Using Pellets

[brick-brothers]

When using pellets in a reactor, do you still run carbon? or does the pellets takes the place of gfo and carbon? Also I have TLF phosban, do I need to buy something extra to run the pellets in it if I was to go that direction?

 

[mbg75]

You can still use carbon. Pellets will consume nitrate and phosphate. I currently find that they have a hard time with phosphate once you get really low levels of phosphate.

Keep in mind, pellets need both nitrate and phosphate to work. If one goes to zero, They will stop pulling the other.

 

[viplok]

you need screen mesh for the pellet and a good flow through the reactor, activated carbon is optional (dont run it in the same reactor of coz). but it does replace the gfo.

 

[cmantis]

Also start on the low side with the amount of pellets and then add more. Also don't remove them all at once if you decide to stop using or your tank might crash. I run them in a mini cpr reactor in my 14g AIO.

 

[brick-brothers]

you need screen mesh for the pellet and a good flow through the reactor, activated carbon is optional (dont run it in the same reactor of coz). but it does replace the gfo.

ok cool, I might run it on my zoa tank first to see how it goes. Where can I buy the mesh screen?

 

[cmantis]

I dunno why you would need screen.

 

[brick-brothers]

Also start on the low side with the amount of pellets and then add more. Also don't remove them all at once if you decide to stop using or your tank might crash. I run them in a mini cpr reactor in my 14g AIO.

is there any particular brand you use?

 

[cmantis]

I think the ones I have are the BRS ones but only because they came with the reactor I got used. (pellets were new)

The trick is add the pellets and wait a bit before turning the pump on. Push any floaters down so they sink.

 

[brick-brothers]

I think the ones I have are the BRS ones but only because they came with the reactor I got used. (pellets were new)

The trick is add the pellets and wait a bit before turning the pump on. Push any floaters down so they sink.

o ok. So let me ask you this, would you continue with the brs pellets or use another brand in the future?

 

[mbg75]

I run ecobak pellets. Build up to full amount slowly. 1/4 if the recommended amount every 2 weeks

 

[brick-brothers]

I run ecobak pellets. Build up to full amount slowly. 1/4 if the recommended amount every 2 weeks

how long have you been using ecobak? and do you see a big difference from when you started till now?

 

[mbg75]

Since oct. By running them, I got rid of my fuge. This freed up space in my sump.
It works well at keeping trates and po4 low. I've had to add nitrate to keep them pulling the po4.
Ecobak recommends a slow gentle tumble. They actually just came out with ecobak plus. It uses a multiple carbon polymer.

 

[brick-brothers]

Since oct. By running them, I got rid of my fuge. This freed up space in my sump.
It works well at keeping trates and po4 low. I've had to add nitrate to keep them pulling the po4.
Ecobak recommends a slow gentle tumble. They actually just came out with ecobak plus. It uses a multiple carbon polymer.

ok cool, how often do you have to add nitrate? and how much do you add per gallon when needed?

 

[mbg75]

Only a couple times. I used flourish nitrogen by Seachem. There's a formula on the bottle.

You'll need low range nitrate and phosphate tests.

 

[vio]

Since oct. By running them, I got rid of my fuge. This freed up space in my sump.
It works well at keeping trates and po4 low. I've had to add nitrate to keep them pulling the po4.
Ecobak recommends a slow gentle tumble. They actually just came out with ecobak plus. It uses a multiple carbon polymer.

+1. That the right way , if decide to run biopellets ( need to be balance) u keep add http://www.aquacave.com/Seachem-Flourish-Nitrogen-500ml--P4272.aspx?gclid=CM62j7O43LwCFedlOgodUn0AFw until u see PO4 drop, then stop. try those...........http://www.tbaquatics.com/index.php...ucts_id=1330&gclid=CLuKpP-43LwCFUYOOgodSloATw make sure u got GOOD protein Skimmer.

 

[brick-brothers]

Only a couple times. I used flourish nitrogen by Seachem. There's a formula on the bottle.

You'll need low range nitrate and phosphate tests.

what low range test kits are you using?

 

[mbg75]

Redsea nitrate

Hanna ulr phosphorus

 

[xclusive252]

I been running bio pellets in my sps tank for a long time now and never had any issues. My sps keeps it's color and I rarely get any STNing or RTNing like some ppl get. I also run carbon in my sump in a mesh bag. I soaked my pellets for about 24 hrs and the added them to my reactor to help out with the floating pellets when you first start. I would also put the exit water from the reactor in front of the intake water for your skimmer as it helps out a lot. I'm running my pellets in a Reef Octopus bio pellet reactor and I like it the best. I have used the TLF 150 and 550 in the past along with the SWC bio pellet reactor and I like the Reef Octopus one the best. If you do go with the TLF reactor you can get the mesh plates from Michaels. For bio pellets I have ran BRS and ecobak and now I'm using the Dr. Tins all I have had no issues with and I agree add about 1/4-1/2the recommended amount and slowly increase the amount needed until you reach the recommended amount. I would also mark your reactor with the pellets in it when it's off when you have the full amount of pellets need for your tank and then mark it when the flow is on and at the tumble you need so you can see when the pellets get dissolved and again how much you need to add for your tank when you need to refill. I used rubber bands on my reactor for marking points. I can show you a picture tonight if needed. Gl and jump into the bio pellet world. Also if your GFO right now I would remove the GFO slowly and add the pellets slowly and not do a complete swap.

 

[brick-brothers]

I been running bio pellets in my sps tank for a long time now and never had any issues. My sps keeps it's color and I rarely get any STNing or RTNing like some ppl get. I also run carbon in my sump in a mesh bag. I soaked my pellets for about 24 hrs and the added them to my reactor to help out with the floating pellets when you first start. I would also put the exit water from the reactor in front of the intake water for your skimmer as it helps out a lot. I'm running my pellets in a Reef Octopus bio pellet reactor and I like it the best. I have used the TLF 150 and 550 in the past along with the SWC bio pellet reactor and I like the Reef Octopus one the best. If you do go with the TLF reactor you can get the mesh plates from Michaels. For bio pellets I have ran BRS and ecobak and now I'm using the Dr. Tins all I have had no issues with and I agree add about 1/4-1/2the recommended amount and slowly increase the amount needed until you reach the recommended amount. I would also mark your reactor with the pellets in it when it's off when you have the full amount of pellets need for your tank and then mark it when the flow is on and at the tumble you need so you can see when the pellets get dissolved and again how much you need to add for your tank when you need to refill. I used rubber bands on my reactor for marking points. I can show you a picture tonight if needed. Gl and jump into the bio pellet world. Also if your GFO right now I would remove the GFO slowly and add the pellets slowly and not do a complete swap.

Thanks for the info