Starting to use bio pellets
- Thread starter twomuch42004
- Start date
Thanks for sharing that!! Im a firm believer in the idea that this is a must. I have come across many people who run their systems without the outlet into the skimmer and over time they begin to have problems. The first sign is cyano due to the over population of bacteria when the biofilm is not properly exported. You also have to keep in mind that pellets do not vanish but actually dissolve into the water column. Yes this is what we want but only to feed our bacteria. We do not want a buildup of that carbon source in out water column because there has been speculation that the pellet will eventually buildup in our corals. There are many ways to look at things in this hobby, gotta love it
Here's a pic... I started with a 1/3 recommended and slowly added some more over the course of a month. I think I'm running 750 mls but it might be a little less. I can't remember honestly. Maybe its 500 ml hehe I have like approx 140 to 150 gallons I'm not totally sure. **Disregard the skimmer with the cup off but you can see the location of the reactor and my skimmer's proximity.
Here's a pic... I started with a 1/3 recommended and slowly added some more over the course of a month. I think I'm running 750 mls but it might be a little less. I can't remember honestly. Maybe its 500 ml hehe I have like approx 140 to 150 gallons I'm not totally sure. **Disregard the skimmer with the cup off but you can see the location of the reactor and my skimmer's proximity.
One thing I would keep in mind when starting pellets is how much to use. Everyone's skimmer, bioload and bacteria levels are different. When starting off slow you are able to allow your skimmer to work at its maximum capability without adding an abundance of Un-needed pellets. If you add the first small batch and after 8 weeks when your bacteria colonizes your water is testing zero then there is no need to add more. This is key to preventing your water from being stripped too clean. I for example have a 100 Gallon full blown reef tank and run 80ml of pellets. I have a total of 14 fish and run a Aquamaxx cone2. When starting pellets you will realize it's a true balancing if you want to run a successful long term reef tank.
