OneReef

Biopellet Reactor:


I ran a NextReef SMR1 Biopellet reactor on my last tank, and had really good results with it. The constant carbon source help grow and feed bacteria that keep the nitrates and phosphates reduced. The levels were undetectable in my old tank. I feel this stability is necessary for optimal growth and coloration in keeping SPS. I was debating on adding the reactor now while the tank is new, or waiting 6 months or so till the reef was more mature. So I called up the good people at NextReef, and they recommended starting the biopellets right now on a new tank. They said that would give better results than waiting till later and dramatically changing my nitrate and phospahte levels. They say they always recommend starting it on a brand new tank. So, this morning I went ahead and hooked it up. I am running NP Biopellets in the NextReef SMR1 reactor, and it is powered by a Mag 3 pump, and uses 5/8" tubing with a TLF ball valve so that I can get the flow rate optimized for tumbling the pellets. The setup seems to be running well. It will take about 4 weeks for the bacteria to mature.






UPDATE:
Yesterday I ended up pulling my biopellet reactor offline. My water was cloudy for a week, and it should have only been cloudy for 2-3 days. I was using a generic brand biopellets which were on sale, and I think I added too much of it to start with. On my last tank, I used Warner Marine EcoBak pellets which I had great success with. I just ordered some of those, and I feel more comfortable with the brand that I know and liked. Also, I am going to start with about half the amount of pellets that I used a couple of weeks ago. I took everything offline, and washed and cleaned the reactor and pump, and dumped out the generic pellets. When I get the EcoBak pellets in a few days, I am going to hook it up again and start more slowly with the amount of pellets, slowly adding more over time.



UPDATE 2:
My Warner Marine ExoBak pellets came in today. I am getting ready to start back up the biopellet reactor. I just didn't trust those generic pellets, and also I wanted to use less of them. I'm going back with my old faithful, the EcoBak's. There is a difference in their color and size. The EcoBack pellets are much larger and lightly colored, almost white. The generic NP pellets are very small and darkish yellow.