BRS Bio-Pellets BEWARE!

[huskysglare1]

I tried using the BRS BIO-PELLETS about 2 months ago. About a week into it's operation, i noticed a couple of my SPS started to STN and my Frogspawns had fully retracted. I hadn't changed anything in my system lately except for the addition of the BIO-PELLETS. I removed the bio-pellets and my Frogspawn has started to come out again. Unfortunately, 2-3 of my SPS died and the others are recovering.

Does anyone have similar problems with the bio-pellets?

 

[redhanded77]

Nope, not at all. Did you start with the recommended amount? My tank has been at its best with the bio pellets.

 

[huskysglare1]

I've noticed the bio-pellets are extremely difficult to tumble. I used 500ml on a 200g system.

 

[phurst]

Been using the BRS pellets for nearly a year now. haven;t had the first problem, and the tank has never looked better.

 

[huskysglare1]

What do you put your bio-pellets in?

 

[jason2459]

Did you rinse the biopellets? Did you monitor by chance your PO4 levels and how fast they dropped?

 

[Rockys_Pride]

I just got schooled on bio-pellets, turns out they do a great job of pulling out nitrates and phosphates. The problem is, as previously stated, they pull them out quick. If your corals are accustomed to higher levels than 0, they won't like the new pristine water at first. Some levels of nitrates and phosphates are needed to keep the bacteria happy. Don't forget the increased light penetration. Also, a mag 7 is recommended, as opposed to the mag 3 or 5 that BRS recommends.
So, you'll need to make the bio-pellets work slower, if that makes sense.

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[huskysglare1]

Ya, i rinsed it thoroughly.

So, how much do i use if i have 200g of water volume when i start?

 

[huskysglare1]

My PO4 has always been undetectable.

 

[phurst]

BRS recommends 1 cup (236ml) per 50 gallons of water volume, though if you have elevated nitrates and phosphates, I would start with WAY less than that and slowly increase to their recommended levels.

 

[jason2459]

What did you use to rinse the pellets? Maybe undetectable but did you have a algae or cyano issue at all?

Starting with half of recommended amount is a good idea then incease after a few weeks.

 

[huskysglare1]

I don't have cyano issues. I used regular tap water. with 200g system, i was suppose to use 1000ml, but i only used 500.

My pellet stop tumbling a week in. It's very hard to tumble the BRS pellets.

 

[The Punisher]

So, how much do i use if i have 200g of water volume when i start?

So you don't even know how much to use and you're trying to warn people to "BEWARE"? Bio pellets are great at what they do, but you have to know what you're doing for them to work.

 

[Rockys_Pride]

I don't have cyano issues. I used regular tap water. with 200g system, i was suppose to use 1000ml, but i only used 500.

My pellet stop tumbling a week in. It's very hard to tumble the BRS pellets.

You have to use a bigger pump, while you're at it put in a valve to regulate flow, they tend to clump after awhile so variable speed would be nice.

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[evoi19]

With bio-pellets you're suppose to start in small amounts and ramp up over a few weeks so your water and tank can acclimate to it. Also, you probably need a bigger pump for the pellets tumble. What reactor are you using?

Another thing is to be sure to put the output near the skimmer pump.

 

[huskysglare1]

I said i used 500ml when i started.

 

[huskysglare1]

I use the two little fish 550 reactor with mag 7. the pellets tumble a for like a week and then stopped.