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

[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:






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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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-]

Originally Posted by Haloreef

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.

[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

[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...)