Is lack of biodiversity a problem?

[Hockeynut]

is used for it, but the chemistry behind it, is that help the corals use the PO4, because corals suck at absorbing it, but they are good at absorbing NO3, corals can live in a 0 N03 environment but need some PO4, Bio pellets feed bacteria that will uptake the PO4 and then corals will feed on them.

Interesting I never heard of it put that way, maybe because I never used bio pellets or really even carbon dosed. I never really had the need. Now I have something else to research, thanks

 

[kabal2]

I remember emailing a few times with the guy from Tropic Marin, i forgot his name but i will look for a link for you

 

[kabal2]

In here he talks some about it, is an interesting topic

 

[DangerDave]

That’s counter to what I’ve read about them...I guess I’ll have to read some more

 

[Humblefish]

That’s counter to what I’ve read about them...I guess I’ll have to read some more

Same here. I just know when the NO3 in my old 150 got up to 60-80ppm, dosing vinegar + running a biopellet reactor got them down to 5-10ppm.

 

[Hockeynut]

Same here. I just know when the NO3 in my old 150 got up to 60-80ppm, dosing vinegar + running a biopellet reactor got them down to 5-10ppm.

That’s what I was always lead to believe, never thought any different. I wonder if this is true do you see a growth spurt as you dose to bring down nitrate? I have to read more

 

[kabal2]

The problem with PO4 is that binds your calcium, so it can be absorbed by the corals, even if it looks higher that what it is. And if you keep it at the same level is less than the amount that issuable, the same applies to magnesium and calcium.

 

[Paulie 069]

I

I add bacteria on a regular schedule.
special blend, dr Tim’s, vibrant.
they are all good products there not going to change the world but I think they help.
I won’t put rock from someone else’s tank in my system so it’s my best option. I have always done this and I can’t see any bad that can come from it.

I’m a reef virgin no doubt and I ask millions of questions about A to Z,, ask anyone,,I usually have a question a day (sometimes 2). But when it comes to the bacteria question I do have a strong opinion. I feel that u could get all Bacteria you need if you use Natural Ocean Water. And before you beat me up I’m not saying use 100% NSW,, but every now and then add a 5gal bucket, in with your RODI water. There is so much going on in a bucket of NSW you can see little specs swimming around,, and of course make sure you filter it in some fashion. Me I like to use a small hole spaghetti strainer and I line the inside with Sheer nude Pantyhose,(yes I said Pantyhose). After that bring to temp check salinity and repeat pantyhose thing again (with new pantyhose) then add to tank.
The only headaches I get are the ones I create myself

 

[Paulie 069]

It’s good. Every time we add a frag, we’re increasing our biodiversity (For better or worse). The longer my system has been running, the more stable it has become. I attribute it to to increased diversity. This is my view based on experience.


Now if I can just keep me away from the tank it would probably be perfect. At first I thought all the extra time at home to give the reef more attn would be good, it hasn’t been.

I hear ya brother. I’m my tanks worst enemy

 

[Paulie 069]

@Humblefish , the carbon dosing thing is more about making the corals absorb the PO4, to removed N03 and PO4 it can be done with mega water changes, and with biopellets if is done slowly you are most likely to avoid the stringy bacteria
Gabe

Are bio balls better to use than a refugium I know a few people that use em. What’s the difference

 

[mickeysreef <*))))<]

super interesting questions. my last tank was live rock and never had an ich problem. did have a couple of waste away fishes though. i would have probably kept all that rock going if it werent for the invasive sponges. i still have that rock in a 55 going fallow

 

[kabal2]

Are bio balls better to use than a refugium I know a few people that use em. What’s the difference

@Paulie 069 , that is a personal choice, I don't have experience with bio balls and I know lots of people hate them and other love them, for the aerobic bacteria to populate needs surface area, now the sale some bio bricks and things like that, some people use live rock for the same purpose.
Gabe

 

[amado]

Trickle filters (bio balls) are old way of doing things. Now with the understanding that we have with growing bacteria you have better tools. Bio ball are good for fresh water aquariums or koi ponds. Where higher levels of nitrate are except able

 

[Paulie 069]

Trickle filters (bio balls) are old way of doing things. Now with the understanding that we have with growing bacteria you have better tools. Bio ball are good for fresh water aquariums or koi ponds. Where higher levels of nitrate are except able

Thanks for the explanation of it a little bit guys awls I know is that I’m tired of having to worry about my refugium and cheato
I’m going to look into allergy scrubbers more and try to figure out if that’s the route I should go

 

[Humblefish]

Are bio balls better to use than a refugium I know a few people that use em. What’s the difference

I'm not a fan of bio balls because detritus gets trapped on them, so you have to rinse them (with saltwater) periodically.

 

[Humblefish]

These are easier to clean IME: Maxspect Nano-Tech Bio-Spheres

Or you can just put one of these in the sump: MarinePure High Performance Biofilter Media Block - Marine Depot

 

[Paulie 069]

These are easier to clean IME: Maxspect Nano-Tech Bio-Spheres

Or you can just put one of these in the sump: MarinePure High Performance Biofilter Media Block - Marine Depot

Thanks ,, you’re an Encyclopedia of information I appreciate it I’ll definitely look into it because I don’t want refugium in my new set up

 

[DangerDave]

So we’ve spoken about two different things here. Bioballs and bio pellets (carbon dosing). I mention it in case any new reefers find this (way off humblefish’s topic) thread. Both are nutrient export methods, that work differently. Read read read!

Plastic Bioballs have been around for a long time, and are still effective. TSM had a huge tower of them for each system they have (look up next time you’re there) because they are effective. They also have the space needed to make the towers the size they need to be.

I’m using marine pure in my system, it’s very effective.