Zeovit Users in the Valley? Ultra low nutrient systems

[jmadison]

Anyone in the valley running the full zeovit program (zeobak, zeofood, zeostart and zeolit)? Thoughts/experiences?

Anyone running a modified version or other ultralow nutrient systems?

I am just not sold on all the daily tasks/doses, and I am nervous in the event I need to have someone watch my tank.

I know that Urbaneks ran his large system on an ULNS without chaeto and zeo products. I believe he use(s/d) acropower and that is about it. (obviously with stunning results)


I am starting my 170g and figured if I better iron this plan out first.

TIA and Happy Reefing! :fish1:

 

[lilchris]

Hey Josh,
I'm interested in this topic as well. I have pondered the idea of running a full zeovit system. I would definately run an Avast Marie Vibe if I did it, at least it would be one thing automated. Think about it, you're doing some to your tank on a daily basis anyway so why not add the task of adding a few drops bacteria and food to your tank.

 

[jmadison]

Hey Josh,
I'm interested in this topic as well. I have pondered the idea of running a full zeovit system. I would definately run an Avast Marie Vibe if I did it, at least it would be one thing automated. Think about it, you're doing some to your tank on a daily basis anyway so why not add the task of adding a few drops bacteria and food to your tank.

I truly do not have a problem adding to/changing my daily regimen; most of my concern lies in tank sitters and such. I suppose once I learn the regimen I can easily right down and be specific about the certain days someone would be watching my tank in the event I am gone.

I am beginning to see the total cost picture of additives and zeolit changing monthly though... and I'm starting to lean towards a hybrid system.

We shall see how the building of my macro reactor goes this weekend.

 

[lilchris]

You're building algae scrubber?

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[jmadison]

You're building algae scrubber?

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Chris,

I am building something more along the lines of the Pax Bellum Arid rather than an algae scrubber. Still kicking around design ideas though. We shall see.

Who knows I might just use my vertex reactor and go full zeo...

 

[Mebeknob]

I'm planning to go full zeovit in my next build and I have similar concerns. I think instructions can be written out easily enough. (Monday: 3 drops this, 4 drops that, etc)
But I'm mainly worried about the what ifs? That arise while I'm gone.
That's why I'll be installing an Apex and automate everything as much as possible


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[jmadison]

Mebeknob- My thoughts exactly. From what I understand; full zeo tanks are ran on a razors edge. And of course sh!t hits the fan at the most inopportune times. Not being pesimistic; this hobby has definitly drilled home the idea of a contingency/plan B...

What size system will you be setting up?

 

[spscrackhead]

I don't feel chaeto has a place in ulns. If you have ever ran one and tried to incorporate chaeto you will find (at least I did as well as those I have known first hand) that there just isn't enough left for the algae.
I assume you want ulns for the light pastel colors?
I am not a huge fan of Sep and you have touched on a very big part as to why I am not. If you ever go away for a month what happens? Do you have someone you trust enough? And it isn't the simple, oh just fill the ato and feed the guys. It is also a fine line with lighting and other water parameters. Where does your salt mix up all? How does the co2 in your home effect your Ph? Ulns like other water parameters to be low as well imo.
You could try dosing a carbon source.

 

[jmadison]

I don't feel chaeto has a place in ulns. If you have ever ran one and tried to incorporate chaeto you will find (at least I did as well as those I have known first hand) that there just isn't enough left for the algae.
I assume you want ulns for the light pastel colors?
I am not a huge fan of Sep and you have touched on a very big part as to why I am not. If you ever go away for a month what happens? Do you have someone you trust enough? And it isn't the simple, oh just fill the ato and feed the guys. It is also a fine line with lighting and other water parameters. Where does your salt mix up all? How does the co2 in your home effect your Ph? Ulns like other water parameters to be low as well imo.
You could try dosing a carbon source.

SPS - I definetely would not run the chaeto reactor if I went full blown ULNS. It would be one or the other. I had read about this difficulty (which in theory is what you want, no nutrients for algae to grow). I may forgo zeo for a carbon dosing regimen. I am just trying to figure out the best way to start up the new system...


Oh and to answer your question; I like the colors, but also the lack of nuisance algae and good coral growth.

 

[Mebeknob]

What size system will you be setting up?[/QUOTE]


It will be a 150 DT plus sump. I'm not exactly sure what I want to do. Zeovit really intrigues me, but I'm not sure if I'm committed (+it will cost more).

I've started to look into the triton method, aquaforest and redsea care program.

All else fails...skimmer, water change and 2 part dosing.




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[xanthurum]

I try to keep my nitrates around 5 and phosphates less than 1. My corals are very colorful and I'm getting good growth. ULN is far to risky.