Can Marine Pure really reduce nitrates? We gain some valuable insight... | BRStv Investigates

Have you used Marine Pure blocks to help with nitrate control in your reef tank? Today we put these ceramic media plates to the test in an attempt to determine if Marine Pure can effectively reduce nitrates in our saltwater tanks!
Check out the various Marine Pure media here! brs.li/MarinePu...
Today on BRStv, we have a brand new episode of our series, BRStv Investigates. In this series, we explore popular reefing theories, products, methods, and what the manuals are missing, with a focus on putting them to the test!
The results of the Marine Pure media tests are in! However, we learned a valuable lesson in testing methodology and record keeping that has us planning the next evolution of this test. :-)
Although there were some speed bumps while conducting thie test, we still walked away with some surprising results! So check it out and don't forget to jump over to our conversation thread on Reef2Reef.com after the show !
We release a new BRStv Investigates episode each Friday, so don't forget to hit that subscribe button to see what's coming up next!
Legal Stuff
The purpose and content of this video is to provide general information regarding the products and their applications as presented in the video. Aquatic sales solutions, inc. And its officers, directors, employees and agents disclaim all express or implied warranties, in any way, related to the products and their application as presented in this video, make no representation or warranty regarding the products and the application as presented in this video and shall not be liable for any direct or indirect losses or damages of any type, including but not limited to punitive damages, or from personal injury or death resulting from or in any manner related to the video, and the products in and contents of the video. The viewer expressly agrees that aquatic sales solutions, inc. And its officers, directors, employees and agents shall not be liable for any damages or losses related to the products in and content of the video and hereby agrees to hold the foregoing harmless from any such losses or damages.

[@jahhoeva8720]

The colors on your graph were displayed wrong. When discussing the block against the control, your graph showed the color of the plate. Keep up the great work BRS, never miss your videos!

[@justinthibodeaux1460]

BRS investigates is my FAVORITE youtube series. Your team does a fantastic job!

[@YouLoveRyanSeacrest]

Same here! Love this series!

[@PhoinexV2Full]

@@YouLoveRyanSeacrest my dog loves it do he hears today on and comes running

[@scottharter1161]

It is awesome to see the continued dedication to the scientific method, even so far as to admit mistakes, dismiss (but still report) the results, and plan a whole new test, despite the time and effort going into the first attempt. Bravo.

[@TurulHEMA]

The mystery of the nitrate curve (spikes and falls) in the empty tank has to do with microbial growth curves. The phases are: lag, exponential, stationary, and death. Essentially there is initially insufficient bacteria to process the waste so you see the first spike, then bacteria divide exponentially resulting in the decline in nitrates, the population temporarily stabilizes as death equals growth, then begins the death phase and you see another spike in nitrates. The only real difference between the tanks is in regards to surface area, which led to differences in the length of time of the exponential and stationary phases. If you had continued the experiment you would no doubt have observed the same curve repeating in all tanks. Instead of re-doing the experiment, just contact a microbiologist. =)

[@gold3nrul311]

aren't those phases just for individual cells? not necessarily directly correlating to the population of cells

[@bonesawarm6987]

You wrote all of that and it’s all nonsense you tool

[@ethanrussell3163]

@@gold3nrul311 No they definitely relate to population dynamics. Individual cells while having elements of growth are mainly dividing and not necessarily undergoing lengthy grow phases. What @Turul HEMA said; It's how I would interpret these results too. I would also think that other factors that ended up inhibiting nitrate processing occurred somehow also - since technically the marine pure should have had less come the end of the experiment as it was consistently lower up until about week 8 or 9. It's a lot of food to add with nothing macroscopic to pick up some of the load. My guess is there was the accumulation of some inhibiting factor, or at around week 8 or 9 the microbes hit some kind of carrying capacity issue which was only delayed by the increased surface area. Either way, it's interesting that a tank with just water ended up in a similar spot, but the path they took is probably the most informative part of the experiment.

