bio pellet questions

Bretts05jeep · 09/30/2010, 09:25 PM

I was going to start vodka dosing but after searching threads it sounds like bio pellets are the way to go.

so my questions are
1. does it matter what brand, anyone with good or bad with there expierences
2. everything i read says to put it in a calcium reactor (which i know nothing about) i was wondering if i could put them in a nylon bag.
3. if i do need to buy a calcium reactor they range in price from like $70-$300, does it matter if i buy a cheap one.

ghostman · 09/30/2010, 09:34 PM

I'm not that experienced with pellets, but can answer some of your questions.
1. I'm not sure of the differences in brands as of yet, they are still very new. Some would argue that the smaller pellets provide more surface area, and therefore more bacteria production.
2. The pellets do not go in a calcium reactor, but in a media reactor like a phosphate reactor. They are substantially cheaper, and should be $50 or so. It is not advisable to put biopellets in a nylon bag, as the bacteria produced will quickly clog the bag making it useless.
Good luck, and go slow with them. Rapid reduction of nitrates and phosphates can shock the corals and cause tissue necrosis.

Bretts05jeep · 09/30/2010, 10:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ghostman

I'm not that experienced with pellets, but can answer some of your questions.
1. I'm not sure of the differences in brands as of yet, they are still very new. Some would argue that the smaller pellets provide more surface area, and therefore more bacteria production.
2. The pellets do not go in a calcium reactor, but in a media reactor like a phosphate reactor. They are substantially cheaper, and should be $50 or so. It is not advisable to put biopellets in a nylon bag, as the bacteria produced will quickly clog the bag making it useless.
Good luck, and go slow with them. Rapid reduction of nitrates and phosphates can shock the corals and cause tissue necrosis.

thanks that sends me in the right direction

southnash · 09/30/2010, 10:34 PM

I have been using the pellets for a week & so far, so good. Easy to setup & don't have to dose daily, bi-daily!

I'm using the Vertex Pellets in a TLF reactor powered by a Maxijet 1200...

Bretts05jeep · 09/30/2010, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by southnash

I have been using the pellets for a week & so far, so good. Easy to setup & don't have to dose daily, bi-daily!

I'm using the Vertex Pellets in a TLF reactor powered by a Maxijet 1200...

from what i understand they will last from 3 to 6 months depending on ur bio load, and you replace them as they are eaten by the bacteria.

goochesfish · 09/30/2010, 10:44 PM

I am waiting for the nextreef reactor (blue color to block light and avoid algae) for biopellets then I will get it started. Even though phosphates and nitrates are zero I still have some cyano and a few tufts of hair algae so there must be phosphates. I'm hoping this works.

Bretts05jeep · 09/30/2010, 10:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by goochesfish

I am waiting for the nextreef reactor (blue color to block light and avoid algae) for biopellets then I will get it started. Even though phosphates and nitrates are zero I still have some cyano and a few tufts of hair algae so there must be phosphates. I'm hoping this works.

i dont have any algae problems yet, but i think its a great matiance plain

Sisterlimonpot · 09/30/2010, 10:59 PM

Here's a great thread on the matter
Good luck

09/30/2010, 09:25 PM	#1
Bretts05jeep Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: McHenry, IL Posts: 510	bio pellet questions I was going to start vodka dosing but after searching threads it sounds like bio pellets are the way to go. so my questions are 1. does it matter what brand, anyone with good or bad with there expierences 2. everything i read says to put it in a calcium reactor (which i know nothing about) i was wondering if i could put them in a nylon bag. 3. if i do need to buy a calcium reactor they range in price from like $70-$300, does it matter if i buy a cheap one.

09/30/2010, 09:34 PM	#2
ghostman Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Spring Hill, Florida Posts: 1,629	I'm not that experienced with pellets, but can answer some of your questions. 1. I'm not sure of the differences in brands as of yet, they are still very new. Some would argue that the smaller pellets provide more surface area, and therefore more bacteria production. 2. The pellets do not go in a calcium reactor, but in a media reactor like a phosphate reactor. They are substantially cheaper, and should be $50 or so. It is not advisable to put biopellets in a nylon bag, as the bacteria produced will quickly clog the bag making it useless. Good luck, and go slow with them. Rapid reduction of nitrates and phosphates can shock the corals and cause tissue necrosis. __________________ When you die, you don't know you're dead. It's only difficult for the people around you. It's the same when you're stupid. Current Tank Info: 40IM Fusion, 40lbs of rock, and 20lbs of sand. Just a few fish and corals....for now.

09/30/2010, 10:44 PM	#6
goochesfish Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 1,305	I am waiting for the nextreef reactor (blue color to block light and avoid algae) for biopellets then I will get it started. Even though phosphates and nitrates are zero I still have some cyano and a few tufts of hair algae so there must be phosphates. I'm hoping this works. __________________ The Gooch, my Beagle, may she RIP 1995-2011 Current Tank Info: 150 gallon Starfire set up July 22,09, 30g QT

09/30/2010, 10:59 PM	#8
Sisterlimonpot R.C. Fraternity President Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Litchfeild Park AZ Posts: 11,490 Blog Entries: 2	Here's a great thread on the matter Good luck __________________ Jimmy MASVC President Dishes are done man! Current Tank Info: 300 in progress

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09/30/2010, 10:34 PM	#4
southnash Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Largo, FL Posts: 346	I have been using the pellets for a week & so far, so good. Easy to setup & don't have to dose daily, bi-daily! I'm using the Vertex Pellets in a TLF reactor powered by a Maxijet 1200...