy Old Reefer
http://grumpyreefer.net/2010/02/08/np-biopellets-the-story-so-far/

[Zoaelite]

Thanks for the info Rick, I might turn down the flow if I see anything funky going on in the tank. It's hard to tell the magnitude of them working on my system because I run a few different nitrate sinks.

Do you know if any of the other brands come with instructions like this? I know everyone has taken a swing at producing these pellets now, if running them correctly is the key to success I would hope company's are detailing this comprehensibly.

First time hearing about an instruction insert for the NP-Biopellets.

[globaldesigns]

Thanks for the info Rick, I might turn down the flow if I see anything funky going on in the tank. It's hard to tell the magnitude of them working on my system because I run a few different nitrate sinks.

Do you know if any of the other brands come with instructions like this? I know everyone has taken a swing at producing these pellets now, if running them correctly is the key to success I would hope company's are detailing this comprehensibly.

First time hearing about an instruction insert for the NP-Biopellets.

That is the problem, until recently I was flying by the seat of my pants on these also. Fast flow, slow flow, up and down and I didn't know what to do. The instruction pamphlet was a shock to me when I opened the bag, as I wasn't expecting it. Then the lack of people reviews when these first came out, didn't help either.

From what I see, most brands don't detail how to use. The NPX instructions are in the NPX bags, but not in my original NP bags... I have enough pellets of both old and new to last me 5 years or more.

I am also tempted to do what Grumpy Old Reefer did. He had his pellets in a 10 Gallon pail. He found more pellets and greater surface area worked better. I run 2 reactors, but technically 2 seperate sources. So if I take the same amount of pellets (dump both reactors into one pail) and work it the same way, will the results be even BETTER! It makes me wonder.

I hope what I found helps you and others. I look forward to hearing about your results also.

[purelife]

My biggest problem the first few days of running it is tweaking the reactor and messing with it. Didn't help that it was my off week at work so every hour i was running down and messing with something on it turning it up then turning it down thinking it would work some magic :razz:

Even this morning woke up 4am to get ready for work i had to run down and take a look to make sure they are still tumbling to my liking haha.. Oh well I'm working 12s the next 3 days, i should be able to stay hands off for now.

But i agree with lack of in-depth product review there is no real set standard on how to run the system some people say aggressive some say more passive slow some say tumbling slow.

[purelife]

So i am convinced that either i am doing something really wrong or i have a bad batch of pellets.

I put the reactor back online Tuesday during the day and instantly my skimmer stops skimming can't create a foam head just rapid bubble popping.
Figured that maybe the pellets just needed to work in a few days this morning still the same thing going on.

If i take the reactor offline in about 1-4 hours the skimmer will kick in again and start to skim like a beast. They are the only thing that have changed in the tank nothing else, so its either me or the pellets i am thinking the pellets since as soon as i introduce them it kills the skimmer.

[globaldesigns]

So i am convinced that either i am doing something really wrong or i have a bad batch of pellets.

I put the reactor back online Tuesday during the day and instantly my skimmer stops skimming can't create a foam head just rapid bubble popping.
Figured that maybe the pellets just needed to work in a few days this morning still the same thing going on.

If i take the reactor offline in about 1-4 hours the skimmer will kick in again and start to skim like a beast. They are the only thing that have changed in the tank nothing else, so its either me or the pellets i am thinking the pellets since as soon as i introduce them it kills the skimmer.

Here is an article:

http://glassbox-design.com/2010/np-biopellets-killing-skimmer/

You might have a bad batch of pellets, but it states the skimmer should resume.

[Dyspnea]

Well I've joined the club :mrgreen: , I just setup up my new Vertex reactor. Hoping for some good results.

[Cameron]

I've deceided to give them another shot....

This time using much less pellets,, have a fast tumble going, skimmer is pulling well..

Hair algae growth is back...WTF?

Thank goodneed I have the sea hare.

[Dyspnea]

I have a couple questions.

I've been running vertex pellets for the last 7 days. I started with 500ml (150gallon net water volume) The pellets are tumbling nicely, never had any clouding of my water.

Right from the start my skimmer went crazy, I had too adjust my skimmer and it is now it's max setting. The skimmate is wet and black and the bubbles just don't have the surface tension they used too.

I read that my skimmer was suppose to return to normal with in several hours to usually two days later, however I also read that "nitrate and phosphate locking" could cause a more lengthy break in period, due to old live rock (which i have plenty of)

I haven't lost any livestock, I haven't had an algae outbreak, the tank looks good overall.

Anything I should really be concerned of at this point? Should I remove some of my pellets?

[Oceanic]

I have received many questions in regards to skimmer function and the use of pellets, the simple answer in regards to the skimmer is to just give it time and the skimmer will return to normal function; albeit, more stinky function within a few days after starting pellets.

People also need to realize that there is absolutely not a one molecule difference between the NpX Bio Beads and the others like Vertex and the original NP brand. They are all sourced from the identical supplier. The only difference is how much volume you get for the price and how fancy the bag looks.

The NpX brand is the best value for the price with a higher volume per bag. the only pellets I would worry about are the ones made of a completely different compound like the Warner Marine brand and possibly some of the other new types surfacing on the market.




I have a couple questions.

I've been running vertex pellets for the last 7 days. I started with 500ml (150gallon net water volume) The pellets are tumbling nicely, never had any clouding of my water.

Right from the start my skimmer went crazy, I had too adjust my skimmer and it is now it's max setting. The skimmate is wet and black and the bubbles just don't have the surface tension they used too.

I read that my skimmer was suppose to return to normal with in several hours to usually two days later, however I also read that "nitrate and phosphate locking" could cause a more lengthy break in period, due to old live rock (which i have plenty of)

I haven't lost any livestock, I haven't had an algae outbreak, the tank looks good overall.

Anything I should really be concerned of at this point? Should I remove some of my pellets?

[blkhwk]

I just got my pellets and reactor,vertex uf-15 with 500ml of pellets.Will the mag 3 pump be enough to tumble these and should i start with all the pellets at once or start with half and add the rest later?My set-up is a 46 bow tank.