ZeoVit Zeolites

[Felixc395]

I'm almost positive I'll be starting up zeovit soon. I would like to start with the basic 4. But with the zeolites can I run them in a mesh bag?

I have a bulk reef supply reactor, any suggestions to make that work? I'm not willing to DIY as I'm not very handy. I've heard of the two pumps on a timer idea, but I don't know how I would split that with my bulk reef supply's rigid tubing.

Any help would be great, thanks!

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

The zeolites are just a place for bacteria to grow. GAC also works fine. But I don't think either will work especially well unless you force water through it well.

[Felixc395]

Interesting, in that case I'll just run carbon and zeolites in a BRS reactor, the zeolites after the carbon to reduce flow. Unless I should do otherwise?

[Allmost]

which BRS reactor ?

how are you going to pump/shake the stones ?

zeoliths require a specific flow, so place them by themselves, and carbon/GAC in a mesh bag, shook daily.

[Felixc395]

Just the regular one designed for media, not zeovit specific. Would it be possible for me to once a day crank the flow up on the reactor? Would that be sufficient because it's drilled to the wall so the reactor can't be shaken easily.

[Allmost]

well, you could get a HUGE pump, and use a ball valve to lower flow to the appropriate amount, and twice a day crank it up, but then you will have to re-measure flow again, as it does matter !

OR a DIY method which you dont want to do .. [you would need to install a second larger pump in recirculation configuration. I assume it would be kinda hard to make]

why not get a vertex zeo reactor ? they are prety cheap .. you might be able to find just the body used as well...

for my old 65G, I used a larger phosban reactor, removed daily, and I shook it manually lol but that involved alot of dancing around trying to shake a large reactor
lol

good luck

[Felixc395]

Unfortunately I'm still in high school and my parents are the primary funds for my tank. They already spend a lot on everything I get, so I'd like to reduce cost if possible.

How does the zeolites in a filter bag in a sump sound? I could shake that daily easily, but is it efficient?

[Allmost]

Zeovit is kind of an expensive system if you are on a budget ... I would just do more water changes, an keep less fish. ...

sure, in a mesh bag in sump would work, but as you and randy said, much less efficient.

[reeftivo]

zeolites will not be very effective unless they are pumped in a reactor to release the mulm that developes on the stones. The flow is very minimal and needs to be adjusted to the systems net volume of water (refer to the zeovit guide). I've ran zeovit for a year and a half with very good results but I have opted to try the biopellets because the zeovit system is too tasking due to my work travel. The supplements are not cheap (as mentioned above) and the dosing and pumping of reactors isn't for everyone.

Some have had good results with just running a TLF reactor with stones and replacing the foam with the mesh screen inserts. The problem with the TLF reactors is that the stones still need to be shaken at least once a day in order to release the mulm and to grab hold of the TLF reactor a shake it for several seconds may prove to be a challenge depending on ones configuration. Thats why most use a reactor with a plunger. It's just easier in that regard.

It's a good system if you have the patience and $$

The basic four is what you would need to start (zeolites, bac, start and food) and they are not that expensive. The $$ comes in when you start buying the color tweaking supplements. Some are around $50+ per bottle. They do last for a while though but the $$ up fron can be a shock to the wallet.

You may be better off just doing skimming, GAC, GFO and running a fuge. Much cheaper

[Felixc395]

Alright, if possible I will get a reactor. Some christmas list items will help knock off the zeovit checklist for me.

In addition to the basic 4, what are your favorite/best products?!

[Felixc395]

Just got 50mL Zeobak and 50mL zeofood7 to start things off! Now I just need a reactor and some zeolites and I'm good!

[Felixc395]

Bump

[reeftivo]

sorry for the late reply,

if you haven't checked out the zeo forum then you will need to get the zeostart in addition to the stones, bac and food. The start is the carbon source.

Check with Bob and G. Alexander on the forum and post all of you tank specs and perams.

They will give you the water flow and dosing schedule for start up.

Very good system!

[reeftivo]

Once PO4 and NO3 levels are low you can start feeding more and also start supplementing if you like. Some of the best color enhancers are the B-balance for reds, zeo spur (very moderately) and K balance to maintain potassium. The k balance is also used to keep potassium levels up in the system and also helps keep awsome colors for stylos and montipora especially.

[ridetheducati]

Originally Posted by Felixc395

Just got 50mL Zeobak and 50mL zeofood7 to start things off! Now I just need a reactor and some zeolites and I'm good!

You will not need Food7. Use the basics, Bak and Start3. Sponge Power or Coral Vitalizer for food.

[Felixc395]

Yep, I'll definitely need to get start3

But there seem to be mixed replies if zeofood is needed or not... What's its purpose? The KZ zeovit guide stated it was a bacterial food source and food for corals? I've seen mixed reviews whether its necessary here as well as the zeovit forum. What's the verdict? Should I return it?

[EddieJ]

Most people are just using Sponge Power in place of ZeoFood. After your system is stable at ULN you can use ZeoFood to tweak some colors.

[smsreefer]

Check out the Zeovit forum and look up "14 day cycle" .
They are now saying to start with Sponge power instead of Zeofood7 .
Happy Reefin'