[@TheDashCave]

You guys are truly doing invaluable work for the community. A tremendous resource. Will be buying from you guys for that alone. Well done. Keep up the amazing work.

[@superstooge100]

When conducting an experiment, sometimes failures are just as important as your successes. I'd like to commend you all on resisting the temptation to fudge the results in order to satisfy a conclusion hungry audience. Your honest, iterative and scientific approach to your methodology is why I love this series so much and feel it is so valuable. Just speaking for myself, this series has re-invigorated my love for my tank by getting me to take a hard look at the systems and practices I've implemented and asking if there were things I could be doing better. This has resulted in weeks of constant tweaking, tinkering and adjustments and my tank is thanking me for it. And so in turn I'd like to genuinely thank you for all the hard work and money (I know these set ups you're running don't come cheap) you've invested into your reefing series.

[@DiepBlueC]

I ran a block in a low flow area of my refugium, even seeded it with a carbon source and bacteria. Over a year the tank never saw significant reduction in nitrates (but I did note higher Aluminum levels). I removed the block and went back to live rock and macroalgae in the fuge. These experiments are great, keep up the good work BRS.

[@jhrice]

Love to see a followup on this. I have a system with a MarinePure block in a low flow area of the sump and my nitrates run around 2 ppm without any carbon dosing. Correlation not causation for sure, but it's hard not to suspect it's the block. For what it's worth, I have my block shoved into a corner of the chamber it's in rather than sitting in the middle. Figure that reduces flow even more through the block.

[@JoshBrown18]

Any result is a result. Use it to build the next test. Good stuff.

[@destryx]

thanks for all you guys are doing for the reefing community ryan. where would we all be without brs?!

[@BAMEFR]

wow hats off to BRS. very thorough and well executed. you've earned my business, thank you

[@TrashPandaFTW]

I was all about this stuff until I heard about the "possible" leaching of aluminum into the tank.... hope you guys can work that into the next round of testing. On another note keep up the videos I'm really enjoying them!

[@bonesawarm6987]

I use the pure media gems in my canister and are working perfectly and my reef is thriving

[@michaelborjas8059]

Are you running a reef tank on canister?? How do you have it set up? I am tires of my sump!

[@bif24701]

I totally applaud you guys @BRS for making the effort and time to do this. If our Hobby was trial/error there would be no reef tanks

[@intellectualprostitu]

Your experiments are awesome. It's not fluffed, just real world testing.

[@fuffoon]

I'm not sure what is conclusive on nitrate 5 years later but I think that the big Marine Pure blocks are a fantastic bio filter.

[@youronlycow]

what the diff between expensive marine pure blocks and cheap bio media if both are only able to process amonia and nitrite on it's own? Processing ammonia and nitrite is a very basic function of any bio media.

[@benchizmadia5267]

This was a fantastic video. I appreciate the break down of testing and the ability to critique your own test plan! I wish i could find more videos like this on the internet. Thank you.

[@DanielNiclas]

The BRS scientific approach to reefing is outstanding and makes it way more fun! Thank you!

[@reconnaissance7372]

I love how you guys run all of these experiments because you probably come close to type of media and amount of media people run in their own aquariums and they can decide for themselves whether or not they're running too much media/matrix. I'm not experienced enough to know how much media would contribute to the phrase "nitrate factory" I've come across in Reefing but these Tests are a good indicator for me at least to know an approximation on how much media I should be running on my own tank.

[@fabioguedes4872]

You guys deserve every single drop of respect the community deposits on your company, this video surely earn even more of mine... If I lived on the US I would buy all my gear from BRS no questions asked!

[@eriknakamura]

The rise and fall pattern of the control seems like a logistics function situation happening to the population of bacteria. Awesome tests!

[@SparkyHelper]

Keep up the awesome work BRS. Love that you do this for us.

[@MajesticAquariumsTV]

I still love marine pure When I am servicing tanks I often remove other media when needed and replace it with marine pure and get a better result

[@geelite]

Do you keep them in high flow or ??

