Question About Bio Pellets

Discussion in 'General Reef Topics' started by Samuel1346, Sep 13, 2012.

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  1. Samuel1346

    Samuel1346 Plankton

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    Hi everyone, just a quick noobish question.

    Do bio pellets just provide a source of carbon for bacteria, or do they actually provide a surface area for aerobic bacteria or anaerobic to colonise?

    and, i'm not saying i'm going to try this, but i'm curious to know, if the bio pellets themselves can host bacteria like traditional biofilter media such as live rock, bio balls, or what have you, is it possible to have a tank which is completely empty save for a bio pellet reactor to support fish?

    Thanks.
     
    Samuel1346, Sep 13, 2012
    Samuel1346, Sep 13, 2012
    #1

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  2. dowtish

    dowtish Horrid Stonefish

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    The naturally occurring bacteria that colonizes on the pellets is a particular strain that consumes phosphates and nitrates. It is not the same bacteria strain that breaks down ammonia nitrites etc...
     
    dowtish, Sep 13, 2012
    dowtish, Sep 13, 2012
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  3. Sacul1573

    Sacul1573 Millepora

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    The latter statement in your first question is correct.

    As for the second, I'm not sure. It could be very interesting.

    I have seen tanks with no live rock in the display, only in the sump. Albeit, it was a nano tank with only a pair of clowns.
     
    Sacul1573, Sep 13, 2012
    Sacul1573, Sep 13, 2012
    #3
  4. Samuel1346

    Samuel1346 Plankton

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    Do you have an article that goes into more detail about what actually colonizes the pellets?

    I thought that the bacteria strain that breaks down ammonia and nitrites colonizes any surface area that is available?
     
    Samuel1346, Sep 13, 2012
    Samuel1346, Sep 13, 2012
    #4
  5. Vinnyboombatz

    Vinnyboombatz Giant Squid

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    Will they colonize Bio pellets? Maybe but the surface of the pellets is constantly being rubbed off by neighboring pellets so not sure how stable a colony could actually be living in that enviroment.Denitrifing Bacteria will live on any hard surfaces.The glass, sand, even PH's. The problem with not having the LR for colonies is that on the glass and sand it is easily disturbed while doing maintenance on the tank so a simple cleaning of the glass could cause a mini cycle to occur.Alot depends on the bioload as well.LR is beneficial because it is porous meaning lots of surface area for the colonies to grow without being disturbed.;)
     
    Vinnyboombatz, Sep 13, 2012
    Vinnyboombatz, Sep 13, 2012
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  6. dowtish

    dowtish Horrid Stonefish

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    No I dont have a specific link. But you could try and ask Jon Warner.

    http://www.3reef.com/forums/warner-marine/official-ecobak-thread-103809.html
     
    dowtish, Sep 13, 2012
    dowtish, Sep 13, 2012
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  7. Samuel1346

    Samuel1346 Plankton

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    Thanks for taking the time to explain stuff to me guys.
     
    Samuel1346, Sep 13, 2012
    Samuel1346, Sep 13, 2012
    #7