Vertex Pro Bio Pellets

[Typlus5]

I just started last night! So long GFO (for now).

sfexplicit - from what I've read your flow may be too strong and pushing the bacteria out of the reactor. Seems key to acheive a good low boil of pellets vs an all out wind storm. ...but what do I know, I'm about 10 hours into it.

 

[thebanker]

It's not enough. Looked at the reactor last night and this morning. No pellets were moving. I jiggled and turned the whole thing upside down, and they are definitely clumping, and heavier than they were. I'm thinking that bacteria has colonized the pellets, and made them heavier and stickier.

Going to try and grab a MJ1200 or similar pump for the reactor tonight.

 

[bayoupr]

What would be the correct amount for a 125g with another 25g sump volume for a total of 150g? I read where the directions say 50-200ml per 100liters. Also can I continue to run my chemi pure elite with these pellets?

 

[bayoupr]

Also do you need to flow this back into your skimmer intake or in a high flow area in the sump

 

[Typlus5]

I just started 36 hours ago and started with the 50ml per 100 liters. I used 350ml in my 200 gl total system. Learning from others that overloaded and caused bacteria blooms. I didn't have an algae problem so going as slow as I can.
Yes, flow the reactor output as close to the skimmer pump uptake as possible...just when you thought your skimmer was pulling some nasty stinking stuff...it gets worse.

 

[bayoupr]

Can I expect my skimmer to go crazy for a few days?

 

[Typlus5]

I have an I-Tech 200 skimmer, although it didn't go crazy, it is pulling very dark skimmate...very stinky too. The strange thing is the consistancy is different than normal. Instead of a bubble overflow in the cup it's just the juice. Yummy

 

[DJREEF]

Can I expect my skimmer to go crazy for a few days?

Depending on how much xcess energy (nitrate) you have in the system for the bacteria to consume, it could be weeks.

DJ

 

[nivram]

To those having success with the pellets, what is your alk?

 

[sfexplicit]

8dkh. I don't think there is a set amount of pellets that you need to achieve results. It all depends on your individual tank and load. Start slow. Be patient. And add more pellets over a slow period of time until you get your NO3 or PO4 to drop. I initially started with half the recommended amount and over 2-3 months time slowly added pellets until I reached an undetectable reading of NO3 & PO4 according to my test kit. I think patience is the key.

 

[noobtothereef]

i will be starting this soon also, im getting mine from brs as they starte carrying bio pellets last week, my nitrates are at 20 and phosphates 2.0+, is there side affects of running bio pellets and gfo at the same time?

 

[goochesfish]

Has anyone switched brands when it came time to refill? I started with NP biopellets 2 weeks ago that I bought on line. My LFS carries Vertex. I'd like to switch over for convenience.

 

[sfexplicit]

i will be starting this soon also, im getting mine from brs as they starte carrying bio pellets last week, my nitrates are at 20 and phosphates 2.0+, is there side affects of running bio pellets and gfo at the same time?

It is not recommended to run both pellets and GFO at the same time. Keep us updated on the BRS pellets.

 

[Montreal Ray]

I'm also thinking about running Bio-Pellets.

My problem (if I can call it a problem) is that I have never been able to detect any Phos nor Nitrate in my system. I think my test kits are not accurate. Waiting for new test kits to arrive.

 

[DJREEF]

Has anyone switched brands when it came time to refill? I started with NP biopellets 2 weeks ago that I bought on line. My LFS carries Vertex. I'd like to switch over for convenience.

I'm actually running both Ecobak and the Vertex pellets mixed together. So, to answer your question, no.

DJ

 

[DJREEF]

I'm also thinking about running Bio-Pellets.

My problem (if I can call it a problem) is that I have never been able to detect any Phos nor Nitrate in my system. I think my test kits are not accurate. Waiting for new test kits to arrive.

Ya, that's kinda important.

DJ

 

[DJREEF]

To those having success with the pellets, what is your alk?

Mine drifts btwn 10-12

DJ

 

[ReefJ]

Hey guys,

I bought a vertex fluidized reactor and a 1000ML bag of the Pro-Bio pellets from my LFS. My tank is not yet up and running, I should be putting water and the live rock in next weekend with a couple of fish.

Do you guys recommend that I wait till my tank is fully through its nitrification cycle prior to running bio pellets? I don't want to interfere with the natural break-in cycle of the tank. If so, at what point should I start using the pellets? Once levels are stable and there is noticable phosphates and nitrates in the water? Thanks!

ReefJ:hmm3:

 

[DJREEF]

"Do you guys recommend that I wait till my tank is fully through its nitrification cycle prior to running bio pellets? I don't want to interfere with the natural break-in cycle of the tank. If so, at what point should I start using the pellets? Once levels are stable and there is noticable phosphates and nitrates in the water?"

Yes.

DJ

 

[ReefJ]

Yes.

DJ

Thanks DJ