to bio-pellet or not to bio-pellet

[saltyair]

Have been looking into a bio-pellet reactor and doing some research.

Wondering if it would be helpful or an unnecessary expense.

I don't have bad algae
I do run carbon and gfo
I have a well established refugium
I do run an over sized skimmer

For the last 6 months my parms have not changed much other than PH.
I dosed to raise the ph with aquavitro eight.four. It has been successful.
my ph is now steady @ 8.3 (testing before lights out)
no3 - .5
kh - 9
ca - 420
po4 - 0
mag - 1340

would adding a bio-pellet system add anything to my system to help coral growth and health?

[Reef Pilot]

I would say no, based on your low N03 and P04. Seems like you don't have much of a bio load. Maybe throw in some MB7, and that would be it.

And this is coming from a strong advocate of bio-pellets.

[saltyair]

Originally Posted by Reef Pilot

I would say no, based on your low N03 and P04. Seems like you don't have much of a bio load. Maybe throw in some MB7, and that would be it.

And this is coming from a strong advocate of bio-pellets.

Thanks reef pilot - i have a medium stocked 180 gal tank.

So would you only suggest bio-pellets if high po4 and no3? Would it replace my gfo and carbon reactor?

If my tank was heavily stocked (getting that way) would you recommend it? Are they long term solutions?

[kien]

I would agree with The Pilot. This would be a prime example of, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it!". Your tank appears to be swimming along (pun intended!) nicely. The use of Biopellets is simply another method (among many) for reducing nutrients such as Nitrate and Phosphate. It appears as though your current method (refugium+water changes+skimmering+low bio load) is working out just fine for you :-)

[Myka]

Originally Posted by kien

This would be a prime example of, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it!".

I agree 100%. If there comes a time in the future that you're struggling with algae and everything to do doesn't fix it, then consider bio pellets.

Originally Posted by cblair

I would agree with not doing it. I tried pellets with a recirculating reactor and ended up with a cyano outbreak. Switched to gfo and carbon and everything is back to normal

This will happen in almost every situation where there is suddenly minimal nutrients in the water and still significant nutrients in the rock. As the rock leeches nutrients cyano takes advantage.

[saltyair]

Wow great feed back - I think if it ain't broke don't fix it - is the way I like to go. I am a little worried that as the reef grows and the fish grow to full size that bioload will increase.

So having a well established refugium and gfo/carbon will it keep up with the bio-load? Would adding more dry rock to the sump and or dt help?

the 180 is now 2yrs old (was started from my 2yrs 75 gal)

thanks every one for the feed back - glad I asked before purchasing.

[Reef Pilot]

Originally Posted by saltyair

Thanks reef pilot - i have a medium stocked 180 gal tank.

So would you only suggest bio-pellets if high po4 and no3? Would it replace my gfo and carbon reactor?

If my tank was heavily stocked (getting that way) would you recommend it? Are they long term solutions?

Well, I would agree with The Kien. Leave it alone. If your nitrates start rising, despite your best tank husbandry efforts, then I would use bio pellets. Some MB7 is always good, though, to ensure a good supply of beneficial bacteria in your tank, that helps it all work, and keep your water clear.

[reefermadness]

I would usually agree with "if it aint broke dont fix it" but in this case I would first ask if you feel you want more fish and/or want to start feeding more. Your nutrient level is fine now but if you want to feed more you could benefit from being proactive and added the pellets. If you add pellets before no3 and po4 become a problem you also can avoid some of the start up issues some people have.

[Seriak]

Nope I would not touch it. Don't introduce a new technology just to have a new technology. You parameters look good so leave it alone.