Nitrogen/phosphate pellets

[Fieroguy19]

This was recently posted up on Reef Builders.
http://reefbuilders.com/2010/05/10/warner-marine-unveils-ecobak-solid-vodka-dosing-pellets/

So now it seems as though there are three different forms of biodegradable plastic being used for N/P reduction. I think that this form of carbon dosing will increase exponentially once more people try it and see the results and how easy it really is. The only real concern that I am aware of is that very high nutrient tanks can have problems with oxygen levels being rapidly depleted early on due to the bacteria. This can be cured by using less pellets early on and increasing aeration.

1. NP Biopellets
2. IO Natural Nitrate Reducer
3. Warner Marine EcoBAK

I have been using the NP Biopellets for about 2.5 months and have had good results with respect to a reduction in nuisance algae. My nitrates would always test zero, yet algae would grow anyway, due to nutrients in the rocks or algae sucking it up quickly. I decided to try this method because in theory it should decrease nutrients, feed corals bacterial mulm, and be fairly maintenance free compared to dosing vodka. Based on my experience so far I think that they have made a significant effect on my tank. IMO they are not strong enough to reduce phosphate levels without the use of GFO.

The WM product is going to be alot cheaper than the NP pellets which is pretty exciting since the NP pellets are overpriced IMO.


Is anyone else using these in the club???

[7Hogwarts]

Thanks for the update. I know I've had a lot of interest in this product. Can you use GFO while using the pellets?

[mthomp]

i think the pellets replace the gfo

[Fieroguy19]

I have been using GFO at the same amount as I did before using the NP pellets. I'm guessing that the GFO will last longer when using the pellets, but in my tank I don't think the pellets can keep up with phosphate on their own. I have read on other sites where people have taken their GFO offline when using more pellets than recommended, i.e. using twice as much.

[Horace]

Typically its not recommended to use both a carbon source and GFO, but this is something new, so I cant say for sure, and the only way to know is to test with a meter.

[7Hogwarts]

Yeah, I have read as well that the pellets are suposed to eliminate the need for GFO. But if the pellets aren't doing it then..... I am curious though are all the brands of pellets the same pellet?

[Fieroguy19]

I currently don't have any sensitive way to regularly test for phosphate, but it should be pretty easy to test like Horace said. All of the media types above are different forms of biodegradable plastic. Once the WM product hits the shelves I am thinking about using all three different kinds to see if that makes a difference.

[dcombs44]

http://reefbuilders.com/2010/05/13/pro-bio-pellets-vertex/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reefbuilders%2FCTjt+%28Reef+B uilders%29

Reefbuilders blogged about a new smaller pellet by Vertex.