Lance's 225 gal tank

Lance · #1 03-11-2010, 04:01 AM

In the last two months, I've noticed significant growth of sponges, fan worms and other filter feeders in the refugium section of the sump. I'm attributing this to the use of the N-P Reducing pellets. I think the filter feeders are finding the bacterial effluent from the pellet's reactor to their liking. (sort of a coral snow effect). Has anybody else using the pellets noticed more filter feeders in their sump or tank?

Delphinus · #2 03-11-2010, 04:13 AM

Yes. Funny you should mention that. I was just thinking about updating my own thread with a picture of my sump. It's always been a little crowded with feather dusters but I noticed last night that the area where my reactor drains into is insanely crowded with them at an epic density level. I was just about to go try get a picture of it.

Lance · #3 03-11-2010, 04:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Delphinus

Yes. Funny you should mention that. I was just thinking about updating my own thread with a picture of my sump. It's always been a little crowded with feather dusters but I noticed last night that the area where my reactor drains into is insanely crowded with them at an epic density level. I was just about to go try get a picture of it.

Some of the pieces of live rock are virtually covered in sponges. These pellets are too cool!

kien · #4 03-11-2010, 04:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lance

Some of the pieces of live rock are virtually covered in sponges. These pellets are too cool!

ditto! Actually shut down my refugium a few days ago and while I was taking out the rocks I noticed what you've noticed, I had this little patch of orange sponge that has literally taken over the entire 'fuge! I even have a couple of snails in there with their shells covered in sponge

Delphinus · #5 03-11-2010, 04:40 AM

Hmm I haven't noticed sponges myself, but will take a look for them now. For sure an increase in feather dusters at the moment (sump only, the b/f's in the main display would take care of any of those up there). I wonder if someone in the tank might be a sponge eater (one of the tangs or angels maybe?? not sure).

Anyhow I did score some pictures, not as clear as I would have liked . but will upload them anyhow.

Lance · #6 03-11-2010, 11:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Delphinus

Hmm I haven't noticed sponges myself, but will take a look for them now. For sure an increase in feather dusters at the moment (sump only, the b/f's in the main display would take care of any of those up there). I wonder if someone in the tank might be a sponge eater (one of the tangs or angels maybe?? not sure).

Anyhow I did score some pictures, not as clear as I would have liked . but will upload them anyhow.

Same here. Before I got the CBB, I had quite a few small feather dusters and small sponges in the DT. He gobbled them all up within a week.

Lance · #7 03-17-2010, 06:27 PM

Just did my weekly testing: S.G: 1.025, pH: 8.3, Ca: 420, dKH: 8, Mg: 1330,
PO4: 0 and...............(drum roll please)........................................... .....

NO3 out of the pellet reactor: 0
NO3 in tank: 0

Over a year of battling nitrates using: nitrate sponges, vodka dosing, Tailored Aquatics Nitrate Destroyer, macro-algae, and every other damn thing; a few silly-looking little white beads does the job! I love these little lentils!