What method for reducing nitrates/phosphates do you use?

[crimper]

Originally Posted by Reef Pilot

And if you browse through the first few pages of my journal, you can see some of my early struggles with nitrates before I finally figured it out. A couple years ago (also documented in my journal) I experimented with decommissioning my bio pellet reactor. That turned out to be a big mistake, as the nitrates returned with a vengeance and took many months to get them under control again.

What Biopellet do you use Walter?

[Reef Pilot]

Originally Posted by crimper

What Biopellet do you use Walter?

I have always used the Vertex ones, not sure if they are all the same. 1000 ml lasts about 2 years, or more (although consumed much faster initially).

[Animal-Chin]

Originally Posted by Reef Pilot

I have always used the Vertex ones, not sure if they are all the same. 1000 ml lasts about 2 years, or more (although consumed much faster initially).

So cost wise it's a biopellet reactor and pellets every 2 years? I'm guessing the 2 little fishes phosban reactor isn't good enough for pellets? I have one that was modified for them but have never used it, got it free in a trade a few years ago...

[Ryanerickson]

I poop scoop after my fish keeps the tank clean.

[Reef Pilot]

Originally Posted by Animal-Chin

So cost wise it's a biopellet reactor and pellets every 2 years? I'm guessing the 2 little fishes phosban reactor isn't good enough for pellets? I have one that was modified for them but have never used it, got it free in a trade a few years ago...

Not really familiar with that reactor. The important thing is to have a tall one to allow enough room for the bio pellets to tumble properly without clumping and floating up and getting stuck at the top.

I have the old UF20 Vertex reactor (not sure the name of the current replacement model). Works very well. I don't even use a pump for it. Just have a T off the return pump, and control the flow with the reactor ball valve on the input side. Important to have the reactor flow output go to your skimmer input.

And it is totally maintenance free. Usually run it for over a year before adding more pellets.

[Animal-Chin]

huh, I think my reactor is pretty much the same. I should pick up some pellets and give it a shot.


Seems like biopellets are the most common here.

[kien]

Originally Posted by Animal-Chin

huh, I think my reactor is pretty much the same. I should pick up some pellets and give it a shot.


Seems like biopellets are the most common here.

You should start a poll. We LOVE polls.

[soapy]

Originally Posted by kien

You should start a poll. We LOVE polls.

Can we have a poll to see if we really do LOVE polls? Actually nevermind every thread should really have a poll.

btw: skimmer, biopellets, macro fuge. I'm not convinced the macros do anything but I enjoy growing them.

[SeaHorse_Fanatic]

As I've written in another thread, I've been using Hydroton in several large media reactors to greatly reduce my nutrients. I've never had low nitrates due to my habit of heavily feeding my fish (4-6 times daily) but now, with media reactors full of Hydroton, my nitrates are very low, (around 2 ppm last time it was tested with a Hanna tester by Monocus) and my corals have been extremely happy. I have had several other local reefers try out hydroton with very good results. My nitrate tests always used to show in the Fuscia range but now even my new SPS corals are colouring up within days of being added to my tank, which is a mixed blessing cause now I'm starting to collect a few more SPS

However, this new use of these clay balls developed for Aquaponics was originally tested and proven by Paul, from Oceanic Corals, who convinced me and a few other local reefers to give it a try. To be honest, a gallon or two of Hydroton is more effective at eliminating nitrogenous wastes than a hundred pounds of live rock. I leave my live rock in my tank so my corals have a place to grow and my fish have places to swim/hide. I depend on the hydroton to do my biological filtration.

Anthony

[Animal-Chin]

So you take the clay balls and put them in media reactors? Do they need to tumble? Do you have to clean them or replace them? Tell me more...

Can I just add a pile to my sump?