Bio Pellets
 

I have decided to try using bio-pellets and buy a Cad Lights Conic Bio-Reactor (on sale at J & L) and wondering what kind of bio-pellets to buy for it. Is one brand better than another?

I use vertex since they are 100% PHA bio-degradable polymer and they are easily accessible from most LFS. When you first start the system, go slow and use about half the recomanded doage. I like to add some zeostart or microbacter 7 to boost it but its not a necessity.

from what I understand they're all pretty much the same polymer

I no longer use biopellets due to a bad experience with them. I was using npx bioplastics. I wouldnt recommend them.

I found they did a great job with nitrates but lacked when pulling out phosphates. Keep them tumbling and they should work well, also start with a small amount and work your way up. If they clump at all, they aren't tumbling enough.

As far as the brand, I believe the vertex ones are a good choice!

I swear by them. I am using the Vertex pellets on both of my tanks. If you know someone running them, get a couple of scoops of mature pellets to add to your new ones, it will speed up the seeding process.

I used Vertex pellets with MB7 & Zeobak to jump start it with no issues. I believe vertex recommends it to prevent Cyano bloom which is one of the issues people have with BP. As Bblinks mentioned, slow and less is the key to prevent any problems.

Thanks for the tips!

I used to use vertex pellets for a fe years.
Then my sump cracked and since my reactors were off a manifold from my return pump they also got shut off.

My tank has never looked better. 3 months later i got the new sump up and running and just added carbon and GFO tank looks much better.
In the end Im happier without pellets and i had them tumbling maybe some MB7 along with them might have helped but I would be hard pressed to run them again

The key to pellets is 1 - never use them as a problem solver ie. add them to a tank that is high in nitrate and phosphate. This can cause bacteria blooms and other problems. They are best to add to a tank that is somewhat low in NO3 and PO4 and will help to keep these low 2 - FEEEED....now that you have a way to keep NO3 and PO4 low you need to feed the tank more....maybe even get more fish.

ALso like mentioned you may find you still need to run a small amount of GFO.

The nicest tanks Ive seen have had plenty of fish, feed lots and yet still have clean water...biopellets helps you do this.