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:
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.