to bio-pellet or not to bio-pellet

[Reef Pilot]

Originally Posted by saltyair

Thanks reef pilot - i have a medium stocked 180 gal tank.

So would you only suggest bio-pellets if high po4 and no3? Would it replace my gfo and carbon reactor?

If my tank was heavily stocked (getting that way) would you recommend it? Are they long term solutions?

Well, I would agree with The Kien. Leave it alone. If your nitrates start rising, despite your best tank husbandry efforts, then I would use bio pellets. Some MB7 is always good, though, to ensure a good supply of beneficial bacteria in your tank, that helps it all work, and keep your water clear.

[reefermadness]

I would usually agree with "if it aint broke dont fix it" but in this case I would first ask if you feel you want more fish and/or want to start feeding more. Your nutrient level is fine now but if you want to feed more you could benefit from being proactive and added the pellets. If you add pellets before no3 and po4 become a problem you also can avoid some of the start up issues some people have.

[Seriak]

Nope I would not touch it. Don't introduce a new technology just to have a new technology. You parameters look good so leave it alone.

[Simons]

Just a quick note on PO4. I don't think many people know that there is actually two types of phosphates, Soluble reactive Phosphates (SRP) and Organic Phosphates.

When you are measuring the PO4 levels in your tank you are really only measuring the SRP phosphates, which are NOT the phosphates that 98% of algae like to eat. Those are the Phosphates that are dissolved in the water column, the 'bad' phosphates are the Organic Phosphates which are bound to the organics in your tank (ie rocks, sand etc). Those you cannot measure with any simple home test kit.

So just because you have a 0 or very low reading on your phosphate test kit, does not necessarily mean you have 0 phosphates.

That being said, if you are not having an issue with algae now, as long as you don't over feed your tank, do regular water changes you should be fine. No reason to add another piece of equipment that will likely have little value overall to your ecosystem.

[cblair]

I would agree with not doing it. I tried pellets with a recirculating reactor and ended up with a cyano outbreak. Switched to gfo and carbon and everything is back to normal