How to Keep a Low Nutrient System?

[Rpierce]

I have been keeping a low nutrient system using the MB7 and Vodka process for the last year or so with great results. All of my SPS are extremely colorful and are continuing to grow. I am just looking for a more "automated" way to get the same results. What has worked for you? I have read a lot on Biopellets and GFO/Carbon but can't come to a solution that I think will give me the same results.

Suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

Rick

 

[Zweebe]

Vodka under dosing pump?

 

[Rpierce]

Vodka under dosing pump?

Possible I guess. Ha Ha

 

[Setragni]

There are three ways I can think of

Mechanical (Water Changes, Agressive Skimming, GFO, etc)
Natural (Refugiums, DSB, Scrubbers etc)
and my favorite, Bacteria Driven (bio Pellets, Vodka, Zeovit, prodibio, etc)

I have tried all of them, and the latter when done right is the best IMO. I have been using Zeovit and I love it, But I tried vodka before with great success.
I suggest reading as much as you can before you decide which one will work for you, some are extremely husbandry dependent and some are expensive.

 

[Rpierce]

There are three ways I can think of

Mechanical (Water Changes, Agressive Skimming, GFO, etc)
Natural (Refugiums, DSB, Scrubbers etc)
and my favorite, Bacteria Driven (bio Pellets, Vodka, Zeovit, prodibio, etc)

I have tried all of them, and the latter when done right is the best IMO. I have been using Zeovit and I love it, But I tried vodka before with great success.
I suggest reading as much as you can before you decide which one will work for you, some are extremely husbandry dependent and some are expensive.

I completely agree. The Bacteria Driven solution is my favorite as well although Water Changes and Aggressive Skimming is done no matter what, IMO. I like what the MB7 and Vodka does for my tank/corals. I am just looking for an alternative as I might be spending more time away from home over the next couple of months as we start to build our new home.

Thanks for your help.

 

[Setragni]

I completely agree. The Bacteria Driven solution is my favorite as well although Water Changes and Aggressive Skimming is done no matter what, IMO. I like what the MB7 and Vodka does for my tank/corals. I am just looking for an alternative as I might be spending more time away from home over the next couple of months as we start to build our new home.

Thanks for your help.

Usually ULNS are very demanding, the easiest I can think of is the use of GFO. I used to run GFO on a timer, I find it easier to fine tune your PO4 (I like it around 0.02) by controlling time rather than quantity. Last time I ran GFO I was running the amount BRS recommends but only 5 hrs a day. As my corals and fish grew bigger I increased the time little by little. And of course aggressive skimming for the Nitrate control.