Bio pellet reactor question

[Aqua_Decker]

Have a chance to buy a brs one for a decent price.

Tank info 125 gallon 50 gallon sump/refugium 220 gallon rated skimmer, gfo reactor, ATS just recoving from a gha out break after a tank move.

Should I add the bio pellet? Whats the pros and cons of them. People that are using them what are your reviews

Thanks

 

[Schplitter]

Have a chance to buy a brs one for a decent price.

Tank info 125 gallon 50 gallon sump/refugium 220 gallon rated skimmer, gfo reactor, ATS just recoving from a gha out break after a tank move.

Should I add the bio pellet? Whats the pros and cons of them. People that are using them what are your reviews

Thanks

Get a recirculating reactor with it's own pump if you are going to do it. If you don't you will regret it. Biopellets absolutely work. For the most part when you have it set up you can leave the thing alone for 6 months.

 

[chucklez]

I have had mine going since Thanksgiving. Using the all in one pellets. So far i have noticed a drop in Nitrates, but due to my system size and the small amount of pellets I am actually using, it hasnt dropped to zero. just a slow steady decline. I have also cut back on feeding, so that may be it also. Overall tho, very easy to use.

 

[Aqua_Decker]

It's a bashsea pm1 reactor for $50.. Good deal or average deal? Hydor pump to go along with (330gph) $20

 

[Schplitter]

It's a bashsea pm1 reactor for $50.. Good deal or average deal? Hydor pump to go along with (330gph) $20

While that's a really good deal on the reactor I would pass since it's not recirculating.

 

[chucklez]

I modded a tlf 550 into a biopellet reactor. Works fine if you are on a budget. Working on a diy recirc reactor atm.

 

[Schplitter]

I modded a tlf 550 into a biopellet reactor. Works fine if you are on a budget. Working on a diy recirc reactor atm.

That's exactly what I did in that sequence. You will see when you go to the recirculating how much more control you have. It's a wonderful thing.

 

[_E_]

I have had mine going since Thanksgiving. Using the all in one pellets. So far i have noticed a drop in Nitrates, but due to my system size and the small amount of pellets I am actually using, it hasnt dropped to zero. just a slow steady decline. I have also cut back on feeding, so that may be it also. Overall tho, very easy to use.

I've been thinking of giving those AIO pellets a try to keep my parameters in check. I've had a bit of trouble finding the recommended amount to use per tank size. What did you go with?

 

[Aqua_Decker]

So the worry of going with one thats not recirculating is to strip the tank of all nutrients correct? And ive seen diy to make a regular one into recirculating heard any experiance with that?

 

[chucklez]

I've been thinking of giving those AIO pellets a try to keep my parameters in check. I've had a bit of trouble finding the recommended amount to use per tank size. What did you go with?

On the bag it recommends 500-1000mL per 100 gallons. My system is around 300g +-. I have heard horror stories about nuking your tank using these thing, especially at the beginning so I started small. Only 2 bags of 250mL. As stated before, I have seen a slow and steady decrease n the 8 weeks I have been using it. I still have elevated nitrates, but that may mean I need to add a bit more.

Also, I have read in a few places that these produce a residue similar to GFO when they break down. II have a GFO reactor running as well so when i refill it may just be with regular BRS bio pellets.

 

[DamonG]

I have run pellets for the better of 3 years.. I started off with a single pass, had issues, and then went to recirculating(reef dynamics) and it's been smooth sailing ever since..

The problem with single pass, as mentioned is control.. Controlling the rate the pellets consume and also controlling the amount of mulm given off because the pellets have to tumble. Which is usually much faster than you want to send water out of the reactor. Once you can control both independently, it's as easy as pie.. Until then, it is a bit of a headache in my experience..

Avast also sells a recirculating modification that can be used on any of their reactors, and it indeed does work well.. And it's pretty cheap..

But recirculation is definately the way to go of at all you can..

 

[smoothdog]

So the worry of going with one thats not recirculating is to strip the tank of all nutrients correct? And ive seen diy to make a regular one into recirculating heard any experiance with that?

Mine has been running flawlessly for a year now. Here's the details in my build thread:

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2236073&page=26

 

[_E_]

Also, I have read in a few places that these produce a residue similar to GFO when they break down. II have a GFO reactor running as well so when i refill it may just be with regular BRS bio pellets.

From what I've read, the AIO pellets have GFO inside of them already. It seemed that those individuals that had residue problems had it because of over tumbling the media to keep it from clumping. Lots of anecdotal reports about either reducing flow or running the output in a filter sock to correct the residue problems. I also saw where someone was using an Avast Vibe reactor (normally for zeo) as a solution to control the flow rate and prevent clumping and residue.

 

[Aqua_Decker]

I think im going to give it a go and try to make it recirculating. After watching youtube videos i agree thats the only way to go