Prodibio or Zeovit for new Tank

[layer3switchguy]

Folks,

Looking to start-up a new 120g SPS tank, and looking at options around L/ULNS. I'm looking for great color and growth (aren't we all) and would like some feeback on which system you would choose if starting up a new tank.

Cheers,
L3

 

[plyle02]

I am running a hybrid system using NP Biopellets for ULNS with GFO on a timer running during lights on... I suspect I will pull GFO offline once I feel my PO4 is acceptable and biopellets are keeping up with the PO4 demands. I also use zeovit supps. Using K Balance, B Balance, Pohls Extra, Zeospur, Sponge Power, AAHC, CS, BAK, CV, and ZZ... Previously using the full system including Start2, Zeolites, and Zeofood7, but wanted to give NP Biopellets a try, mainly due to the ease of not pumping the reactor and daily dosing of Carbon Source. I feel I am acheiving the same results as full zeo... Many ways to get great coloration, but still have all the zeo supps, so I thought I would not discontinue their use and address whether or not to replace once supplies are depleted. I believe current TOTM is doing something similair...
Thanks,

 

[elijaher]

Hybrid system is the way to go give you lots of option.

 

[reef_doug]

I'm doing the same as plyle002 above using Warner Marine EcoBAK and ZEO supplements.

 

[layer3switchguy]

Thanks guys, also - what salt are you using?

 

[minhvu]

For ULNS, go with a salt with low alk. RBS and Tropic Marin Pro is what I use

 

[MSHUR]

I am running prodibio for 8 moth and just add bio-pelets one week ago. I cant say anything yet, but no negative results either.. i have notice green skimate insted og brown like i use to have

 

[layer3switchguy]

I am running prodibio for 8 moth and just add bio-pelets one week ago. I cant say anything yet, but no negative results either.. i have notice green skimate insted og brown like i use to have

How are the colors and PE? Also, what salt are you using? I was thinking of going with Tropic Marin Bio-Actif, but worry the carbon source in the salt may cause an issue with a pro-biotioc system?

 

[MSHUR]

So far so good. I am using HW reefer salt. I think you should be fine with regulat TP salt, i just dont see why spend extra $$

 

[plyle02]

For ULNS, go with a salt with low alk. RBS and Tropic Marin Pro is what I use

+1 I also use TMPR salts...
Mixes a bit light on mag, no problem for me though...7.2dkh and 400CA using Lamotte test kit for alk and ELOS for calcium and mag..
Regards,

 

[layer3switchguy]

Thanks... I was thinking of giving Brightwell's NeoMarine salt a try, as the ALK is in the right range. Any thoughts?

Also, my understanding is that using Tropic Marin Bio-Actif with a probiotic system is not a good idea long term due to the carbon source in the salt. Any thoughts on this? I'm using it in my current tank which is running Zeovit, and I am having some issues with serious bio-film and cloudy water.

I think I'm going to give Prodibio a shot before I try bio-pellets, as a fellow reefer is willing to give it to me for free.

Cheers,
L3

 

[dvanacker]

Let us know how that works out. I personally have been using vodka and a few zeo supplements I had. Seems to be working but hard to tell.

On a side note you I always wanted to mention......you probably already know this but your name isn't all that accurate. Should be layer3routerguy.

 

[layer3switchguy]

Let us know how that works out. I personally have been using vodka and a few zeo supplements I had. Seems to be working but hard to tell.

On a side note you I always wanted to mention......you probably already know this but your name isn't all that accurate. Should be layer3routerguy.

LOL, no, switch... Most switches now perform layer 3 functions. (e.g. Juniper, Cisco, Extreme) I should know, I developed one of the ASICs for it.

 

[dvanacker]

Yes your right.....MPLS. Sorry, but MPLS is still considered inbetween layer 2 and 3...not just 2.

Unless you are talking about switches that do also route but still layer 2 is generally where switching takes place. And those boxes would be considered both a switch and router.

or maybe Im off base. You sound like you should know.

Sorry in advance for getting off topic.

 

[sowellj]

Thanks... I was thinking of giving Brightwell's NeoMarine salt a try, as the ALK is in the right range. Any thoughts?

Also, my understanding is that using Tropic Marin Bio-Actif with a probiotic system is not a good idea long term due to the carbon source in the salt. Any thoughts on this? I'm using it in my current tank which is running Zeovit, and I am having some issues with serious bio-film and cloudy water.

I think I'm going to give Prodibio a shot before I try bio-pellets, as a fellow reefer is willing to give it to me for free.

Cheers,
L3

There was a long thread on here about the brightwell's salt. The alk was coming in much higher than advertized values, somewhere around 11.

 

[layer3switchguy]

There was a long thread on here about the brightwell's salt. The alk was coming in much higher than advertized values, somewhere around 11.

Ugh... Great. I just orderd a bucket of it. I searched the forum, but didn't find that thread...

Isn't there a salt other than RBS that is consistently around 7-8 dKH and 380-420 CA?

 

[elijaher]

You may pull off using salt that is high in alk. Brightwell has bad review because it claim to be at nsw level.

 

[cwegescheide]

I'm not full Zeo (no zeolites) but I do do several of their supps and think they are beneficial. My list in order IMO of positive effect are: Sponge Power, Pohls Extra, Amino Acids, ZeoFood7. I also use ZeoBak and ZeoStart occaisionally. As well as a weekly use of ZeoZyme mixed with Pohls Coral Snow.

I run GFO as well. I'm a little curious about the Biopellets. If I could use them instead of GFO I'd do it. Kindof a hassle replacing the stuff every couple months.

 

[jsousa]

You may pull off using salt that is high in alk. Brightwell has bad review because it claim to be at nsw level.

Yeah, I've been using it and its really not all that. Its just super cheap. Alkalinity is way off. Like you said probably around 11. I'm just gonna get thru this bucket and I'm done.

I'll probably go back to my Tropic Marin Pro Reef.

 

[jsousa]

I am running a hybrid system using NP Biopellets for ULNS with GFO on a timer running during lights on... I suspect I will pull GFO offline once I feel my PO4 is acceptable and biopellets are keeping up with the PO4 demands. I also use zeovit supps. Using K Balance, B Balance, Pohls Extra, Zeospur, Sponge Power, AAHC, CS, BAK, CV, and ZZ... Previously using the full system including Start2, Zeolites, and Zeofood7, but wanted to give NP Biopellets a try, mainly due to the ease of not pumping the reactor and daily dosing of Carbon Source. I feel I am acheiving the same results as full zeo... Many ways to get great coloration, but still have all the zeo supps, so I thought I would not discontinue their use and address whether or not to replace once supplies are depleted. I believe current TOTM is doing something similair...
Thanks,

Interesting. I use the Prodibio System(BioDigest, BioOptim and Reefbooster) and most of the supps you mentioned...AA, Coral Vit, K-Balance, B-Balance, Pohl's Xtra, Potassium Iodine, Eisen for Iron, Coral Snow. Getting some good results here. Biggest issues today are pests actually...Red Bugs, AEFW and Red Planaria. Just killed the red bugs this week. Things are looking much better.

Anyway, I like where I am right now using this combination.

ZeoSpur and Sponge Power worth it?