Summarized list of DIY/alternative biopellets

[HighlandReefer]

Depending on the algae specie, AlgaeFix Marine will work for many.

 

[thebanker]

Acro are you referring to a fluidized bed? Because that's the same as an upflow reactor... we know that works.

Nevermind, I stand corrected. MBB's are different from FSB reactors.

MBB

 

[euromomtx]

Thanks for compiling all of this info Acro. Very informative!

 

[bertoni]

I'll add a pointer to the Chemistry Articles thread. Thanks, all!

 

[Acrotrdco]

No problem guys.

 

[HighlandReefer]

Great Job Acrotrdco

:thumbsup:

 

[Acrotrdco]

Great Job Acrotrdco

:thumbsup:

Thanks and no problem Cliff

Did you also see my other post about where you can find PHA's online?

 

[tmz]

I'd appreciate a link to the post with PHA online info. Thanks

 

[Acrotrdco]

Sure, here it is, hope it'd be helpful:
===============================

Ecomann of China is making PHA resin
www.ecomann.cn

You can find links here:
http://ecomann.en.ecplaza.net/

Biodegradable Resin/EM5231A (EM5231A is a polyhydroxyalkanoates copolymer (PHAs),with fully degradable characteristics and excellent physical synthesis performance，especially high flexural strength and modulus. It is mainly used for injection-molded, and hard sheet, plate sheet，etc. It can be blended with other materials to process diffrent kinds of products.)
http://ecomann.en.ecplaza.net/9.asp

or

Biodegradable Resin /EM5237T (EM5237T is a polyhydroxyalkanoates copolymer (PHAs) compounding material, with fully degradable characteristics and excellent physical synthesis performance,especially high flexural strength and modulus. It is mainly used for injection, also hard sheet, plate sheet and etc.)
http://ecomann.en.ecplaza.net/1.asp

 

[Lao Wai]

For your info, the material is Biopol:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biopol
And the source (sold as ENMAT Y1000P):
http://www.tianan-enmat.com/our product.htm
Minimum order from the factory, 25kg
Google is your friend for a source in the U.S.

 

[Lao Wai]

Another thing! Some people complain about a little cyanobacteria growth since start using the bio-pellets. This is because to make the pellets (to pass from fine power to actual chunky pellets) is necessary to add a nucleating agent. This is hydrated magnesium silicate (talc).
The silicate in the talc is what fuels the cyano. But it is just 0.2% talc, so it is a very minor issue. Of course, if you have already problems with silicates coming from your tap water this can push you over the edge, but with the reduction on N & P levels the cyano can't get very far!

 

[Lao Wai]

An equivalent product is Mirel, made in the U.S. by Telles (Metabolix).
You buy it in bulk in (where else!) eBay :
http://compare.ebay.com/like/400128687207?ltyp=AllFixedPriceItemTypes&var=sbar

 

[HighlandReefer]

Thanks for the links:

That's a great price: Mirel P1003 Injection Molding Grade Resin 55lbs Price: US $145.00


Mirel P1003 data sheet:
http://www.mirelplastics.com/imagesupl/Mirel_P1003data_standard_Aug09.pdf

 

[Acrotrdco]

Thanks for the links:

That's a great price: Mirel P1003 Injection Molding Grade Resin 55lbs Price: US $145.00


Mirel P1003 data sheet:
http://www.mirelplastics.com/imagesupl/Mirel_P1003data_standard_Aug09.pdf

"Mirel P1003 consists of a proprietary blend of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) based polymer, additives and mineral fillers."

I wonder what kind of "additives and mineral fillers" are used, it could be stuff that's undesirable in our tanks. :lmao:

 

[HighlandReefer]

Hmmm, I didn't read that part.

 

[Lao Wai]

I got a reply from Tianan. Bottom line: Minimum order, 200 kg. Expect to pay around 6 USD per kg.
You can place a sample order. Minimum sample order: 25 Kg. Sample price: 35 USD per kilo.

 

[Lao Wai]

It uses tri-butyl acetylcitrate (citroflex) and Ethanox-702 as additives, magnesium silicate as filler. Should be OK.

 

[philbo32]

It uses tri-butyl acetylcitrate (citroflex) and Ethanox-702 as additives, magnesium silicate as filler. Should be OK.

more unknowns... lol

Studies on biodegradable plastics have all been done in the environment where possible toxins are diluted by many thousands if not millions/billions of litres of natural water. Tests in aquariums have only been done in the short term with no environmental acute or chronic toxicity data to support any of the materials. Even if these synthetic compounds do not have an immediate acute toxicity effect there will more than likely be a chronic effects on inverts and fish in the system over the long term. Until official published acute and cronic plus endocrine work is published, you can't be sure.

All non herbal products which could end up in the environment should be tested to strict government and organisation guidelines all regulated by environmental regulators. I would love to read work done on these fillers and the overall plastic compounds.

 

[DJREEF]

more unknowns... lol

Studies on biodegradable plastics have all been done in the environment where possible toxins are diluted by many thousands if not millions/billions of litres of natural water. Tests in aquariums have only been done in the short term with no environmental acute or chronic toxicity data to support any of the materials. Even if these synthetic compounds do not have an immediate acute toxicity effect there will more than likely be a chronic effects on inverts and fish in the system over the long term. Until official published acute and cronic plus endocrine work is published, you can't be sure.

All non herbal products which could end up in the environment should be tested to strict government and organisation guidelines all regulated by environmental regulators. I would love to read work done on these fillers and the overall plastic compounds.

Agreed. Polyfilter and GAC are your friends.

DJ

 

[Acrotrdco]

Maybe the NP biopellet guys are reading this thread! Haha.

From their website...
"Recently, we obtained samples from different competitors and had them analyzed. In addition, we collected data sheets from some manufacturers. The outcome was surprising, some pellets appeared to contain toxic fillers like anti-oxidants which, at high enough dose, could be toxic to aquatic life such as fish, corals and even algae. These toxins will not be released in the water instantly when you introduce these pellets to your system, but will slowly accumulate as a result of pellet degradation by bacteria and toxin stability in water. "