Bio Pellets?

I posted a while back about them but have been running them 2 plus weeks now and the skimmer is working better then ever? The tank still seems the same but never carbon dosed before? I have them at a tumble with the output going to the entrance to the skimmer. I have never seen the skimmer working like it is and I actually went longer between feedings due to busy at work for the last few weeks. Any imput anyone has would be great if this is the way it should be set up and doing work would be great.

 

yes it is.

 

sounds ideal to me. I have my pellets return going into my sump right by the pump pickup. I use a single pump to drive my skimmer, CA reactor, GFO reactor, Pellet Reactor, UV sterilizer (not in use at this time), coil denitrator (will be phased out soon) and my tank return.

 

I use bio pellets also it took about a month for them to actually show signs of reducing Phosphates to 0 but my skimmer fills its cup up every day with black nasty smelling stuff.

 

In my experience, solid carbon sources should be used with great care. You have to understand what they do and why they work. Many have found that unless the pellets are kept moving, you can have some problems.

 

I am interested to see systems (images) that have been running bio-pellets for at least 6 months also what the alkalinity is running.


TIA

 

After I finish upgrading my lights this is for sure going to be one of my next buys

 

Seems to me that if you read the thread on N and P bio pellets... the originals... that many found that they needed strong flow and motion like you said.

One maker of pellets came out next and said their pellets were made from different stuff and did not need strong flow.

One point that remains unsolved long term is whether pellets are truly inert in salt water and do not brake down themselves in SW. Some have the opinion that N&P do and that is why they need strong flow. While right now all we have to go on is marketing and manufacturer claims, long term use will help clear up some of the hype.

So right now it depends what you use and who you listen to. The pellets I used did not need strong flow... however I gave them more and kept them slowly tumbling just to prevent channeling. It was clear if you left them a few days sitting there the media would channel.

 

Here is a video. I am uploading a better quality one though. I would be interested in seeing others setups as well and imput from other from long term use. They store I bought the set up at says they are simple to use and just need to add some pellets every 6 or so months. The only thing he said that were of importance was to have the reactor empty near the entrance of the skimmer. This video my skimmer was cleaned yesterday and the 2-3 in of dark dark tea in the waste container and the covered collection cup has never been like this. I am cleaning it every 2-3 days and I used to only have to do it one time a week.

 

Video not working...