O.C.'s Pellet questions and answers!

[mikebpeters]

I also bought the U15 and an MJ1200 and found that with 500ml of pellets there wasn't enough flow to keep them tumbling, so I put an AC 802 (with about 30% higher flow) on. I have also added another 500ml for a total of 1000ml. I now have a very nice slow tumble througout the reactor.

My pellets have been running for almost a month now, and I saw a bit of cloudiness during the second week. I have also seen some cyano, but nothing major.

My tank had excessively high nitrates, and between that, some agressive water changes, and really good skimming my nitrates have come down from 'utterly blinding' to merely 'horific'

[abcha0s]

<still trying to figure it all out>

[Chaloupa]

Maybe I missed this but......when you run pellets, does it increase your foam production from your skimmer? I started mine (FINALLY......took me awhile once I got all the stuff) and my skimmer is REALLY foaming.......sorry if it was answered already....

[Werbo]

Sarah - yes it will increase skimmate production as the bacteria containing the nitrate/phosphate is removed at an increased rate. Skimmate density, color (darker) and odor will be intensified. Ya... it will even smell worse.

[Chaloupa]

Originally Posted by Tyler Werbowski

Sarah - yes it will increase skimmate production as the bacteria containing the nitrate/phosphate is removed at an increased rate. Skimmate density, color (darker) and odor will be intensified. Ya... it will even smell worse.

OH GAWD.....WORSE???????? UGH, now my husband REALLY will run for cover!!! Thank you for answering! It's sure skimming well!

[Lance]

When I first began using the pellets the skimmer began to pull darker skimmate after 3 to 4 days. After about a week I noticed the skimmate increasing in volume. Very nice. I'm happy.
Now, after 5 months of use I'm noticing the skimmate changing. It is now a lighter colour and the thick skimmate collecting on the walls of the collection cup and neck are almost of a "chunky" texture with two different shades of brown. The chunks are a lighter brown than the more normal paste-like stuff. It is unlike any other skimmate I've seen. I just cleaned the skimmer tonight but will post some pics of this strange skimmate in a few days.
Anybody else notice a change in the skimmate after several months of pellet use? And if so what does it mean? There is no change in the levels of nitrates and phosphates.

[OceanicCorals-Ian-]

Originally Posted by Lance

When I first began using the pellets the skimmer began to pull darker skimmate after 3 to 4 days. After about a week I noticed the skimmate increasing in volume. Very nice. I'm happy.
Now, after 5 months of use I'm noticing the skimmate changing. It is now a lighter colour and the thick skimmate collecting on the walls of the collection cup and neck are almost of a "chunky" texture with two different shades of brown. The chunks are a lighter brown than the more normal paste-like stuff. It is unlike any other skimmate I've seen. I just cleaned the skimmer tonight but will post some pics of this strange skimmate in a few days.
Anybody else notice a change in the skimmate after several months of pellet use? And if so what does it mean? There is no change in the levels of nitrates and phosphates.

Never noticed anything like this and I have been running over 2500ml for months, maybe the skimmer is out of adjustment or something!

[RuGlu6]

Originally Posted by Lance

When I first began using the pellets the skimmer began to pull darker skimmate after 3 to 4 days. After about a week I noticed the skimmate increasing in volume. Very nice. I'm happy.
Now, after 5 months of use I'm noticing the skimmate changing. It is now a lighter colour and the thick skimmate collecting on the walls of the collection cup and neck are almost of a "chunky" texture with two different shades of brown. The chunks are a lighter brown than the more normal paste-like stuff. It is unlike any other skimmate I've seen. I just cleaned the skimmer tonight but will post some pics of this strange skimmate in a few days.
Anybody else notice a change in the skimmate after several months of pellet use? And if so what does it mean? There is no change in the levels of nitrates and phosphates.

I noticed exactly the same.
Using pellets since December 2009.
Same effect on both skimmers. One is Deltec HOB the other DIY air driven (keeps my ORP constantly above 400)

[Lance]

Originally Posted by Lance

When I first began using the pellets the skimmer began to pull darker skimmate after 3 to 4 days. After about a week I noticed the skimmate increasing in volume. Very nice. I'm happy.
Now, after 5 months of use I'm noticing the skimmate changing. It is now a lighter colour and the thick skimmate collecting on the walls of the collection cup and neck are almost of a "chunky" texture with two different shades of brown. The chunks are a lighter brown than the more normal paste-like stuff. It is unlike any other skimmate I've seen. I just cleaned the skimmer tonight but will post some pics of this strange skimmate in a few days.
Anybody else notice a change in the skimmate after several months of pellet use? And if so what does it mean? There is no change in the levels of nitrates and phosphates.

Here's a pic of the lid of the skimmer cup. Not the best picture, but you get an idea of what I'm talking about. Notice the two different colours of skimmate, and you can sort of see the chunky texture.