Removing Bio Pellets? Adding Dry Rock?

Well got a couple questions this time for everyone... And I apologize if I posted in the wrong section! I didn't want to post 2 different threads so I figured I'd combine them...

Question 1:
I've been running bio pellets on my 125 gallon with 40g sump for around 4-5 months, and they haven't been doing any noticeable difference except making my tank sprout some mystery algae (pics in a different thread I started) and I was curious how fast I could remove them? I'm down to about 50-60% of the recommended amount for this tank size, and was curious what the down side could be if I just unplugged the pump and removed the bio pellets, cleaned out the reactor and called it a day?

Question 2:
In another thread I asked about adding dry rock in a canister filter, and what pro/cons would be. I decided on going ahead and doing it... So would I be ok to just clean off the rock and putting it in the tank? Or do I need to cycle the rock first? I've been researching and getting mixed answers how to go about it. I've only got 15 lbs of dry Marco key largo rubble, and was going to put about 8 lbs in the canister filter, then was going to add the rest to my fuge. Will it throw my tank into a mini cycle if I add it all at once? I've sprayed down the rock and have had it sitting in a bucket of RO water for a couple of days with a powerhead, and the water hasn't even turned cloudy. Thoughts?

I apologize if I'm getting annoying with the multiple questions, but this site is absolutely amazing, and has tons of knowledgable people who are willing to help! Thank you guys in advance, and I always appreciate the help!!

 

1) There should be no problem with pulling the plug. Just keep a close eye on your nitrates and phosphates for a while- the pellets might be doing more for you than you realize.

2) Adding dry rock/rubble won't cause any problems as there are no organics to decay. Your bio-filter (bacteria) will simply move onto it over time, usually a couple of weeks.

BTW, questions are never annoying- that's what 3Reef is here for.

 

Thank you very much for the quick response! I'm gonna go ahead and fill the canister Eheim 2217 with dry rubble tomorrow to get that started, them add the rest to my sump probably next week. The reason I asked about that is because I read some stories of people adding dry rock to tanks and causing them to crash. Now mind you, those tanks were a lot smaller than mine and they added more rock than me, but I wanted to proceed with caution, and I know everyone on here would lead me on the right path on how to proceed

And I actually just added a big ball of chaeto to my fuge, so I'm hoping that will pick up the slack that the bio pellets are/were doin.

Thank you again for the

 

You're quite welcome.

FWIW, it pays to read the fine print when ordering dry rock online. There is a specific type that is purposely left "dirty" to help jump-start the cycle in a new tank. Although the name escapes me at the moment, it's not the Key Largo rubble. Clean dry rock should never crash any system.

Yes, the Chaeto will definitely help.

 

+1, as Mr. Bill said

 

Thank you very much guys! I appreciate the responses! I yanked the plug on the pump feeding the bio pellets yesterday, so we'll see what happens.

Thank you again guys!