Marinepure bio blocks
- Thread starter ibrat82
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kfisc
Well-known member
Honestly, they appear to be some sort of a pricey live rock substitute. If you have it, I'd stick with live rock, skip the "bio blocks," and just let your tank cycle naturally over the next few weeks. You'll then have a biological filter well-established and can skip the expense of those things.
There are a lot of snake oil products in this hobby but I don't think MarinePure falls into this category, especially their (blocks and plates).
MarinePure add a lot of surface area for bacteria same as LR. I think LR is better if you have the space in DT and/or sump for sufficient surface area. I think a big a** block in the sump allows for more minimal aquascapes (or BB tanks) while maintaining adequate biological filtration.
I added a marinepure block to the sump in my 120g and nitrates went from a stable 5-10ppm to undetectable with Salifert N03 test kit - no other changes.
Marinepure balls I would avoid just like other bio-balls. Trapping debris and detritus likely offsets any benefit. There are some reports of MP leaching aluminium but I don't think that was proved one way or the other.
-droog
MarinePure add a lot of surface area for bacteria same as LR. I think LR is better if you have the space in DT and/or sump for sufficient surface area. I think a big a** block in the sump allows for more minimal aquascapes (or BB tanks) while maintaining adequate biological filtration.
I added a marinepure block to the sump in my 120g and nitrates went from a stable 5-10ppm to undetectable with Salifert N03 test kit - no other changes.
Marinepure balls I would avoid just like other bio-balls. Trapping debris and detritus likely offsets any benefit. There are some reports of MP leaching aluminium but I don't think that was proved one way or the other.
-droog
Dmorty217
Saltwater Addict
If you are going this route I would suggest skipping MarinePure and going with Sera Siproax. Stuff is much better IMO. I have the 8x8x4 block and several boxes of the spheres that MarinePure offers and they work but I fear they will become nitrate factories within a few years
shermanator
New member
I agree with you, but Siporax is MUCH more expensive and harder to get. But sintered glass is a better substrate than aluminosilicate foam for a few reasons.
Dmorty217
Saltwater Addict
It is more expensive and only available from overseas sources. You get what you pay for in life and in this hobby
So how did the block work for you? I have a block for more than 18 months now and my nitrates are at 50ppm ever since I have been testing them. Not sure if the block is the culprit. I have a 20g as sump which is too small to move around the block, so I am not sure if the block is getting too high or too low of flow. Thinking about taking it out.
They function as additional decent rock, nothing more or less. No miracles, just space for bacteria.
If you have unbreakable nitrate I can suggest a) water changes faithfully b) improve your skimmer c) definitely if you are not using ro/di---use ro/di d) NoPoX works well in some tanks: it is a form of carbon dosing, safe but may cause bacterial film.
If you have unbreakable nitrate I can suggest a) water changes faithfully b) improve your skimmer c) definitely if you are not using ro/di---use ro/di d) NoPoX works well in some tanks: it is a form of carbon dosing, safe but may cause bacterial film.
texdoc77
New member
My plan is to use them in my sump as I like the look of a little less rock in the display tank.
Concerning them becoming nitrate factories I don't understand this. They do not produce nitrate from nothing. The bacteria in them break down the much more harmful ammonia and nitrite. If you want less nitrate start with less ammonia, or carbon dose.
Concerning them becoming nitrate factories I don't understand this. They do not produce nitrate from nothing. The bacteria in them break down the much more harmful ammonia and nitrite. If you want less nitrate start with less ammonia, or carbon dose.
CarrieB
Member
Marinepure bio blocks
This comment about nitrate factories usually implies that something would become a place for detritus to gather and rot, which would seem to be more likely for the balls than the blocks.
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This comment about nitrate factories usually implies that something would become a place for detritus to gather and rot, which would seem to be more likely for the balls than the blocks.
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marinelife
Active member
I have 3 MarinePure bio blocks and I think you need more than they claim to get the best results.
I added Siporax to the sumps as well, this seems to be working for my tank. I added some brightwell blocks as well just to see what they do.
I added Siporax to the sumps as well, this seems to be working for my tank. I added some brightwell blocks as well just to see what they do.
Arc Katana
New member
I use them to raise my skimmer up higher in my sump. I've got two of the 1" Blocks. Works pretty well, and allows me more room for having stuff going in in the sump.
Do they work better than rock? Dunno, still cycling, but I like the fact I'll be able to swap them into another system fully loaded with bacteria, and no waiting for a cycle.
Do they work better than rock? Dunno, still cycling, but I like the fact I'll be able to swap them into another system fully loaded with bacteria, and no waiting for a cycle.
homer1475
New member
Watch your skimmer with the blocks. They are very brittle and if I refer reading correctly, someone tried using a block as a skimmer stand and it disintegrated.
With that said, I started my new tank with 2 of the blocks in my sump. After the Initial cycle and high nitrates ( taken care of with a 90% WC) I still have 0 nitrates. Whether that's because of better husbandry with the new tank or the marine pure, I can't say for sure either way, but my pods love to live and breed in them. So that's a huge bonus with keeping a Mandy in my case.
With that said, I started my new tank with 2 of the blocks in my sump. After the Initial cycle and high nitrates ( taken care of with a 90% WC) I still have 0 nitrates. Whether that's because of better husbandry with the new tank or the marine pure, I can't say for sure either way, but my pods love to live and breed in them. So that's a huge bonus with keeping a Mandy in my case.
firemountain
New member
Last year I added the large Marine Pure Block to my sump right where the overflow dumps into, and noticed a considerable nitrate reduction. I then relocated it to a second tank for an emergency setup. Since then I recently took it off line for a while and gave it a good cleaning in an oxy bath.
I currently now have it back in my DT sump, right where the water spills over into the return chamber. Sofar no complaints. There are rumors about the rock leaching aluminum back into the system overtime, but The Verdict is still out.
Bulk Reef Supply runs it in their sump on their new BRS 160. maybe that will help with your decision.
I currently now have it back in my DT sump, right where the water spills over into the return chamber. Sofar no complaints. There are rumors about the rock leaching aluminum back into the system overtime, but The Verdict is still out.
Bulk Reef Supply runs it in their sump on their new BRS 160. maybe that will help with your decision.
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