Setting up ZEOvit System

[surgeonfish]

I have been running my current tank for 2 years and have had some algae problems and my nitrates are always at 5. I have tried Reef-resh for only a few months and did find some improvement with my few SPS corals. I have decided to try the ZEOvit system as it also employs the low nutrient philosophy, but also uses zeolites with a reactor. I wanted to let everyone know what I am doing and if it is worth the effort and $$$$. I will try and show pictures of the corals on a regular bases as the health of the corals is what it is all about.

1. Gross water volume of your complete system (incl. sump etc.)
320
2. Net water volume (incl. sump etc.)
280
3. Are you using a CaCO2 reactor or other technique?
no
4. Are you using a PO4 reactor (how long, how long ago, etc.)?
Two TLF reactors in series for 1 year, now stopped
5. Are you using Ozone?
no
6. Are you using UV?
just stopped
7. What skimmer are you using (type, rated water volume)?
Euro-Reef RC250, recommended Tank Size: 250 Gallons
8. What are your actual PO4 and NO3 levels?
PO4: 0.02-0.03 (Hanna), NO3: 5
9. What are your actual Ca, Alk and Mg levels?
Ca: 512, Alk: 7-8, Mg: 1550
10. What filtration method do you use (refugium, DSB, Miracle Mud, etc.)?
Live rock + skimmer + Deep sand bed
11. Type of light (Watt, color temp, how old, etc.)?
XM 400W 10000K x 2 + 56W actinic CF
12. What corals do you keep?
50% LPS + 50% SPS
13. Tissue color (light or dark)?
all are moderately dark
14. How long has the tank been running?
2 years
15. Why do you want to use the ZEOvit system?
more growth and more colorful for SPS
16. Any supplemental dosing (type, amount, why, etc.)?
Kalk via kalkreactor on hold b/c calcium too high
17. Live rock (how much, how old, etc.)?
220 pound, two years old
18. Present dosing, amounts and intervals (ZEOvit, ZEObak, ZEOfood, ZEOstart, ZEOspur2, etc.)?
ZEOvit - 2 litres with 100 ml/hr flow
ZEObak - 10 drops/day
ZEOfood7 - 10 drops/day
ZEOstart2 - 2.5 ml every morning & 2.5 ml every evening
19. Other water parameters and water stability (salinity, temp, etc.)
1.024, PH7.9-8.0

The Zeovit system arrived last week. I was hoping for the larger ZR150 reactor, but the smaller ZR110 (2.8 litre) reactor arrived which I think is actually going to be too small.







I was told by various individuals with reactors that you could control the rate as you are supposed to run it slower initially. I had to make my own flow value. I couldn't find one at any local store as the reactor comes with metric plumbing.



Here is my corals before starting the ZEOvit system. Sorry, I was in a hurry so they are poor quality. I will try and update my progress and add pictures regularly.















Sorry for the long post

[albert_dao]

People should never be sorry for long posts. They're usually more relevant and intersting.

Anyway, back to Zeo; I suspect you'll be pleasantly surprised with the performance of the system. I've spoken to a few people (SEAN, SPEAK UP DUDE) who had some particularily eye-opening readings after starting up Zeo.

[Psyire]

Quick note: Not a good idea to restrict flow to a pump on the suction side. I'd put that valve on the discharge side instead.

Good luck with your setup!

[cprowler]

Hi Shane, I am considering trying Zeo also. My system is also 2 years old and I have been using Reefresh with limited results. I will most likely start Zeo in the new year, I look forward to following along.

[Slick Fork]

Hi Shane,

I just started my zeo program last night as well so we'll see how it goes. Looking forward to seeing your results!

[surgeonfish]

[quote=Psyire;285216]Quick note: Not a good idea to restrict flow to a pump on the suction side. I'd put that valve on the discharge side instead.

Thanks for the advice. I couldn't find any other way to restrict the flow. The outlet side is all metric sized plumbing. It will only be short term. Once the system becomes low nutrient (usually 3-6 months) I will use the full flow rate (~300 ml/hr).

