Do I need a bio pellet reactor in a 1 month old tank?

edin0009

edin0009

Member
is it good or bad idea? this is my first time ever using one , I have one on from day one and I feel like its releasing phosphates...
 
edin0009 said:
is it good or bad idea? this is my first time ever using one , I have one on from day one and I feel like its releasing phosphates...
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I don't think it would hurt, but may be unneeded unless you have tons of nutrients in your tank. Just don't use too many pellets. I use about 1ml per gallon of water, which is WAY less than the recommended amount. My fish are dirty and indeed a lot. My nitrates are pegged at Zero.

I have no idea what you mean about the biopellets releasing phosphates? I'm pretty confident is saying you are incorrect. Pellets don't release phosphates but in my experience, they aren't that effective at removing them either. They are more of a nitrate control.
 
Have you measured your nitrates and phosphates? The biopellets themselves are just a food source for de-nitrifying bacteria but will do little for your phosphates. One key point to note that is many folks route the output from their BP reactor to their skimmer as the water coming from the BP reactor is very nutrient rich and can actually lead to algae growth in your DT. Most run GFO with BPs and if you'd like to learn more about BPs, I'd checkout this 2-part video:

[video]https://youtu.be/9UtgjkEg8EY[/video]

Enjoy and good luck.
 
imranh said:
Have you measured your nitrates and phosphates? The biopellets themselves are just a food source for de-nitrifying bacteria but will do little for your phosphates. One key point to note that is many folks route the output from their BP reactor to their skimmer as the water coming from the BP reactor is very nutrient rich and can actually lead to algae growth in your DT. Most run GFO with BPs and if you'd like to learn more about BPs, I'd checkout this 2-part video:

[video]https://youtu.be/9UtgjkEg8EY[/video]

Enjoy and good luck.
Click to expand...

I do exactly this. Output goes right into my skimmer intake and I run GFO too. Note that the pellets can take many weeks before they start to have in impact.

I am a believer in biopellets and have been running them for two years. However, I would not run them if I didn't have such big and dirty fish that are probably better suited for a FOWLR.
 
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