[@callmenemo491]

As usual, great video! I don't think i have found a BRS video which i didn't like. Good luck for Test#2 !

[@lordraptor11]

also need to factor in pores being plugged with detritus from the food. there is a reason it is highly recommended to use filter socks, foam, or floss to prescreen out detritus.

[@hayesch1]

BRS = Best Reefing Science! Thank you!!

[@hurricaneaquatics]

They say one of these equal 1300 plastic bio balls, but that isn't true in my experience. I can tell you this, I have a 40 cube that I heavily feed twice daily. I put one box of the 1.5 inch balls of MarinePure. It definitely made a difference for the better. I had them in the AIO where the waterfall is in the middle media chamber. It was a bit loud so I ordered another box just to make them reach up higher and quiet the tank. Well, that was a good choice as ALL of my nitrates and phosphates disappeared. I would rather dose those as have to combat them. Another thing, one box is plenty when trying to cycle quickly. Don't add too much or the tank won't cycle as the media is filtering out the ammonia before it can convert. So once your tank cycles (when performing a 24 hour cycle, these work great) after a couple of months, add more of this media and you'll never have a nitrate issue.

[@matthewtallman1458]

Can the Marine Pure blocks be cleaned after 8-10 weeks? I'm wondering if they just reach a point where it has collected more than it can handle and it releases everything back into the tank causing the spikes later on.

[@LAWSICK1]

Matthew Tallman that's exactly what I was thinking. Good eye .

[@JoniiG]

Exactly what I was thinking, its been well over 4months gonna wash my block now!

[@GSP-76]

I don't think it would release anything...but it could and would get clogged after a while...you would likely have to replace it with a new one

[@Hind135]

Ryan perhaps give marinepure a call to investigate how they tested their blocks originally? Thanks for your efforts and the shirt from Reefapalooza!

[@rakiest]

"We could have taken this further but we decided there were some fundamental flaws in this test and we decided to start over" Paraphrasing heavily -- But this is why we love the videos. I'd like to emphasize that once in a blue moon, you've given very honest and negative reviews / thoughts on some of the products you sell. No shop does this. I hope this doesn't come off the wrong way -- I mean that as a genuine compliment on how nobody is as honest as BRS has been with their customers.

[@MrAt0g]

I'd like to see comparison with Siporax

[@LagiacrusHunter]

Try, try again, and try some more. Keep up the great work guys, can't wait to see how the next test turns out!

[@Sixthwall]

Very interesting. I wonder what this means in the long term. I guess your next test will help get a clearer picture. Good video. Thank you for this series.

[@scott_richardson]

I’ll weigh in here. The empty tank had more free flow in the tank to break down the food. The bacteria in the tanks with blocks congregated in the brick itself. Therefore, the bacteria couldn’t break down the food in the open water because of lack of flow. I’m sure if the blocks were put in direct flow as a filter, they’d be able to process the waste better.

[@BRStv]

That is an interesting point! Something to consider if we look into testing this Bio Media again. 🙂

[@aronbarker7198]

Keep up the good work, I'm hooked on your videos!

[@81Sazerac]

It would be interesting to have you phasing in a fresh block a week before taking out the old block around the 9.5 week mark to clean thoroughly and see if you maintain the generally low level of nitrates and continue that maintenance cycle. Bacterial film overgrowth may simply clog up the internals. Die off occurs, releasing nitrogenous waste and the cycle somewhat recovers itself.

[@karennation3580]

That makes a lot of sense! Love to see them do that to. I know someone selling the nice caribe sea life rock and bioballs for 3o bucks. Think I will give it a go!

[@robertcarroll8435]

I Like the test please keep them coming this is great stuff.

[@AcuaTV]

It'll be interesting to see the same test but with BrigtwellAquatics NO3 Bio Brick which actually states to reduce nitrates.