[Jason McK]

Shane,
I would get the larger Reactor unless this one can hold 3L. you will need the reactor that can hold 3L plus be able to pump it.

Also, you can, instead of restricting the flow through the reactor just run it 3 hour on 3 hours off.

J

[surgeonfish]

Originally Posted by Jason McK

Shane,
I would get the larger Reactor unless this one can hold 3L. you will need the reactor that can hold 3L plus be able to pump it.

Also, you can, instead of restricting the flow through the reactor just run it 3 hour on 3 hours off.

J

Jason
I agree. I am only using 2 litre of ZEOvit, but will need to add 2.8 litres when the system is low nutrient. However, even with only 2 litre, I have spilled some of the zeoliths into the outlet pipe trying to pump the reactor.

I am also running the reactor pump 3 hours on and 3 hours off. Are you running the ZEOvit system? If so how long have been using it and what are your results?

Thanks,
Shane

[nanopodreefer]

Surgeonfish, like the pictures, before and after, looking forward to the results. If you don't mind, I think that this would be a great place to get a Zeovit discussion going. I like the idea of Zeovit, but continue the research...

Why not share our thoughts/experiences on the pros/cons/theories and even DIY ideas re: Zeovit, all while observing Surgeonfish's tests.

I originally posted this quote below in another thread but it kinda got lost. Anyways I found this quote over at that the TalkingReef. There is a discussion there also if anyone wants extra reading.

The guy below, Anthony Calfo, seems to be some sort of author and reefer extraordinaire maybe???
____________

"Zeo-stragegy" is overall sound (albeit risky - see below) husbandry and can work with very good results when strictly adhered to.

It is not for the casual or poorly funded aquarist

It is very much for the Acroporid specialist (be sure you fit this description... see below)

It is "risky" in the sense that it aggressively manages nutrients to the extent that corals are walking a fine line of "colorful evident FPs and not overly fertilized zoox." That can (and obviously does vis a vis the reef and some beautiful Zeo-tanksin kind) work well for nearly fully autotrophic species (a corrupt generalization here... but meaning species that are mostly photosynethtic and not heavy organismal feeders) in tanks with decent fish loads (namely Acro displays)... but with any sudden change in nutrient levels or on systems with "hungrier" corals (less nearly autotrophic corals as most all we keep are other than Acros, Xenia, eg)... it can be dangerous.

And finally... it is not for casual intermediate aquarists or beginners at all because of the discipline required to apply it, the knowledge required to understand and finesse it... and the very focus (Acroporid displays) of its intended use (IMO) which preclude beginners necessarily (we do not recommend Acroporid tanks for most newbies).

Zeovit strategy is but one of the many successful ways to run a reef tank. And if you fit the above criterion, then you may well be suited for it.

Anthony Calfo
__________________

Looking forward to everyone's thoughts.

[nanopodreefer]

And Jason McK was nice enough to reply on the other thread with this comment.

Shane thanks for posting all your info and such good questions for people to consider.. good luck!

Originally Posted by Jason McK

I Will be the fist to disagree with Mr. Calfo.
you can see a ton of LPS/SPS tanks with very health Blastos, Hammer, Bubble, Ricordia and many other common LPS. I myself have a 10 inch hammer coral that is thriving in the ZEO environment.
Also I have been struggling as of late with really low Alk like 4 DKH. This has had negative effects on my SPS but not anything more than what could be expected. the fact that I am on Zeovit has not heightened the the issue because my levels are unstable.

there are many additives in the ZEO system that "enhance" coral colour. but most of them are through feeding or increasing levels of elements that aid in the colouration of the corals flesh. YES ZEO creates a low nutrient environment. But is what ZEO strips from the water something corals would other wise be using? I personally think in a closed system it is better to remove the rotting food waste and add a controlled levels of supplements that will benefit the coral.
I could go on but need my sleep.

J