A General Review of The ZEOvit System
by GaryW (Mesocosm)
The purpose of the ZEOvit system is to easily and reliably create, and maintain, a poor nutrient environment in marine aquaria similar to a the natural reef environment. The goal of the system is to reduce nutrients as nitrate and phosphate without lowering the levels of important minerals, like calcium and magnesium, and carbonate hardness, which are also adjusted to a natural reef environment.
In order for the ZEOvit method to be successful, a few fundamental husbandry techniques and equipment components must also be included in your aquarium's design and operation. These requirements include strong and efficient skimming, lighting appropriate and sufficient for the aquarium's inhabitants, regular weekly water changes, addition of elements at low levels, non-excessive addition of nutrients, and optimum and stabile water parameters (Ca, Mg, KH, Salinity).
The five basic components of the ZEOvit system interact to effectively reduce nutrients, and establish water conditions close to the parameters corals encounter in the natural habitats. The five basic components are:
1. A Balanced Mix of zeolites (ZEOvit).
2. A Microorganism Solution (ZEObak).
3. A combination of Bacteria and Coral Food (ZEOfood)
4. Bacteria Food (ZEOstart)
5. Constant Filtration with Activated Carbon
The reduction of nutrients and the establishment of a poor nutrient system results from the interaction between ZEObak, ZEOfood, ZEOstart, and the zeolite filter media (ZEOvit).The three different zeolites of the media were chosen because of their ability to reduce certain toxins in a balanced manner. It is important to "clean" the ZEOvit filter media daily to maintain optimum performance. The filter device which holds the ZEOvit (commonly referred to as a "reactor") is specifically designed to accomplish this task within a minute. However, it is not detrimental to overall system performance if you are unable to perform this task for several days.
The interaction between ZEObak, ZEOfood, ZEOstart, and the zeolite filter media (ZEOvit) produces a "mulm". The "mulm", released from the ZEOvit material, contains bacteria that is used as food by the corals. This is very important because it provides nutrients to the animals, and has a very positive impact on the colors, polyp extension and vitality of the corals. Large Polyped Corals (LPS) react with fully expanded tissue.
Certain other elements are adsorbed as well, and require replacement to counteract depletion. We strongly recommend replenishing those elements, and we offer supplements to be used with this system for that purpose.
The ZEOvit method can be successfully used with bare-bottom (BB), shallow sand bed (SSB), deep sand bed (DSB), and Berlin-style system designs. The use of live rock (LR) is not required. UV sterilizers, ozonizers, and nutrient exporting macroalgae refugia are not compatible with the ZEOvit method.
This post is just a brief review of the ZEOvit system. More background information, and detailed methodolgy instructions are presented in the ZEOvit "Guide."
http://www.korallen-zucht.de/files/z..._english-1.pdf
We strongly recommend to read and understand the guide before you start with the system. It contains vital necessary information to have success with the system.
Just playing. They're all really just nutrient reduction methods by boosting and maintaining larger than normal bacterial populations. I've read a lot about Zeo, tried Prodibio, and tried vodka. To me Zeo seems to be the most complete/well thought out method. It's also the most intensive, requiring daily dosing regimens and stirring the zeo rocks (and most expensive). None of the methods really require an exorbitant amount of testing, as most of the resulting effects of the methods are very difficult to test. I guess very low nutrient levels is the most reasonable thing you would want to test for on a regular basis that would be a direct result of proper methodology. Other than that, your standard reef tests should be done just like normal pH, KH, Ca, Mg, etc. If you apply any of these methods properly you'll get very low nutrients, personally I just don't know if it's worth it. You can keep very low nutrients with reduced feedings, regular water changes, heavy skimming, dsb, and the other more traditional methods as well. People with all different combinations can all point to great results from someone practicing that method. Most can also point to disasters.