[@robertdillon9989]

did you seed the media and allow it to colonize before polluting the water? Without that step it’s useless. What are are you purporting to be testing if not seasoned media? bare ceramics? Even your control tank should be seasoned (surfaces) to be consistent. Bacterial mitosis is exponential, even a small surface variable matters after time... R.E.Dillon PhD

[@nickmcalpin10]

I second this, the nutrient removal capabilities that I have seen from marinepure/carbon dosing took a good while to get going, about 6 months. Once it gets cooking though, it cooks hot !

[@FenderSchonJPX]

How about testing the Natureef denitrator(with Phosphate option). I have heard of people using this system to eliminate water changes. Some on the forum still do less frequent water changes, but all say it's done wonders for their corals and keeping the tank parameter rock solid. As with all things, if it sounds too good.... Their philosophy is the water changes still create up and down levels of chemistry that shocks the livestock, so coming up with a system that doesn't require the yo-yo effect is the best option of all. Just like the ocean.

[@demacherius1]

Did the new test ever come out ? Looks to me like the BRS Investigates Series is sadly dead.

[@kevincoe907]

I think it would be interesting to add a four to six inch sand bed to the test.

[@yalyflow20]

Kevin Coe I was about to write the same thing, but I checked first and long behold lol 👌🏼 Deep sand bed please

[@atfinthehouse8631]

Use all those stable functioning tanks at your business. Know the baseline nitrates and phosphate levels then put in just one specified regimen to each system and have each employees tank monitor for change. Continue the routine feeding and other water change and maintenance that is done without variance.

[@anuar6605]

Cant wait for test 2 outcome.. Great job Ryan

[@greghirtle6605]

keep the great testing coming. even mistakes made are great education tools. Hopefully everyone show there support for these great videos by buying from BRS

[@jcsh2o944]

Y'all are animals when it comes to this BRSTV Investigates. I absolutely love what you're doing!!!

[@urpoche]

It's easy to explain. They pores became clogged due to the lack of mechanical filtration. The media became the same as the control once clogged.

[@bonesawarm6987]

That’s why I use the balls in my canister as they don’t clog

[@aravinias]

The plot should be designed using identical apparent volumen of every media. I mean, one block, two plates or whatever and a jar of balls top up to the dame volume of the plates and blocks. It would be very interesting whether you tried Matrix, Biohome and Ocean Free 3dm. In any case I would set the block and plates standing, all the media seeded with old muck from a dirty old filter and water and media feeded with minerales for the bacteria growth besides a nice water flow impacting every media.

[@James-wn5cf]

Really enjoy the videos from this channel! I thought this was a pretty neat experiment and it had interesting results. From my own studies its usually seen as a good idea to have the most data possible in order to get a conclusive result, and just doing one experiment generally wont give you conclusive data that you're looking for. You guy's should try running this experiment with 3 of each of these media and see if they all exhibit the same trend or not. It would give you more data at once and might give you a better picture of how each form is functioning.

[@dynamitelii501]

I and several others I know have used plain old wet dry filters w/bio balls for decades (new and old systems) without the nitrate problems I hear online. Yes we keep big, healthy and diverse reefs too! Why don't you try something old school? Ours have an air stone in the water underneath the bio balls or just the tube inserted into the bottom of the ball cluster to increase gas exchange. When power goes out they become submerged as the sump back fills and don't die off instantly. The live rock in the tank can act as the backup and replenish the bacteria quickly anyway. Blue floss on the drip tray changed weekly and maybe some Polyfilter changed every month keeps particles down greatly. Filter sock in the prefilter column takes out even more. Those bricks are the same thing just condensed, no? From the sump the water is pumped in-line (Iwaki 55RT) through a Lifegard pleated particle filter - into a modified Lifegard Chemi Filter full of Chemipure then through a Lifegard UV and back into the aquarium. There is also a skimmer in the sump. I change the pleat every two weeks and the carbon once a month. I also change about 5-10% per week depending. Just because its old doesn't mean its obsolete. It could just be that manufacturers have been pushing new products to increase business and have created a viscous circle of number chasing when a proven method has been there all along...aren't a lot of people going back to T5's again?

[@geraudk]

Very good job, thank you for trying to be as scientific as possible in your work.

