Setting up ZEOvit System

[Jason McK]

Shane,
I would get the larger Reactor unless this one can hold 3L. you will need the reactor that can hold 3L plus be able to pump it.

Also, you can, instead of restricting the flow through the reactor just run it 3 hour on 3 hours off.

J

[surgeonfish]

Originally Posted by Jason McK

Shane,
I would get the larger Reactor unless this one can hold 3L. you will need the reactor that can hold 3L plus be able to pump it.

Also, you can, instead of restricting the flow through the reactor just run it 3 hour on 3 hours off.

J

Jason
I agree. I am only using 2 litre of ZEOvit, but will need to add 2.8 litres when the system is low nutrient. However, even with only 2 litre, I have spilled some of the zeoliths into the outlet pipe trying to pump the reactor.

I am also running the reactor pump 3 hours on and 3 hours off. Are you running the ZEOvit system? If so how long have been using it and what are your results?

Thanks,
Shane

[nanopodreefer]

Surgeonfish, like the pictures, before and after, looking forward to the results. If you don't mind, I think that this would be a great place to get a Zeovit discussion going. I like the idea of Zeovit, but continue the research...

Why not share our thoughts/experiences on the pros/cons/theories and even DIY ideas re: Zeovit, all while observing Surgeonfish's tests.

I originally posted this quote below in another thread but it kinda got lost. Anyways I found this quote over at that the TalkingReef. There is a discussion there also if anyone wants extra reading.

The guy below, Anthony Calfo, seems to be some sort of author and reefer extraordinaire maybe???
____________

"Zeo-stragegy" is overall sound (albeit risky - see below) husbandry and can work with very good results when strictly adhered to.

It is not for the casual or poorly funded aquarist

It is very much for the Acroporid specialist (be sure you fit this description... see below)

It is "risky" in the sense that it aggressively manages nutrients to the extent that corals are walking a fine line of "colorful evident FPs and not overly fertilized zoox." That can (and obviously does vis a vis the reef and some beautiful Zeo-tanksin kind) work well for nearly fully autotrophic species (a corrupt generalization here... but meaning species that are mostly photosynethtic and not heavy organismal feeders) in tanks with decent fish loads (namely Acro displays)... but with any sudden change in nutrient levels or on systems with "hungrier" corals (less nearly autotrophic corals as most all we keep are other than Acros, Xenia, eg)... it can be dangerous.

And finally... it is not for casual intermediate aquarists or beginners at all because of the discipline required to apply it, the knowledge required to understand and finesse it... and the very focus (Acroporid displays) of its intended use (IMO) which preclude beginners necessarily (we do not recommend Acroporid tanks for most newbies).

Zeovit strategy is but one of the many successful ways to run a reef tank. And if you fit the above criterion, then you may well be suited for it.

Anthony Calfo
__________________

Looking forward to everyone's thoughts.

[nanopodreefer]

And Jason McK was nice enough to reply on the other thread with this comment.

Shane thanks for posting all your info and such good questions for people to consider.. good luck!

Originally Posted by Jason McK

I Will be the fist to disagree with Mr. Calfo.
you can see a ton of LPS/SPS tanks with very health Blastos, Hammer, Bubble, Ricordia and many other common LPS. I myself have a 10 inch hammer coral that is thriving in the ZEO environment.
Also I have been struggling as of late with really low Alk like 4 DKH. This has had negative effects on my SPS but not anything more than what could be expected. the fact that I am on Zeovit has not heightened the the issue because my levels are unstable.

there are many additives in the ZEO system that "enhance" coral colour. but most of them are through feeding or increasing levels of elements that aid in the colouration of the corals flesh. YES ZEO creates a low nutrient environment. But is what ZEO strips from the water something corals would other wise be using? I personally think in a closed system it is better to remove the rotting food waste and add a controlled levels of supplements that will benefit the coral.
I could go on but need my sleep.

J

[albert_dao]

Originally Posted by nanopodreefer

Surgeonfish, like the pictures, before and after, looking forward to the results. If you don't mind, I think that this would be a great place to get a Zeovit discussion going. I like the idea of Zeovit, but continue the research...

Why not share our thoughts/experiences on the pros/cons/theories and even DIY ideas re: Zeovit, all while observing Surgeonfish's tests.

I originally posted this quote below in another thread but it kinda got lost. Anyways I found this quote over at that the TalkingReef. There is a discussion there also if anyone wants extra reading.

The guy below, Anthony Calfo, seems to be some sort of author and reefer extraordinaire maybe???
____________

"Zeo-stragegy" is overall sound (albeit risky - see below) husbandry and can work with very good results when strictly adhered to.

It is not for the casual or poorly funded aquarist

It is very much for the Acroporid specialist (be sure you fit this description... see below)

It is "risky" in the sense that it aggressively manages nutrients to the extent that corals are walking a fine line of "colorful evident FPs and not overly fertilized zoox." That can (and obviously does vis a vis the reef and some beautiful Zeo-tanksin kind) work well for nearly fully autotrophic species (a corrupt generalization here... but meaning species that are mostly photosynethtic and not heavy organismal feeders) in tanks with decent fish loads (namely Acro displays)... but with any sudden change in nutrient levels or on systems with "hungrier" corals (less nearly autotrophic corals as most all we keep are other than Acros, Xenia, eg)... it can be dangerous.

And finally... it is not for casual intermediate aquarists or beginners at all because of the discipline required to apply it, the knowledge required to understand and finesse it... and the very focus (Acroporid displays) of its intended use (IMO) which preclude beginners necessarily (we do not recommend Acroporid tanks for most newbies).

Zeovit strategy is but one of the many successful ways to run a reef tank. And if you fit the above criterion, then you may well be suited for it.

Anthony Calfo
__________________

Looking forward to everyone's thoughts.

I guess my first question would be "Has Anthony Calfo ever tried Zeovit?"

I don't believe he has.

I use the system at the store to great effect. I have a thriving tank full of Xenia, Acanthastrea, Kenya Tree, Acropora, Bird'snest, Candy Canes, yadda, yadda, you get the idea. All are thriving and I'm not operating on thin ice.

GTG right now, but I'll be back later to post my experiences.

[Delphinus]

I'm with Drew. The cost of the reactor is a bit of a turn-off but if you can get past that, the results do speak for themselves.

[steve fedyk]

I've been reading about the Zeovit system for about a week and seen lots a pictures a on how well it works. Thinking of giving it a try in the new year. Couple of the guys and gals at my LFS have been useing it for four mounths to just a couple of weeks. One just started the program about three weeks ago and said he saw a big differance in colour after two weeks.
Sounds like all you need is carbon a good skimmer and Ca reactor.

Keep posting pictures on progress, thanks

[Der_Iron_Chef]

My biggest beef with Zeovit is the price of the reactor....because, really, it's the simplest construct in the history of DIY. But that's it--the results speak for themselves. I've also been thinking about trying Zeovit, so I'm also looking into making my own reactor.

[andestang]

Originally Posted by Der_Iron_Chef

My biggest beef with Zeovit is the price of the reactor....because, really, it's the simplest construct in the history of DIY. But that's it--the results speak for themselves. I've also been thinking about trying Zeovit, so I'm also looking into making my own reactor.

That is also one of the long delays for me to get started up, so I just finished making my own reactor. It cost me about $85 (including the pump) and probably made it a little more fancy than I had to.

[andestang]

Shane,I noticed you also have the K-Balance, thats one thing I did'nt get.Are you using it right away ? I have'nt read anywhere wether to use it at the beginning or not. Albert, Jason your thoughts ?