biopellets?

Zer0. · 10/17/2014, 09:42 AM

I my 180 gallon tank is fairly young at about 3 months old, Im wondering if I could start running some biopellets to help contral nitrate and phosphate. My levels aren't too high, but could be lower. (Nitrate is around 15 unsure of P04 at the moment)

A few questions, really appriciate any advise/insight on....

1)Would I be ok if I started with a small amount? Say 1/3 the recommended amount?

2) I have a small area of some cyano (red slime) in the very center of tank. Would it be a mistake to start running a small amount of biopellets before this is cleaned up?

3) If i do run biopellets I will be using Aquamaxx biopellet reactor but hear their biopellets aren't the best. What are the best biopellets out there?

Edit: Also posted in equipment forum, hope this is ok, wasn't sure which place was more appropriate.

Thanks all and have a great weekend,
-Z

PolyReef · 10/17/2014, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zer0.

I my 180 gallon tank is fairly young at about 3 months old, Im wondering if I could start running some biopellets to help contral nitrate and phosphate. My levels aren't too high, but could be lower. (Nitrate is around 15 unsure of P04 at the moment)

A few questions, really appriciate any advise/insight on....

1)Would I be ok if I started with a small amount? Say 1/3 the recommended amount?
Yes,you can add fresh Bacteria to reactor.

2) I have a small area of some cyano (red slime) in the very center of tank. Would it be a mistake to start running a small amount of biopellets before this is cleaned up? Yes! cure problem first....

3) If i do run biopellets I will be using Aquamaxx biopellet reactor but hear their biopellets aren't the best. What are the best biopellets out there?
You can mix couple different brands Np,dr Tim's Vortex ....

Edit: Also posted in equipment forum, hope this is ok, wasn't sure which place was more appropriate.

Thanks all and have a great weekend,
-Z

jda · 10/17/2014, 12:41 PM

Let the tank finish cycling. It can take a few more months, or up to 6, for the anoix bacteria to develop enough to consume the nitrate.

Don't do anything until you know what your PO4 levels are.

Bio Pellets should only be used with great care to solve a specific problem where your tank cannot. If you use them just to use them, then you will run into trouble, IMO. FWIW - there are many, many great systems that never needed them and never used them. Please don't just assume that you will.

10/17/2014, 09:42 AM	#1
Zer0. Registered Member Join Date: May 2014 Posts: 479	biopellets? I my 180 gallon tank is fairly young at about 3 months old, Im wondering if I could start running some biopellets to help contral nitrate and phosphate. My levels aren't too high, but could be lower. (Nitrate is around 15 unsure of P04 at the moment) A few questions, really appriciate any advise/insight on.... 1)Would I be ok if I started with a small amount? Say 1/3 the recommended amount? 2) I have a small area of some cyano (red slime) in the very center of tank. Would it be a mistake to start running a small amount of biopellets before this is cleaned up? 3) If i do run biopellets I will be using Aquamaxx biopellet reactor but hear their biopellets aren't the best. What are the best biopellets out there? Edit: Also posted in equipment forum, hope this is ok, wasn't sure which place was more appropriate. Thanks all and have a great weekend, -Z

10/17/2014, 12:41 PM	#3
jda Dogmatic Dinosaur Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Boulder, CO Posts: 6,256	Let the tank finish cycling. It can take a few more months, or up to 6, for the anoix bacteria to develop enough to consume the nitrate. Don't do anything until you know what your PO4 levels are. Bio Pellets should only be used with great care to solve a specific problem where your tank cannot. If you use them just to use them, then you will run into trouble, IMO. FWIW - there are many, many great systems that never needed them and never used them. Please don't just assume that you will.