Carbon dosing/Biopellets

[charterreefer]

I am thinking about getting into this method of nutrient removal. How does this affect water changes since the nutrient load is under control?

Is it safe? Are there many problems/issues with doing it?

 

[redfishbluefish]

Assuming you follow directions, it's safe. You need to monitor N's and P's. And regardless of the method of carbon dosing/biopellets, you need to have a skimmer. If there is an imbalance in the ration of N's and P's, bacteria will stop multiplying, so you might need to adjust levels to keep it working. As far as water changes, it hasn't changed my water change schedule. Still do it, if for anything to maintain trace stuff.

 

[Steve Jakubiec]

I just started biopellets, tbd how it affects my system...

 

[Trio91]

Bringing up this old thread. I'm thinking of taking my ATS offline and running biopellets.

Any users have experience or updates on how thier system is holding up using them?

 

[Sunny]

Have been running biopellets for 4 years now. I would say I am happy. The key is to feed the tank a bit more than usual if you run biopellets. If not you run the risk of stripping system of nutrients and that would be devastating for SPS, if you have any.

 

[ecam]

@Sunny has used biopellets forever.

I’ve done the same as well. You have to be cognizant of your nutrients when you start them in a running tank ( I believe calcium reactors and pellets should be added at the beginning). They will do nothing for a few weeks and can then strip everything to zero.

 

[ecam]

Also. The reactor is the key. I used reef octopus 110 and I hated them. I switched to a bashsea and they are running great now.

 

[Trio91]

I was looking at getting a mini max reactor due to my limited space.

Right now I'm SPS-less that part I'm not worried about. What I don't wanna do is make my tank worse than what it is

 

[ecam]

Not just sps. Zoa and softies awould suffer if you take it to zero too fast.

 

[Trio91]

Now i get how they work, I have just never done any type of carbon "dosing " before

 

[Trio91]

Not just sps. Zoa and softies awould suffer if you take it to zero too fast.

Gotcha, ok that's good to know

 

[ecam]

http://www.fishtanksdirect.com/bashsea-pellet-master-pm-1-608729798088.aspx

Got this from eBay for like 80 bucks a few weeks ago

 

[Trio91]

Yea thats too big for me, remember I have an AIO. The IM should be ok for my size tank