Bio-Pellet Update

[Widdy]

Vertex here. Vertex pellets seem slight smaller than the NPX (which I bought 2 packs from Tito) so I think they're easier to tumble. They're also shaped like a figure 8, not sure if that'll attribute to easier lift.

 

[DrHarryLopez]

Vertex here. Vertex pellets seem slight smaller than the NPX (which I bought 2 packs from Tito) so I think they're easier to tumble. They're also shaped like a figure 8, not sure if that'll attribute to easier lift.

Cool, nice thinking. Might look into the vertex

 

[NL146]

I also use npx (from Tito). The tumbling action does slow down for me so I clean the pump every couple of weeks.

 

[waynotcars]

Here's what I don't understand? I read up on these "pellets" and all they are are a carbon dosing. It seems the aquarium industry, of course, could not bottle vodka, sell it, and make a profit. So they had to come up with a form of carbon dosing they could make $ on. I'm sorry, but carbon dosing IS carbon dosing, whether your squirting vodka or sugar in your tank or pelletizing carbon and putting it in a reactor so it "doses" slowly with the flow. JUST beacuse you need a reactor and it gives you the chance to buy and add MORE equipment to your tank doesn't mean the carbon in these pellets is any different then the carbon in vodka. Last I checked the periodic table of elements, carbon was carbon. Can you point to a different, magic ingredient in these bio-pellets that makes them better? They are VERY sketchy when they describe the benefit too. Saying things like "every tank is different". Results will vary" "depends on your set-up". "not everyone will benefit". These sound like the exact same phrases used to describe vodka dosing. As far as I can see, IMO, there is no difference in carbon and all these pellets are is the aquarium industry's answer because they are loosing money by not getting in on the carbon dosing.

 

[Mikei70]

Here's what I don't understand? I read up on these "pellets" and all they are are a carbon dosing. It seems the aquarium industry, of course, could not bottle vodka, sell it, and make a profit. So they had to come up with a form of carbon dosing they could make $ on. I'm sorry, but carbon dosing IS carbon dosing, whether your squirting vodka or sugar in your tank or pelletizing carbon and putting it in a reactor so it "doses" slowly with the flow. JUST beacuse you need a reactor and it gives you the chance to buy and add MORE equipment to your tank doesn't mean the carbon in these pellets is any different then the carbon in vodka. Last I checked the periodic table of elements, carbon was carbon. Can you point to a different, magic ingredient in these bio-pellets that mkes tehm better? They are VERY sketchy when they describe the benefit too. Saying things like "every tank is different". Results will vary" "depends on your set-up". "not everyone will benefit". These sound like the exact same phrases used to describe vodka dosing. As far as I can see, IMO, there is no difference in carbon and all these pellets are is the aquarium industry's answer because they are loosing money by not getting in on the carbon dosing.

By any chance do you own a liquor store?

Anyway, IMO, it is much easier than dosing because I don't have to do it every day. It's about as set and forget as you're going to find in the hobby.

 

[DrHarryLopez]

Here's what I don't understand? I read up on these "pellets" and all they are are a carbon dosing. It seems the aquarium industry, of course, could not bottle vodka, sell it, and make a profit. So they had to come up with a form of carbon dosing they could make $ on. I'm sorry, but carbon dosing IS carbon dosing, whether your squirting vodka or sugar in your tank or pelletizing carbon and putting it in a reactor so it "doses" slowly with the flow. JUST beacuse you need a reactor and it gives you the chance to buy and add MORE equipment to your tank doesn't mean the carbon in these pellets is any different then the carbon in vodka. Last I checked the periodic table of elements, carbon was carbon. Can you point to a different, magic ingredient in these bio-pellets that makes them better? They are VERY sketchy when they describe the benefit too. Saying things like "every tank is different". Results will vary" "depends on your set-up". "not everyone will benefit". These sound like the exact same phrases used to describe vodka dosing. As far as I can see, IMO, there is no difference in carbon and all these pellets are is the aquarium industry's answer because they are loosing money by not getting in on the carbon dosing.

You should read a little more. Your missing valuable chunk/difference btwn vodka dosing and bio-pellet use. Read some more, maybe you could answer your own remarks.

 

[Wes]

You are correct. It basically is the same as vodka dosing. The big difference is it goes months without maintenance and vodka requires daily work.

Also most of the bacteria supposedly resides inside of the reactor vs. The entire tank.


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[DrHarryLopez]

You are correct. It basically is the same as vodka dosing. The big difference is it goes months without maintenance and vodka requires daily work.

Also most of the bacteria supposedly resides inside of the reactor vs. The entire tank.


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+1 Thanks Wes.
I also thought that some of the bacteria might leach into the rocks in the main display, but the pellets doesn't seem to disolve into the water column. Hence I am a believer that the bacteria does stay within the reactor.

Hmmm, I guess the only way to find out is to cut a plug out of the live rock and differentiate the bacteria load within.

 

[waynotcars]

Doc,

why don't you point me to this reading which shows the missing chunk of valuable info?

 

[nanchil]

hmmm

 

[waynotcars]

HOW could the bacteria KNOW to stay in the reactor and not leave it in outflow and what difference does that make? The water in aquarium is still exposed to the bacteria 2 to 3 times per hour. Theres NO way the bacteria doesn't enter tank

 

[AlohaTropics]

The big difference is, biopellets are not really "dosing" anything. The theory is that the bacteria will consume only the amount of carbon needed to even the consumption of N and P. This is a little different than just blindly dosing carbon into your water and hoping it's the right amount. You have less of a risk of bacterial blooms, overdose, etc... And as stated, you bacteria colony is localized in the reactor.

Vertex pellets have shown great results in tumbling because of the size. If anyone wants PM me!


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[AlohaTropics]

The reactor is suppose to situated facing the skimmer input. 90% of the bacteria is suppose to stay colonized on the Pellets themselves directly consuming them. This is why the flow is crucial. Too much flow and the bacteria gets blown off. Too little and it doesn't churn the pellets to expose the bacteria to fresh N&P flowing through the reactor. Any excess bacteria that leaves the reactor should be skimmed out. Any bacteria entering the display will not survive without the carbon in the reactor. That is why they must colonize directly on the pellets to get the carbon. The pellets do NOT melt, they are consumed as needed.


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[Wes]

FYI the vertex pellets are 20% off at premiumaquatics right now.


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[AlohaTropics]

20% off right here on LI as well


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[Widdy]

20% off right here on LI as well


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Woot! You'll hear from me soon...

 

[InfernoST]

How long does it take for the pellets to colonize? I'm currently running a GFO reactor and a sulfur denitrifier, will I be able to retire both units if I switch over to pellets?

 

[AlohaTropics]

Absolutely. Continue your regular usage and 2-4 weeks, you can ween your system off the GFO and Sulfur.


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[tomtoothdoc]

How long does it take for the pellets to colonize? I'm currently running a GFO reactor and a sulfur denitrifier, will I be able to retire both units if I switch over to pellets?

i think about 4 weeks some says up to 6 weeks. my gfo has been off line since week 4.... i'm in my 10-11th week. don't know about denitrifier....don't use one.
from what i heard from others, the bio pellets is better at maintaining the phos. and nitrate levels but not as much reducing them....so you should get those levels down first if they are really high.

 

[InfernoST]

Cool, could I use my BRS GFO reactor for the pellets with the maxijet 1200 pump that runs the GFO reactor.