Survey: Biopellets
Printed From: Utah Reefs
Category: Specialized Discussion
Forum Name: Equipment
Forum Description: This is the place to ask question about reef equipment.
URL: http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=75701
Printed Date: August 03 2025 at 8:33am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.03 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Survey: Biopellets
Posted By: aceofspadeskb
Subject: Survey: Biopellets
Date Posted: April 14 2015 at 10:55am
|
I've done a lot of research on adding biopellets and it got me wondering who on this forum uses them. Do you use biopellets? Have you ever used them? What are you thoughts? How well do they work? Are they worth the hassle and $$$ ?
|
Replies:
Posted By: Krazie4Acans
Date Posted: April 14 2015 at 11:09am
|
I run them on one of my systems. I like them but I think an Algae scrubber would be just as effective without the risk. I would say if you are going to run them make sure you have a better than average skimmer and use fewer pellets than you are told to use. If you need more then add some later but you can't go back if you put too much. $$$ isn't really an issue because they are cheap and last quite a while. ------------- My ocean. 90g (yup, won it!), 40g, 28g, & 10g Systems PADI Advanced Open Water http://utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=63568&title=krazies-nano-paradise" rel="nofollow - Tank Thread: |
Posted By: Marcoss
Date Posted: April 14 2015 at 11:25am
|
When I researched this originally for my systems, I ended up going with GFO. I don't have anything to add on biopelletes except for when I did my research it felt like GFO was the best route to take. It seemed like GFO was a good solution for a smaller/cleaner system such as mine. If I had a bigger system/with more of a load, I would probably lean towards biopellets. Thats my two cents. ------------- RedSea Max S400 - 90G Rimless Frag Tanks x2 - 185 Lookdown Bin |
Posted By: Krazie4Acans
Date Posted: April 14 2015 at 11:30am
|
Marcoss, GFO and bio pellets serve two different issues in the system. Bio-pellets reduce Nitrates and GFO reduces Phosphates. I run both on my systems as one does not replace the other. Algae scrubbers will reduce both so will chemipur. ------------- My ocean. 90g (yup, won it!), 40g, 28g, & 10g Systems PADI Advanced Open Water http://utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=63568&title=krazies-nano-paradise" rel="nofollow - Tank Thread: |
Posted By: Marcoss
Date Posted: April 14 2015 at 11:48am
|
That's really good to know! I wonder if it was coincidence that my nitrates went down with the GFO. I added the GFO in hopes of reducing phosphates, which I admit i don't test for, to help clear up algae. It reduced the algae within a couple of days. The nitrates also went way down, which I do test for. I am trying to remember if I did anything else around the time. ------------- RedSea Max S400 - 90G Rimless Frag Tanks x2 - 185 Lookdown Bin |
Posted By: aceofspadeskb
Date Posted: April 14 2015 at 11:51am
|
Maybe I'll try a nice/cheap DIY algae scrubber. Could probably do one for $20 or so... I'm still interested to hear others' opinions on biopellets.
|
Posted By: Krazie4Acans
Date Posted: April 14 2015 at 11:57am
|
Bio-pellets are just another form of carbon dosing (like vodka, vinegar, sugar, etc..). Those will reduce Nitrates but not Phosphates. I think there must have been something else going on that reduced your nitrates (lower feeding amounts, life rock maturing, Sand bed maturing, skimmer adjusted or cleaned for better performance, detritus removed from sump, etc...) ------------- My ocean. 90g (yup, won it!), 40g, 28g, & 10g Systems PADI Advanced Open Water http://utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=63568&title=krazies-nano-paradise" rel="nofollow - Tank Thread: |
Posted By: catchoftheday
Date Posted: April 14 2015 at 12:01pm
|
I run a ATS and love no need for bio pellets at all and cheaper and for my light on my scrubber I use LED ------------- I currently have a 24 gallon JBJ all in one tank has two powerheads a phosphate reactor with the small bubble skimmer it is also powered by 2 X165 W LEDs and as a mixed reef |
Posted By: Marcoss
Date Posted: April 14 2015 at 12:10pm
|
Thanks Krazie! Great info. Sorry Ace to take this in the wrong direction. ------------- RedSea Max S400 - 90G Rimless Frag Tanks x2 - 185 Lookdown Bin |
Posted By: Krazie4Acans
Date Posted: April 14 2015 at 12:17pm
|
I don't know too many others that are running bio-pellets. I had two other friends that ran them but they have either left the hobby or switched to sulfur de-nitrators. I hope you get some more responses though so I can see what others are doing as well. ------------- My ocean. 90g (yup, won it!), 40g, 28g, & 10g Systems PADI Advanced Open Water http://utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=63568&title=krazies-nano-paradise" rel="nofollow - Tank Thread: |
Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: April 14 2015 at 4:09pm
|
Here is a very good read about Biopellets and carbon dosing in general: http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/showthread.php?t=70974" rel="nofollow - http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/showthread.php?t=70974 I notice that hobbyists often try it because they want their SPS color to step up a notch. In general, it's quite risky and not worth the hassle. It must be started at a low level and increased gradually. As far as I can tell, not many tanks use biopellets and even fewer use the other forms of Carbon Dosing, like sugar, vodka, etc.. In my opinion, it's just another of the many fads that I have seen come and go over the years, yet are continually resurrected by new hobbyists who think they have stumbled upon something exceptional. This old fart prefers to imitate Mother Nature as close as possible. The same organisms that I have seen grow well in carbon dosed tanks do just as well in my tanks for less hassle, less cost and greater tank stability. I believe the reason for my success, if I can claim success, is the amount and variety of natural foods (natural carbon source) that I feed, including Phytoplankton and night feedings. Aloha, Mark  ------------- Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks: www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member 
|