AquaForest vs Fauna Marina vs Korallenzucht vs Red Sea..

[piranhapat]

Nice to have plenty of options to aid our tanks with different products. A few company's now have a package system to follow to start and control your aquarium. These system seem to have a product for just about every issue you can come across. So now follow these steps add bottle 1 +2 +3 so on. So do we have a magic bullet here? Maybe these systems are for people that need to follow steps. Maybe another reason it's a easy way to understand what we need to control. So my question here good or bad. Is one system better than the other? Are they all basically the same principle. How many of you would try one these products. Or how many are? If so which one? Or are you a DIY and make your own systems?

 

[b-ridge]

As you know I'm in the process of using aquaforest products. They just recently became availiable here in the United States. Been around for awhile and have a big following over in Europe. I have seen a few systems using this and I must say they look awesome. On other sites you have a bunch of people leaving the other companies you mentioned and going with aquaforest. A lot of it has to do with cost. I find it good to have a program that you can use from start to finish. Yes a lot of it could probably be done without using any of these but it sure makes things easier.

 

[BKLYNREEF123]

I just started Prodibio. I am currently dosing bioptim and biodigest. So far so good, but I just started. The price isnt all that expensive. I believe that bacterial driven systems with large skimmers and bio media are the way to go. Of course these are more advanced techniques that require extra attention and testing, but I think overall the results are worth it.

 

[NYreefNoob]

what are you looking for a product to do ?

 

[piranhapat]

For me I just want to control Nitrates and phosphate. Right now I just jump on vodka wagon. Only reason I just started because I increased my feeding. . Notice a jump in Nitrates. So been hearing a lot of this products. Wanted to hear some feed back. Is all these products worth the money. Or just fancy bottle promise get results.

 

[jackson6745]

I think the foundation of all of these products is a carbon source + bacteria. I don't use any of these, but I've been using prodibio and/or vinegar MB7. IME the benefit if this is to allow for increased feedings and bioload, while maintaining low nutrient levels. When balanced properly the result is faster growing, more colorful SPS than I would have otherwise. With that said, the products you have listed certainly do work, and have a set of guidelines to follow which is appealing to hobbyists.

An example of the colors in my system that I was unable to achieve before carbon dosing.
IMG_6661 by rich colombo, on Flickr

 

[theMeat]

Nice tank Jackson.
Think for solely nutrient control and added bacteria there are much cheaper options which will offer the same results, as Jackson shows a great example of. For a whole system which offers endless trace elements options and additives, KZ is the way to go. Can always spot a tank that uses it, and think it has the best following, and users, throu KZ's forums, share their results and findings. Not cheap, but can't deny the results.

 

[BKLYNREEF123]

I am striving for the same type of color, growth, and PE that Jackson has. Thats why Im using Prodibio. I want to be able to feed the tank more without growing copious amounts of nuisance algae. The KZ system is quite different. The tanks are quite stripped of nutrients, then you supplement with all the additives. theMeat makes a point that you can alway spot a tank that uses Zeovit. These corals are quite pale in color. Its a matter of preference if you like that pale pastel color or not. I personally like deeper richer color. Zeo requires daily dosing, and it is not cheap.

 

[jackson6745]

Thanks Meat

Mike, Zeospur is what gives that unique look. I never had the **** to try it, but I've seen it's results.

 

[BKLYNREEF123]

so if you dont dose zeospur you can run a zeo system without having that pastel look? I assume that no one is doing that because it kind of defeats the purpose?

 

[jackson6745]

Mike you can have pastel acros simply by starving the tank, especially with t5 lighting because it radiates within every branch. The effect of zeospur can look better because corals can have a healthier population of zoox, and this additive causes some to expell, leaving a distinct glowing pastel look. I think of it the way a bodybuilder cuts up for a show, not healthy long term but looks amazing. I don't use it because I am afraid of damaging acros. I try to limit things that can kill my years of growth, overnight
In these tanks, coral selection is very important. Look closely at the zeo tanks, many pieces are colorless, while some blue stags and red table looks amazing!

Here's my old pastel nano, no dosing, just very low nutrient.

 

[BKLYNREEF123]

I see. Great point about wiping out years of dedication with one wrong dose. These supplements are really powerful. SCARY.... Im surprised no ZEO guys are chiming in.

 

[jackson6745]

I see. Great point about wiping out years of dedication with one wrong dose. These supplements are really powerful. SCARY.... Im surprised no ZEO guys are chiming in.

Not too many local users.