Zeovit help in GVRD

[WarDog]

I am trying to run full zeovit on my tank and am having problems. I have followed the method to the letter, and I frequent the KZ forum regularly. I am hoping to find someone here in the GVRD with the knowledge of running a successful zeo tank. I don't want to give up on the Zeo system quite yet, nor do I want to spend the next year doing trial and error methods, possibly losing livestock in the meantime. I am so frustrated that I'm ready to pull it out and just go with bio-pellets and/or other methods. Hopefully I can find someone local that can give me a helping hand. Thanks Canreefers!

[spit.fire]

Originally Posted by WarDog

I am trying to run full zeovit on my tank and am having problems. I have followed the method to the letter, and I frequent the KZ forum regularly. I am hoping to find someone here in the GVRD with the knowledge of running a successful zeo tank. I don't want to give up on the Zeo system quite yet, nor do I want to spend the next year doing trial and error methods, possibly losing livestock in the meantime. I am so frustrated that I'm ready to pull it out and just go with bio-pellets and/or other methods. Hopefully I can find someone local that can give me a helping hand. Thanks Canreefers!

Have you talked to albert about it?

[WarDog]

Originally Posted by spit.fire

Have you talked to albert about it?

Albert is a seasoned zeohead? Interesting... thanks Tyler!

[Aquattro]

What kind of issues are you having?

[WarDog]

Originally Posted by Aquattro

What kind of issues are you having?

In a nutshell, high NO3's (>5ppm salifert) and corals browning out.

Advised not to start Zeo additives like ZFood7, AA's or CV until I reach ULNS, which NO3 is not at. Mindy thinks NO3's are high because rocks are still young. Lights were running at 60% for a long time, and I have almost got them up to 100% now. Corals have better colouring, but I'm still not sure if this was the cause. Diatoms continue to be everywhere.

[Aquattro]

Diatoms will last until they don't. Just pesky things that you have to live through. High nitrate is almost certainly the rock. Denitrification happens by bacteria deep in the pores of the rock. Yours didn't have any. The pores are also full of dead bacterial mulm, which will delay the colonization of new bacteria.
I agree that adding the zeo nutrients should be held off until you need them. The zeostart is the carbon source, I'd play with doses of that, as most use half recommended. Maybe increase slightly? Overall, 5ppm isn't bad. 0 is a good target, but it's going to take time. I'd start worrying after the first year, until then, it's a young tank and needs to develop.

[WarDog]

Originally Posted by Aquattro

Diatoms will last until they don't. Just pesky things that you have to live through. High nitrate is almost certainly the rock. Denitrification happens by bacteria deep in the pores of the rock. Yours didn't have any. The pores are also full of dead bacterial mulm, which will delay the colonization of new bacteria.
I agree that adding the zeo nutrients should be held off until you need them. The zeostart is the carbon source, I'd play with doses of that, as most use half recommended. Maybe increase slightly? Overall, 5ppm isn't bad. 0 is a good target, but it's going to take time. I'd start worrying after the first year, until then, it's a young tank and needs to develop.

*sigh*... I'm sure you are right Brad, thanks. Now I understand why some people hate dry rock. Lesson learned. It's amazing how quickly you gain knowledge by actually having a tank running. Years of research didn't prepare me for this... other than the patience part.

I will carefully try your suggestion.

[xtaze]

my two cents
especially in a new tank 5ppm nitrates is ideal. and will act as a tampon protecting you from alk swing..

as for the nitrates itself you have them for 2 reasons... your tank is young and the anaerobic bacteria population is not suffisant and zeostart IS a source of nitrates to feed the bacteria from zeobak

[WarDog]

Originally Posted by xtaze

my two cents
especially in a new tank 5ppm nitrates is ideal. and will act as a tampon protecting you from alk swing..

as for the nitrates itself you have them for 2 reasons... your tank is young and the anaerobic bacteria population is not suffisant and zeostart IS a source of nitrates to feed the bacteria from zeobak

More good information, thanks xtaze!

[Myka]

I think we talked about it already, but what's PO4 at? Brown SPS is either light or PO4 or in some cases flow. If PO4 is undetectable, have you double checked with another kit? Doesn't hurt. Which Zeo additives are you currently using?