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Ann_A 
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 Topic: Biopellets vs. GFO
Posted: March 19 2013 at 6:02pm |
So here's the deal....
I have a large reactor that I am running GFO in to reduce phosphates. My question is this... Which is better for phosphate control, GFO or biopellets? Originally I thought biopellets were mainly intended for nitrate reduction because they're a source of carbon. However after stopping by a LFS and talking to them about my phosphate issue (0.11ppm would like 0.02-0.05ppm) they recommended biopellets over GFO because GFO supposedly removes so many good things from the water that it wasn't worth running when you could run biopellets instead. Am I just getting mixed up because somebody didn't know what they were talking about, or are biopellets a potentially good option for controlling phosphates?
Edited by Ann_A - March 20 2013 at 9:40am
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Teknik777
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Posted: March 19 2013 at 7:26pm |
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I wouldn't use bio pellets. IMO they are risky and I don't do risk. GFO has my vote. This works for me but know others who have had success with bio pellets. If you have an over sized skimmer, filter socks, refug, Gfo, good flow, and frequent water changes you will be ok. Just understand your feeding habits.
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220 G SPS Display.
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sabeypets
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Posted: March 19 2013 at 7:44pm |
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Bio-pellets are made primarily of a biodegradable polymer that "feed" and promote the growth and reproduction of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria which in turn use the pellets as a carbon source to consume nutrients (NO3 and PO4) in the water column. Are bio-pellets a potentially good option for controlling phosphates? IMO yes.
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Shaun American Fork  "Would you leave a dead cat in your kitchen till tommorow?" Builderofdreams
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laynframe
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Posted: March 19 2013 at 9:11pm |
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I do pellets, but you have to have a good quality skimmer that's over sized. I have had good luck so far. .2 years
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Lewy
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Posted: March 19 2013 at 9:23pm |
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I tried the two little fishes brand of bio pellets and found a ton of bacterial growth all over my rocks and glass so I stoped using them. I have a 30 gal display and use a skimmer rated for 30 to 200 gallons. the reactor dumped in front of the skimmer and I still had issues.
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40 gal w/ 20 sump
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Ann_A
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Posted: March 20 2013 at 12:50pm |
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So if I run a good skimmer I shouldn't have a problem with biopellets?
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laynframe
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Posted: March 20 2013 at 1:24pm |
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Don't go cheap with the pellets, add them extremely slow to eventually what the recommended dose is. I see a lot of people dump in a full dose then complain later. Other thing is you have to stay on top of replenishing them as they slowly desolve. Read up on them and when you fully understand it, try it.
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The time we enjoy wasting isn't wasted time!!!!
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DanhNgo
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Posted: March 20 2013 at 2:18pm |
Ann, On my bio pellet reactor I'd pumped my outlet to the skimmer intake. I have a Bubble King skimmer and it was very easy to make connector for it. I got the T from Lowes and sand the inside of it until it can fit over the volute intake. Then connect the reactor to the top.
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200 Gal Reef
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Ann_A
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Posted: March 20 2013 at 3:22pm |
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I think I'm going to stick to GFO. The more I think about it and the more I read about biopellets the safer I feel with GFO.
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Trevor40
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Posted: March 20 2013 at 10:54pm |
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I dislike GFO because it seems to make my SPS pale but maybe I'm on the low end of feeding, I'm still trying to feed as much as I can when I'm home. I switched to Vinegar dosing for now and it seems to be helping color as its not stripping the water too clean and its more constant as opposed to month GFO changes where PO4 drop a bunch and slowly build back up and so forth. BIo pellets seem more consistant which is better for SPS.
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