How many of you use biopellets?

[Greagzter]

Guilty as charged, got high nitrates between 10-20ppm and ammonia at .25ppm. Have a 150G DT and 30-35G refugium sump. Partly know why, not to enough LR (got extra rock brewing for the last months and a half), underrated skimmer SWC 160 (actually waiting for one to come in this week rated for 200-400G), pretty good water movement and I dont overfeed.
-So I would like to know your take on the whole biopellet and if I should do it or perhaps dump the additional rock and wait for the skimmer to get here.
-Been reading mixed things about the pellets good and bad!

Your info will be much appreciated.

 

[LongIslandAndy]

Great Video, explains it pretty well

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLhmI8vtnfw

 

[piranhapat]

I tried bio pellets after 4 months had more build up on glass. Had bad out break of cyano growing on LR and sand. I feel pellets do a better job lowering Nitrates more than Phosphate. I removed pellets and run GFO and carbon now with better results. No more cyano out break. One reason of out break could of been when one night the pump stop working causing pellets to stop moving. You will get mix reviews on it. For me water changes and run GFO and carbon. We still can't test how much good or bad bacteria that is present in our tanks. Or what is desired balance of bacteria that is needed to control waste. Bottom line you can try it and see how it runs on your tank. To me less is better and more water changes.

 

[Mattl22]

Ran them for 3 months really wanted to have success with them because it seems like guys who figure out how to use them get great results!! The problem with pellets is ur alk needs to stay below 8 and stable if it goes above u run into big problems with sps!
I couldn't keep alk stable at 8 for some reason the alk in my tank stayed round 9 I decided rather then change up the dosing sch because it was really stable at 9.3 to just take pellets offline things much better in my tank now!

 

[Greagzter]

Thank you all for the input. Checked my phosphates and I am at .04 (according to the Hanna phosphate checker). The video, I have already seen it and to be honest it makes sense. However he is promoting something so I would rather hear from some real time users. As mentioned, I have been getting mixed reviews. I dont have much SPS in the tank now, but the alk info is new and will be taking to consideration. I guess I will see how things will turn up as I've been doing greater % of water changes.
More info is always appreciated.

 

[vio]

Not sure about ALK. ( must be around 8, maybe on Zeovit sistem ?) i run bio pellets for more than 5 years on 150 Gal. (0 nitrate, 0.2-0.4 Phos.) i think is the best way to control bacteria, compare Vodka, Vinegar, Sugar, Vitam. C etc.
The point is , u have to now what u do, use right pump, right Bio Reactor, run the right water flow, than right balance between Nitrate and Phos. Never turn pump off, never run the pump w/out strainer. Start w/ one cup.

 

[Greagzter]

Not sure about ALK. ( must be around 8, maybe on Zeovit sistem ?) i run bio pellets for more than 5 years on 150 Gal. (0 nitrate, 0.2-0.4 Phos.) i think is the best way to control bacteria, compare Vodka, Vinegar, Sugar, Vitam. C etc.
The point is , u have to now what u do, use right pump, right Bio Reactor, run the right water flow, than right balance between Nitrate and Phos. Never turn pump off, never run the pump w/out strainer. Start w/ one cup.

Yea, definetely will not use any vodka or such. Not saying they do not work, I could see how they do, but like you mentioned its hard to find the right dose. What reactor and pump you are running?

 

[NYreefNoob]

i run bio pellets for more than 5 years on 150 Gal

pellets havent been out that long

 

[Mattl22]

Vio u have sps in a bio pellet tank with alk above 9?

 

[vio]

yes,9 is my #, 425 Ca, 1350 Mg. i use Vertex Libra + Deltec KM500S Kalkwasser Stirrer , just give me some time for the Dragon Frag.

 

[Greagzter]

yes,9 is my #, 425 Ca, 1350 Mg. i use Vertex Libra + Deltec KM500S Kalkwasser Stirrer , just give me some time for the Dragon Frag.

Was gonna ask you about SPS too! Thats cool Im gonna see how the nitrate levels will look after the new skimmer and then if nothing changes will give biopellets a shot.

 

[vio]

pellets havent been out that long

i use to use , DENIBALLS 15 years ago, i think is same PHA Deniballs are made from a special biologically based plastic material and are designed to provide a long-term carbon and food source for anaerobic bacteria , the problem is, if u dont now how to use, than........just like LED Lights, OK, maybe 4 and change.:bagfish:

 

[vio]

Guilty as charged, got high nitrates between 10-20ppm and ammonia at .25ppm. Have a 150G DT and 30-35G refugium sump. Partly know why, not to enough LR (got extra rock brewing for the last months and a half), underrated skimmer SWC 160 (actually waiting for one to come in this week rated for 200-400G), pretty good water movement and I dont overfeed.
-So I would like to know your take on the whole biopellet and if I should do it or perhaps dump the additional rock and wait for the skimmer to get here.
-Been reading mixed things about the pellets good and bad!

Your info will be much appreciated.

before u start , u need to post what u got, how many fishes, ammonia ?? u may need more help, not only biopellets set. Post more info about life stock, lots of members around here to help. About reactor ,Precision Marine SR40HL Substrate Reactor, remove the black sponge, buy that screen from Arts & Crafts | Michaels Stores , buy 1200 MJ pump, start 1 cup, than wait, also buy this Wow i need new camera, sorry.

 

[Mattl22]

To anyone beginning with biopellets shoot for alk of 8
Vio might get away with 9 in his system if its low 9.0 -9.1 and really stable but u def wanna keep ur alk in the 8 range when using carbon

 

[Mattl22]

And really stable