the official ECOBAK thread...

Hi Jon
I recently came across this thread while researching your product and still have a few questions before I commit. After some high praise from some members in the NJ Reef Club, I have pretty much decided to use the eco-bak pellets but im still deciding on which reactor to use. My reef is 90gal and my sump runs approx. 27gal. after displacement I believe im running between 95-100 total volume. My sump is, left to right, skimmer/fuge/return. I am also currently running GFO & ROX in a dual reactor.
As I understand it the pellets will render the GFO useless, correct? Is that also the case for carbon? Lastly, I am not what you would call a heavy feeder. Usually I give a good feeding every other day, but find that I usually toss some pellet food in there everyday just as a little extra. I've read where you say feed more when using eco bak, what do you consider "more"? Anyway thanks for your time, I look forward to trying your product. Please feel free to add and tips that may help me in my conversion towards bio.
John

 

Hi John,

The NJ Reefers are a great bunch... and I'm disappointed that I wasn't able to speak at the annual event that was canceled because of the storm.
Approximately 80% of reefers are able to discontinue use of GFO when using ecoBAK. I think it depends on a number of factors including salt mix, make-up/top-off water and composition/quantity of food.
In the past we have had to starve our systems to have a low nutrient system. But now with ecoBAK we can feed normally without worrying about excessive nutrients. The definition of normally would depend on the system itself.

 

Thx Jon. I was actually hoping to meet you there. Maybe when we get the swap back in order. Thx for the help.

 

Just got word that the swap is back on for June 2013... excellent!

 

Hey i have about a 100 gal system. What reactor would you recommend for use with ecobak on that size system?

 

the Super Reef Octopus BR-110 is a good choice, as is the CAD Lights model and the AquaMaxx.

 

Hey Jon, so Christmas brought me a reactor and in ready to start but I'm having a hard time finding it locally. I saw it on amazon but figured I'd ask you before I order there. Do you sell directly? If not I guess I'll use amazon. Thanks in advance.

 

Oh yeah one more question. I've read differing views about the output of the reactor being directed to the skimmer. Some say you must other say they don't. For me this will be easier to setup if I don't have to but I will if needed. In fact a local guy who happens to speak quite highly of you and your products says he does not direct to the skimmer and has had no issues. What's your opinion on this matter? Thanks again.

 

Hello,

If you check our website there are a couple online dealers that ship from the east coast. And regarding output, you will be fine as long as it's directed into the same chamber as the skimmer... not necessarily straight INTO the skimmer.

On the other hand... I've seen people run them in many ways and still have success. One reefer even discharges into his fuge...

 

Okay, this is more of a question out of curiosity than a concern. I had ecobak on my tank and had some reactor issues. I took it offline for about 2 months. During that time, I did a bit of vodka dosing to eliminate some nitrates.

I started ecobak up again in a new reactor. At startup, my nitrates were undetectable on Elos and API and my phosphates were 0.08 on Hanna. Here are my questions.

1. What's blooming? If the bloom is usually expected with a higher nutrient tank, whats feeding it in mine? Does this just mean I have nutrients hiding from my test kits?
2. Why does the bloom occur anyway? If ecobak is adding nothing to the water column, then why is bacteria appearing in the water column?
3. Unrelated, but has anyone asked if you would still run carbon? If ecobak keeps the water really clear, is it necessary?

I love the product; the questions are pure curiosity. I just like to understand what's going on in my tank.

Thanks for all the work you do and for all the effort you put in to keeping us informed.