Exactly's ZEOvit 90G has reached the end :(

If you can afford it, try the biopellets. Vodka also works very well, but you have to be around at least once a day to dose. If you miss 2-3 days of dosing, things start going downhill.

If you just want to experiment, try vodka first. Get rid of the cyano first, as it will consume the ethanol before any beneficial bacertia can. Go slow at first, and dosing MicroBacter7 daily (or equivilent) helps. If you see the cyano growing more rapidly, cut back on dosing. Go slow, starting with the min dosage (or even half of that). The trick is to go slow to avoid any bacteria blooms (the white haze or cyano). Did I mention to go slow? LOL Steve has the link to the article in his thread. Follow that.

You WILL see a huge increase in skimmate after about 1-2 weeks. I was completely amazed to see my skimmer full of brown film/bubbles.

I currently wipe my glass once a week, and it's not even green. More of a white film.

 

Thanks for the really informative advice! I think Im gonna order the BioPellet package from BRS.

 

I think you should step back and take a look at things before you go the biopellet route. I know a few local reefers who have had biopellets be more of a headache then a relief. I think that since you tank is still in the begining stages now would be the time to make any changes if you wanted to do some. Here is what I would suggest.

Rethink you overall design.
-20 gallon sump is kind of small for a 90 gallon if you can do it go with a 30.
-I don't know how full you are running it but remember water volume helps with mistakes and easy overall water quality.

Explore all of your options just because it is the new thing doesn't mean it is the best for your situation.
-Look into the ATS Algae Turf Scrubber it really is a very inexpensive way to get great result even if it is just as suplementation filtration. Local 3reef link for info. Algae Scrubber Basics
-Before my ATS I was using Carbon and GFO through the reactors from BRS with that I was having great results so that is another option is to just add GFO to your system.
-A lot of people have had great success with Vodka dosing which I have not tried but would be another inexpensive alternative that is having great results.

 

As far as the return pump goes I wouldn't go as low at 300 gph after headloss that is almost nothing. Instead maybe rethink your design here as well and if you do decide to go the GFO why not keep your current Mag 12? or 18? and tee it off to run the reactors as well? Money saving clean look and less equipment to break and need fixing or replacement.

 

I went with high flow on my sump and at 1150 with your pump you sold me, and although it is still a little more power then I need I am glad I have the option to use it up if I need to change equipment.

Like I plan to do this weekend. (switch to 1" return, and feed my ATS with the proper flow and piping.)

I hope this all helped you out some.

 

PS with my ATS I only clean my glass about 1 a week. When I get it set up like other local reefers in my area I will be able to do what they have done. Which is no water changes, no skimmer, and hardly any glass cleaning (maybe 1 every 3 weeks). I know this all sounds to good to be true but do the research for your self and you will see it is really worth trying.

 

Okay I really need to get to the gym now so I will check in on this later if you need to ask some question feel free to shoot me a PM I will respond pretty quick.

 

420nm 3W LED

Here has 420nm 3W LED
Wholesale 420nm 3W High Power LED for aquarium (coral)

 

Thanks Scott I really appreciate your input. Enjoy the exercise!

Anyways, I have been thinking what the best option is.
Im still thinking the BioPellet. Easy setup, dont have to worry about the daily dose, smaller space, etc. GFO, Ive heard people with GFO, still have cyano problem. I know it depends on a lot of things. And ATS, I dont know, but it's just not me.

The Mag18 is really a piece of junk. I got it as used and has been making a hiss sound from day one. The 145w was a bit too much for it, I thought. But like I said, Id like more flow than 225gph for sure!

I really wish my stand was 5" taller! Having three 1.5" drain pipes is limiting the height of the sump.

 

I dont think that going from a 20 gallon to a 30 gallon sump is going to make any difference at all, except maybe provide more room for equipment. Its not like adding 5 or 10 gallons of water volume is going to magically cure problems.


Exactly, I had to go back and re-read to remember why you were asking about all of this, and I guess I dont understand why you wanna vodka dose or use bio pellets? It looks like your nitrate and phosphate levels are both zero? I would say thats a pretty good position to be in lol. I'm stuck at 40 PPM nitrates in my tank and it doesnt seem to wanna budge below that level.