ZEOvit - pros/cons? thoughts? costs?

[reef_doug]

I want crystal clear water, fast coral growth, and excellent coloration. Tank will be 180r w/ 70g sump.

1. Is anyone is running Zeo, would you do it again if you started over from scratch?

2. Any regrets or things you would do differently?

3. Ozone, could I use it w/ Zeo

4. Ca Reactor, is it required w/ Zeo

5. Refugium, can I use one w/ Zeo?

6. UV sterilizer, can I use it w/ Zeo, want to help reduce parasite breakouts. Plan to have 5 tangs or so.

7. LR, can I keep my existing 180 lbs LR and just use the ZEO pebbles in a reactor.

8. Estimated start up cost for a 180g?

Thanks
Doug

 

[gigiba]

You should go to their web site and their product pdf will answer your question

 

[gigiba]

Also, there are a lot of experience user on that site and they can give you more info on that product. If you deceide to jump in, they can tell you step by step prodcut usage.
http://www.zeovit.com

 

[Jar*Head]

Hi Doug

I can answer that question for you. I have been using Zeo for almost 2 years, i am very happy with the result. Crystal clear water, Nice coloration (you can get it with or without Zeo) and fast growth

1. Is anyone is running Zeo, would you do it again if you started over from scratch?

Yes, i will do it again and again. FYI, i just upgrade from 150-240g

2. Any regrets or things you would do differently?

I do regret for not using it sooner

3. Ozone, could I use it w/ Zeo
No ozone, UV, or Refugium

4. Ca Reactor, is it required w/ Zeo
It is a must to have Ca reactor, you need to keep your parameter stable since you are running Low nutrient tank

7. LR, can I keep my existing 180 lbs LR and just use the ZEO pebbles in a reactor
Yes, nothing change with your live stock. Keep everything.

8. Estimated start up cost for a 180g?
Zeovit reactor approx $200
2ltr zeolit $30
250ml zeostart $29
10ml Zeobak $39
50ml Zeofood $39
1ltr zeocarbon $21

You'll need strong protein skimmer to help export the nutrient.

 

[reef_doug]

Thanks Reefer74,

Would it hurt if I utilized UV and Ozone with Zeo?

Best,
Doug

 

[Jar*Head]

Yes it will. Ozone and UV will eventually kill some of the good bacteria. I don't use UV or Ozone and my water always crystal clear. My fish never has any problem with ich or any type of diseases. When i first start this hobby which is not too long ago . I used to have 40w UV running 24/7 in my 150g tank to prevent fish diseases. But it doesn't help a bit.

 

[Jar*Head]

Reef Doug, if you live local in westminster area, feel free to come by and check out my tank with your own eyes. It may not be the best but should give you a general idea since i swap tank 2 months ago.

 

[DrBegalke]

My first thought is that is seems very expensive.

 

[TryTheChi]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8300031#post8300031 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by DrBegalke
My first thought is that is seems very expensive.

Its certainly more expensive than not using it :lol: The cost is a natural cause for concern, and some people are put off by the ingrediants of some of the products not being disclosed.

I'm nearing 5 months into using it now and I'v come off the fense from being a skeptic (you have to be with the set up costs)- to being impressed with the system.

Does it deliver more than just following the non zeo specific husbandary disciplines recomended in the zeo guide? IME, Yes.

If the question is, is it VFM ?- only each individual can answer this as if you already have good coloration and growth, it takes a leap of faith that the system would improve on that.

My personal assessment is that it does represent VFM in my reef - I get a lot of pleasure from seeing the colors 'pop' and the effects of the bactoplancton on sponges and other filterfeeders is impressive too.

On my 600ltr system the costs are significantly less than my lighting bill, and I'd say the effects were just as significant.

I think the system has enough of a track record for english speakers to consider it if they have the time to experiment and understand how the elements work and change only one thing at a time. It therefore does take months to get reasonably proficient at tweaking cause and effect.

My tip would be for anyone starting to use it would be follow the guide and associated disciplines closely- moderate expectations for the first half a year, and judge it for yourslf at that point.

JME

Simon