PO4 and bio pellets

[ecam]

Hey guys....

im running biopellets on my 227 gallon system for the last 3 months. I have noticed little ployp extension on SPS. Tested for po4 and registered 0.16 on my hanna (checked 3x). I have been feeding a ton with reef roids and AZOX (which i know can lead to elevated levels of P04) to try and promote the extension of ployps.
Im now debating putting my GFO reactor back on line to combat the problem. Any thoughts (pros and cons)
And if so what is the best GFO to use with the biopellets

phos are non-exisitent on my RO water
I use Reef Crystals for salt
my paramaters are

ALK 9.2
CAL 426
PHOS 0.16
NITrate 0
PH 8.17
MAG 1320

 

[redfishbluefish]

Jon Warner had a nice short and sweet talk about biopellets at the swap. I specifically asked this question, and yes you can run GFO along with biopellets….especially in the case of excess phosphate.

 

[Mike S]

Yep you can run both at the same time. The normal recommendation is to suspend gfo when you first start up biopellets. Just keep an eye on your nitrate levels. I found that when I was running gfo and pellets that my nitrate levels hung around 0.25 ppm while my phosphate was 0.00. Chaeto didn't grow well either. I took my gfo offline and my nitrate dropped to 0.00 and my phosphate levels never rose. I think the low phosphate levels were limiting the bacteria or my chaeto from reducing my nitrate to zero.

 

[ecam]

So... If i understand MikeS I should only run thr GFO to reduce my phos right now and then take it back offline? SO basically just dose the GFO into the system (using a reactor of course ) as needed

 

[Mike S]

Let your parameters and coral response tell you what to do after running gfo for a few weeks. Some people run both with good results and for others it isn't needed.

 

[redfishbluefish]

To paraphrase Warner, think of the biopellets as having three arms. One arm takes a carbon, one takes a phosphate and one takes a nitrogen (nitrate). It takes all three for the “reaction” to work. If one is missing, it won’t work.

So if there is no nitrates, no more phosphate will be removed by the biopellets (and visa versa). At this point you need some other means to remove the excess phosphate. Jon stated that the excess phosphate is typically from leaching out of rock, or excessive feeding, or some external source (in your RO water).

 

[ecam]

Thanks Paul. I do remember hearing that quote. It makes sense. I will order some brs Gfo now.

To paraphrase Warner, think of the biopellets as having three arms. One arm takes a carbon, one takes a phosphate and one takes a nitrogen (nitrate). It takes all three for the “reaction” to work. If one is missing, it won’t work.

So if there is no nitrates, no more phosphate will be removed by the biopellets (and visa versa). At this point you need some other means to remove the excess phosphate. Jon stated that the excess phosphate is typically from leaching out of rock, or excessive feeding, or some external source (in your RO water).

 

[jgraz]

I think the guys above hit it. I had to put GFO back online as well. I had 0 nitrates but my phos hung around .07. To pull it down a bit more I need the GFO. I've been using Rowaphos. Great stuff. Though it takes a few gal of water run through to get it clean.

 

[lefkonj]

I am starting biopellets on my 180 this week. I have read online, also, that you should remove GFO while starting up the BioPellets, but what about carbon? I am going to running the biopellets but started up with Zeobak.

 

[downbeach]

Yes, I would take the GFO off line, while the pellets are colonizing. I kept my GAC running. I also removed what was left of my Chaeto, since it would be competing for the same nutrients, and the pellets should be kept in the dark.

 

[lefkonj]

Great advice. Good thing my Chaeto is running so poorly. I have to do something to get my nitrates down.

 

[lefkonj]

I received my reactor and biopellets, doing the soak for before i start anything. Is it bad to have a little extra pellets in the reactor? My tank is a 180 with a 25 gallon sump so I have a little over 4 cups in the reactor right now, with the 4 cups being the target amount. Just trying to think if i should take a little bit out.

 

[downbeach]

I would bring them on slowly, about 1/3 at a time, and add another 1/3 every other week, while measuring your N's and P's. I would use 1 cup at a time, and stop at 3 for a while. I wouldn't fill the reactor more than half way, with the pumps off. Set the flow so the pellets are just fluidized and slowly tumbling.

 

[Tommyboynj]

I would bring them on slowly, about 1/3 at a time, and add another 1/3 every other week, while measuring your N's and P's. I would use 1 cup at a time, and stop at 3 for a while. I wouldn't fill the reactor more than half way, with the pumps off. Set the flow so the pellets are just fluidized and slowly tumbling.

I think this is where most people have issues. They start right up with the target dose. Bringing them online slowly will give your tank time to adjust. I did,this and couldn't be happier. They are by no means a silver bullet. I still have a little algae but I can feed plenty and my corals and fish Have never looked better. Just keep up with regular maintenance, add back your gfo after a few months and you'll see the benefits. Oh watch your alk. I found they pushed mine up.