O.C.'s Pellet questions and answers!

[Werbo]

If it was me I'd start dosing a bacteria source first for 2-4 weeks before starting the pellets in a fluidized reactor. I use Brightwells Microbacter 7 (its cheapest) but Prodibio biodigest or whatever Zeo calls their bacteria culture. Build a diverse bacteria population first and then begin exporting it via carbon dosing/protein skimming.

[DiverDude]

Interesting thought. I was planning on running about 1/10 of a bag (so ~100ml) of pellets to start. After a few weeks, I was going to double it and run with a total of 200-250 ml.

The thought was to not shock the system too much. On top of that, I've just torn the tank apart to add the sump and re-aquascape so it's almost 100% new water and freshly cleaned sand so I'm a little low on bacteria right now.

Maybe I need to rethink this.

[loveless]

Well I have egg on my face. I took a water sample into a LFS yesterday and guess what. Thats right no Nitrates and no Phos either. Looks like that new test kit I bought was faulty as well as my old one. Now off to buy a new test kit. Hopefully its my tests that are bad and not the LFS'.

Cam

[ILIKECOUGARS]

Originally Posted by loveless

Well I have egg on my face. I took a water sample into a LFS yesterday and guess what. Thats right no Nitrates and no Phos either. Looks like that new test kit I bought was faulty as well as my old one. Now off to buy a new test kit. Hopefully its my tests that are bad and not the LFS'.

Cam

Which test kit were you useing, and kind was the LFS useing? the reason I am asking, is that I am having about the same reading as you were for nitrate. I am running 1L np pellets with a tlf 550 for over 11 weeks, I am useing a Salifert test kit.

[loveless]

Originally Posted by ILIKECOUGARS

Which test kit were you useing, and kind was the LFS useing? the reason I am asking, is that I am having about the same reading as you were for nitrate. I am running 1L np pellets with a tlf 550 for over 11 weeks, I am useing a Salifert test kit.

I was originally using Salifert as well which was an old test kit. then I bought a Red Sea test kit. Both showed fairly close to the same readings. I think that the lfs was using a hagen? not entirely too sure.

[lastlight]

If you don't have a very high powered skimmer (Tunze Nano) will the pellets have any negative effects? Doesn't this mulm need to be skimmed out quickly?

[loveless]

Originally Posted by lastlight

If you don't have a very high powered skimmer (Tunze Nano) will the pellets have any negative effects? Doesn't this mulm need to be skimmed out quickly?

I have noticed my PH being lower as of late and assume its either low oxygen levels or my probe needs calibration. I think what they say is its best to get the majority of the "mulm" out to raise the level of dissolved oxygen as the bacteria on in the mulm is using it up which is why u are supposed to put the out put of your reactor in front of the skimmer. Also a better skimmer will oxygenate the water more effectively.