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Starting Bio-Pellets
- Thread starter downbeach
- Start date
So far, so good. I'm still only running half ( 1/2 cup) of the recommended amount in a converted BRS reactor. I didn't have a nutrient problem when I started, I just wanted to trade out the fuge type filtration for this, and it seems to be working. At this point I'm not sure that adding the other reactor with the other half of bio pellets would make any sense.
Probably a little, but it's kind of hard to tell, since it would happen slowly. I imagine that this is something that would vary depending on the individual system.
Now that I have a pump for my reactor (thanks Jim) I'll be starting my bio pellets soon. I'm hoping I can find time to get it going this weekend. If not, next for sure.
I haven't noticed anything in the reactor, but I do have the prefilter on the MJ1200. I seems to be working fine, and I'm now considering buying a true biopellet reactor, I'm thinking of the Reef Octopus BR 110.
It's what I've been using for the past two months, but I did buy the biopellet insert for it, as opposed to doing the plastic canvas mesh mod. I haven't had any problems with the prefilter on the MJ.
hey guys - sorry it's been so long to report results. I finally had time to dig thru all my stuff at home and open up the octopus reactor i got from the group buy. this site has a very good review and pics -
http://reefgizmo.com/2011/01/super-reef-octopus-biopellet-reactor-review-and-coupons/
I have the small version - BRS70 for my 120gallon. Hopefully this is sized ok.
I have to read this thread from page 1 to figure out where to start though.
http://reefgizmo.com/2011/01/super-reef-octopus-biopellet-reactor-review-and-coupons/
I have the small version - BRS70 for my 120gallon. Hopefully this is sized ok.
I have to read this thread from page 1 to figure out where to start though.
ok i just did a quick read...hahah.
1 cup per 50 gallons of water - so that means 2 cups for me - but everyone says start slow - with daniel mentioning 1/3 the recommended....so that means maybe a little over half a cup to start?
Also - what taz said with regards to his skimmer is the same issue I have. My skimmer is set up off a manifold with my return pump. I did it to reduce the amount of plugs/pumps but i could easily go out and buy a pump just for my skimmer. I could then manifold the water (200gph) to the octopus reactor instead. I have two overflows and they can easily handle the extra return from the reeflo.
So I guess i have to decide if I want to re-plumb that now, or just stick this reactor in as is and be the guinea pig for people with skimmers on the return manifold.
1 cup per 50 gallons of water - so that means 2 cups for me - but everyone says start slow - with daniel mentioning 1/3 the recommended....so that means maybe a little over half a cup to start?
Also - what taz said with regards to his skimmer is the same issue I have. My skimmer is set up off a manifold with my return pump. I did it to reduce the amount of plugs/pumps but i could easily go out and buy a pump just for my skimmer. I could then manifold the water (200gph) to the octopus reactor instead. I have two overflows and they can easily handle the extra return from the reeflo.
So I guess i have to decide if I want to re-plumb that now, or just stick this reactor in as is and be the guinea pig for people with skimmers on the return manifold.
You will be fine I have been running this way for about two years now with out any problems.
excellent thanks. I guess I just need some 3/4" tubing to connect my reactor to get started.
I've had my pellets rinsing/soaking in Rodi since last saturday, but I never had time to get my reactor setup. Had to put up the Xmas tree and decorations so I ran out of time. 
Hoping to get mine going this weekend.
Hoping to get mine going this weekend.
I've had my pellets rinsing/soaking in Rodi since last saturday, but I never had time to get my reactor setup. Had to put up the Xmas tree and decorations so I ran out of time.
Hoping to get mine going this weekend.
Oops did i miss a step - should i go soak my pellets in rodi now? I was just going to put the saltwater in teh reactor and then dump the pellets in. Is that a no-no?
Rinsing them is suggested (I guess to remove any small particles that may have been created during shipping, etc.) and soaking them is supposed to give them a chance to absorb water so they don't float in the reactor when you first start using them. I say supposed to because mine have been soaking for about 5 days and if I shake the cup some will float to the top anyway. If I tap the floaters lightly they fall back to the bottom, but I don't know if this will prevent them from floating once I set up the reactor. I have noticed it's usually a few clumped together and there are some air bubbles attached, so maybe the air bubbles cause them to float?
Anyway, I'm not sure rinsing/soaking does anything but it was recommended so I did it. I don't think it can hurt anyway.
Anyway, I'm not sure rinsing/soaking does anything but it was recommended so I did it. I don't think it can hurt anyway.