Zeovit in a Nano (detailed update dec 5th)

[kwirky]

So the other night I was considering the feasability of zeovit in a nano-sized tank. Namely in my 24 gallon tank. I thought about bringing up a discussion on the subject.

zeovit guide here: http://captiveoceans.com/pdfs/ZEOgui...%20English.pdf

It states that you need the following:

• efficient strong skimming
• sufficient lighting
• optimization of nutrient addition
• addition of elements at low levels
• optimum water parameters (ca, mg, k+, KH, salinity)
• regular weekly water changes
• sufficient water flow
• use of live rock etc

In a nano tank, most people already do weekly water changes however skimming is rarely used because of the larger 25% weekly water changes.

I've read through the zeovit guide and found it recommends efficient strong skimming:

"...the basis of this method relies on export of harmful substances through skimming" (zeovit guide p16).

The larger than normal water changes in a nano tank performs this function.

Now another requirement of zeovit is the reaction chamber. After calculating the requirements of a 24 gallon tank I found I would need 240mL of zeovit. A very small ammount which doesn't justify spending the $$ on a large reactor. So I thought about a HOB filter. Now one requirement of the zeolite is making sure the zeolite does not make contact with air. Thus, care would have to be taken to ensure the zeolite is at the very bottom of the HOB filter so if the power goes out the micro-organisms in the zeolite aren't damaged.

Another requirement is the addition of trace elements due to adsorption by the zeovit system. I'm thinking the larger than normal water changes will accomplish this just fine.

I'd like to hear about people's personal experiences and how they think it could be applied to the nano aquarium.

[albert_dao]

Phosban reactor.

You need to call me Sean

[michika]

I like your idea a lot! While I run a 24g nano, and i have all the reactors, and a skimmer, I think that you could definitely do zeovit on the system as well. Phosban reactors work well, particularly the two little fishes ones.

[Der_Iron_Chef]

I've been contemplating this, too! Kicking my phosban to the curb and going with Zeovit in my Two Little Fishies reactor.

[christyf5]

Wouldn't the large water changes sort of negate the use of zeovit? Every water change you do not only greatly dilutes the zeovit additive concentration, but also disrupts the system unless you're really careful to make sure the levels of various zeovit additives "match" the water you removed.

Just wondering.

[Joe Reefer]

If your going to use a phosban reactor for the zeolith. How do you stir it daily?

[christyf5]

Originally Posted by Joe Reefer

If your going to use a phosban reactor for the zeolith. How do you stir it daily?

You just turn it upside down and right side up a few times to stir up the detritus.

[Joe Reefer]

haha ok. maybe i should just drink my coffee.

[christyf5]

hehe its a legit question as the phosban reactors don't have that handle pump action thing to stir the zeovit "manually". I just used to turn it upside down and shake the crap out of it until I saw detritus and stuff float down. Then I'd right it and turn the pump back on

[albert_dao]

You really shouldn't be doing large water changes with Zeo. Your best bet is to run SOME kind of skimmer.

Food for thought:

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showth...readid=1209702