N/P reducing pellets (solid vodka dosing)

[PowermanKW]

YES. Trust me I fully understand that I DO have PO4...but for all intents and purposes it is "unmeasureable". I am using a simple (brand new) API test. And again (if you read all my posts in this thread) I am not testing for accuracy, I'm simply looking for change. Weather or not my PO4 test is accurate is irrelevant, I just want to know if it goes up, down, or stays the same. The same is true for NO3. The only fact in my tank so far is that PO4 is not changing by going "up", but my NO3 is still able to go "up." this bothers me because most other users have noticed a drop in nitrates faster than the phos. But my tank has seen nothing after a few months of use. In fact my NO3 continues to go up at a steady rate. So I could care less if I have "zero" PO4, I understand that at a level undetectable on the API test, that my PO4 is probably at a good range.

just wish my trates would go down and stay down...that's what we will see after this next week (mon) after my latest WC.

Ya you got it, and I know you have been working on this problem. Honestly... IMHO... using a API is worthless. And it isn't about how accurate it is, it is that it will only really show gross PO4 amounts.

So for us, .5 is too high, (below .02) but a API is not going to tell you that. I used API and it was always zero. I got a Merck kit and it was .5. I ran GFO and it was down to .015 to .008. So I know for a fact the GFO LOWERED my PO4. Now I run EcoBak by WM. My PO4 has gone down from .015 when my GFO is exhausted to zero.... can just barely distinguish a blue tint.... below .008. That is with no GFO and one reading was a solid yellow... absolutely zero.

So while the actual number you have may not be important, you really have no idea if your PO4 levels have lowered or not using a API. It simply does not have a high enough resolution for what we are using it for. You could be anywhere from 1 to .001.

 

[Rwpdunne]

same brand?

Yes same brand new design pellets i cant find much info on them on the net

 

[jh2pizza]

Just got an update to my Geo Reactor. I got the screen to replace the sponge. This is powered with a Mag 3 with 1000ML of the pellets. It seems to be flowing much better than with the sponge. If you order the reactor directly from Georeef, make sure you tell him its for pellets and he will send the correct screens and fittings with it for free.

I think 1000ml is the perfect amount. The nitrates and Phosphates are now undetectable in my 5gal Geo frag swap tank.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_AZpv4yD_EI

 

[rutz81]

Flow looks REAL strong...might want to get a ball valve of some sort to lower the flow just a bit.

 

[jh2pizza]

What happens if the flow is too much?

 

[rutz81]

What happens if the flow is too much?

Just an assumption, the flow being too quick could not provide enough contact time with the pellets...I know that applies to Phospahte removal media. If this is not the case, then I'm wrong, but, your movie was just the fastest I've seen, thats all.

 

[Rwpdunne]

The manufacture of the bio pellets should give some info on how to fluidise them in a reactor eg fast? slow? a nice gentle tumble??

 

[EvMiBo]

That does seem like a lot of flow to me too. I would think a mag3 with 1L of pellets wouldn't be enough flow but your video says otherwise. FWIW I use a mj1200 (295gph) to push 500ml of pellets around, and yours only have 55 more gph pushing double the pellets, must be GEO reactor construction? (I'm using a cheap TLF150).

 

[bertoni]

High flow might also grind up the media, which would be bad. I agree that it might also interfere with the bacteria's ability to stay attached.

 

[Yogre]

Just got an update to my Geo Reactor. I got the screen to replace the sponge. This is powered with a Mag 3 with 1000ML of the pellets. It seems to be flowing much better than with the sponge. If you order the reactor directly from Georeef, make sure you tell him its for pellets and he will send the correct screens and fittings with it for free.

I think 1000ml is the perfect amount. The nitrates and Phosphates are now undetectable in my 5gal Geo frag swap tank.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_AZpv4yD_EI

Crud, wish I'd known Geo was onto the pellet thing. I just put a Geo reactor into service that I ordered for pellets. It's working well, but I anticipate needing to pull the sponge out and replace it with plastic canvas.

 

[TheFishMan65]

For those looking for a reactor I got introduced to these folks:
Avast Marine Works
If you want to save a $20 they also do it as a kit. And if you need a larger one you can get parts. Just ordered one to build so I will let ou know how it goes.

 

[jh2pizza]

FWIW I use a mj1200 (295gph) to push 500ml of pellets around, and yours only have 55 more gph pushing double the pellets, must be GEO reactor construction?

I would have to agree. George takes the time to make sure things "work" before introducing them. No different than my Geo beckett. I heard horror stories about them always needing to be tweaked and played with. Nonsense. He assured me that its all about design and flow. Sure enough, he built a world class piece of equipment for me again.

Well, lets see how these things work in a month or so before I throttle down the flow.I have noticed a few things different. My 100 micron 7" socks fill up every other day now instead of changing them once a week. The skimmer, not much more output then before as far as volume, but much darker than before.

 

[rutz81]

What size is the input/output of the reactor? That is probably what is making the flow stronger.

I would have to agree. George takes the time to make sure things "work" before introducing them. No different than my Geo beckett. I heard horror stories about them always needing to be tweaked and played with. Nonsense. He assured me that its all about design and flow. Sure enough, he built a world class piece of equipment for me again.

Well, lets see how these things work in a month or so before I throttle down the flow.I have noticed a few things different. My 100 micron 7" socks fill up every other day now instead of changing them once a week. The skimmer, not much more output then before as far as volume, but much darker than before.

 

[jh2pizza]

1/2" but it also has to do with the plate design at the base and at the top.

 

[rutz81]

It must be the design since the new NextReef Reactors, which are at 5/8" is larger than that and I am using the same pump(Mag 3) and I get less tumbling with 500ml.

1/2" but it also has to do with the plate design at the base and at the top.

 

[jh2pizza]

It must be the design since the new NextReef Reactors, which are at 5/8" is larger than that and I am using the same pump(Mag 3) and I get less tumbling with 500ml.
Quote:

I have seen both products and would have to agree.

 

[MSHUR]

As of last night i am with all you guys
i start with 1000ml( 2 bags) in my Deltec media reactor. I notice some pellets got stuck together . flow is pretty good.
Guys, if i need to order one more bag of pellets is it Ok to order other brand or i should stick with one brand only?

mike

 

[rutz81]

As of last night i am with all you guys
i start with 1000ml( 2 bags) in my Deltec media reactor. I notice some pellets got stuck together . flow is pretty good.
Guys, if i need to order one more bag of pellets is it Ok to other other brand or i should stick with one brand only?

mike

I don't think there is a limit, as long as the flow stays the same; might not have enough tumbling if they are sticking together already.

 

[MSHUR]

I might have to encrease flow a bit then..

 

[lex211]

As of last night i am with all you guys
i start with 1000ml( 2 bags) in my Deltec media reactor. I notice some pellets got stuck together . flow is pretty good.
Guys, if i need to order one more bag of pellets is it Ok to order other brand or i should stick with one brand only?

mike

It is just my opinion but maybe by mixing different pellets you might get more Bactria diversity