Let's talk about bio load.

[sphelps]

Over-skimming has nothing to do with removing beneficial bacteria, while such bacteria exists in the water column the amount of it compared to what attaches to surfaces in basically zero. Skimming removes bacteria about as effectively as water changes. Over skimming removes desirable elements such as potassium which can effect coral health. This can be avoided even with grossly over-sized skimmers by dry skimming rather than wet skimming and dosing to compensate.

In terms of zeovit the system is based on strong skimming, I remember previous versions of the guide actually stated you couldn't use a skimmer that was too large however that probably resulting in some using ridiculously over-sized skimmers meaning elements where depleted faster than they could be added. Thus the added note stating not too use a skimmer "too oversized" but you should still use an "over-sized skimmer". Also nothing official from zeovit suggests shutting a skimmer off during dosing, only to dose downstream of the skimmer in order to give the bacteria a chance to populate within the aquarium (same for the reactor mull).

Originally Posted by ZeoGuide

As mentioned earlier, the basis of this method relies on export of harmful substances through skimming. Continuous use and frequent cleaning should be conducted in order to keep the skimmer performing at its maximum level. The results are better when the skimmer is adjusted in order not to produce too much concentrated skimmate (wet skimming). We would like to point out that it is our thought that needle wheels may precipitate certain elements and destroy plankton. These elements, e.g. such as potassium, will need to be re-added to the system. Do not use a skimmer that is too oversized or employ wet skimming if you use a needle wheel skimmer. We recommend the use of venturi type skimmers.

[SoloSK71]

Originally Posted by Aquattro

So then, how do I estimate my bioload? Good question, huh??

Dissolved oxygen, actual vs. ideal/theoretical

Charles

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by SoloSK71

Dissolved oxygen, actual vs. ideal/theoretical

Charles

Near impossible for a hobbyist to measure, but that might do it. Perhaps redox values instead?

[Proteus]

I've though about monitoring orp but after all the research I've done its about as important as ph

[mikellini]

Originally Posted by sphelps

Over-skimming has nothing to do with removing beneficial bacteria, while such bacteria exists in the water column the amount of it compared to what attaches to surfaces in basically zero. Skimming removes bacteria about as effectively as water changes.

This isn't exactly true... For example, systems in which organic carbon is dosed remove a lot of bacteria via foam fractionation (skimming). This is actually the primary way in which such systems control phosphates; by removing the bacteria that bind/use/consume them from the aquarium. Also why skimmate colour changes significantly when dosing carbon (ethanol, vinegar etc). Zeovit systems also remove a substantial amount of bacteria by skimming; when the 'mulm' (basically bacterial biomass) is shaken and released, whatever isn't immediately eaten or otherwise used by the inhabitants is skimmed out.

[Samw]

Originally Posted by Aquattro

Near impossible for a hobbyist to measure, but that might do it. Perhaps redox values instead?

Why is dissolved oxygen impossible to measure? There are dissolved oxygen meters. I have one.

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by Samw

Why is dissolved oxygen impossible to measure? There are dissolved oxygen meters. I have one.

Meters are rare items owned by hobbyists. And titration kits don't work well at all.
Not impossible, but not something that is useful, therefore difficult to justify a meter.
Hobbyist meters are also likely not maintained well, so the value could be way off.

[Samw]

Originally Posted by Aquattro

Meters are rare items owned by hobbyists. And titration kits don't work well at all.
Not impossible, but not something that is useful, therefore difficult to justify a meter.
Hobbyist meters are also likely not maintained well, so the value could be way off.

It was useful for me to determine that my tank was overstocked with low DO at night. Without heavy aeration turned on at night, my DO levels were lethal to oxygen demanding fish whereas another reefer who borrowed my meter had a lightly stocked reef where the DO hardly dropped at night. Even with aeration at night my DO was low due to the high bioload.

Here's an affordable one
http://www.amazon.com/Milwaukee-Econ...JCANWD2MRRMSER

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by Samw

Here's an affordable one

Still $150 bucks! I know so many people that won't splurge on a new refractometer for $40 And that's bit more useful

[reefwars]

Some reading for anyone who's interest in bacteria numbers , removal and what carbon dosing does to certain bacteria.

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2011/3/aafeature