[@MorsCertaMoraIncerta]

This is a fantastic experiment. May I suggest when you retry this experiment, have several tanks with the same changed variable. Then you should average the results within each controlled variable group.

[@blatzphemy]

Really enjoyed this but will you also use the marine pure balls in the next investigation? They're much easier to find space for. Also, are there lights on the tank? Blue and other color wave lengths will impact the denitrifying bacteria

[@Nathan-wn5mc]

I contemplated buying this, I'm glad I didn't. Thank you BRS

[@Henolonil]

Hi nice, What about an episode of nano bubbles at night time in display tank.

[@rppvt]

It would be interesting to add a sample of MP block configured with flow through it as well.

[@green3760]

interesting test, thanks! I'd like to see you test the balls used in a wet/ dry set up in the next test

[@chronicfishkeeping521]

I appreciate the fact that u can admit u goofed on the whole test

[@simon8206]

It would be nice if you could use the Brightwell aquatics products too in test 2. Great video as always

[@ΝίκοςΜανουσος-η1ξ]

All the Investigates are awesome!!! Miss now only biopellets and deep sand bet or sand filter ....

[@sleexox]

Hello! Just an idea, could you guys make a video on the best way to clean a used tank? Thank you!

[@reefghost7595]

did anyone see that the plate is the red graph and the block is the green graph ??? is this backwards if the graph wrong is the key wrong or is the person wrong ???

[@davidu.2665]

How much longer for an update? Can’t wait to see the results!

[@rgilroy1909]

Sorry to hear about the test results of your balls......but I have a question. Have you done an in depth look at Miracle mud? I'm a huge fan, but only keep freshwater flora/fauna. Any thoughts on these applications for freshwater, or alternatives that can be used?

[@dsinsocal]

Did you guys ever circle back on this and do the second round of testing? I don't see the video for it if you did.

[@JeremyPrattigmp2u]

I've been running a deep sand bed and a bunch of live rock on my 180 for 15 years now with zero water changes. The only issue I've had is when I go on business trips and the family forgets to feed the fish.

[@lauraholmes9353]

Someone needs to invent a frozen food or refrigerated auto feeder.

[@SaltwaterReef]

I like this idea but I would also like to see you test the BRIGHTWELL block against the marine pure block. BRIGHTWELL says they have 2 different types of blocks. when I talk to the guys at marine pure at Macna in San Deigo they told me that the blocks will do differently based on if the block is in a high flow area or low flow area. They suggested for me to use the balls in the high flow area of the sump and the blocks in the low flow area.

[@GolfMotionAcademy]

Would like to see them adding a maybe a hang on back protein skimmer because this is normal setup on all reef tanks

[@Helveteshit]

I think the block and plate, like shown in the beginning and during certain set-ups perform better when the flow is forced through it. Allowing the inner structure to clean itself out and get rid of old bacteria that is dying off. Other than that, I wonder what is the reef hobbies view on using Saltwater plants? Like Seaweed, Long grass types etcetera? I see some Chaetomorpha etcetera being used. But I do not see the typical Seaweed and sea plants you can find in the northern hemisphere sea level. Which is a shame, because in Sweden. Our shallow ocean waters have a very interesting plants such as Zostera marina , Monostroma grevillei . I feel a deep sand bed in a refugium with these plants and perhaps a worm sort in the sand could lead to an effective way of reducing nutrients perhaps. Or just have other uses to it.

[@sriangel]

Awesome video! I'm interested in the racks those test tanks are on, I'm researching a way to build some custom racks for my fish room.

[@bluecollaraquatics5268]

I’m tempted to use this in my sump but I was wondering with a sand bed wouldn’t that have enough bacteria to handle the bioload? Bacteria will grow on every surface of your tank/sump as long as their is a food source.

[@trureef2319]

definitely good to know. I pondered on getting this for some time. So thanks a bunch, maybe if u wash them every to months like a quick rinse in old water during water change. Good Vid.

[@brianmagee5847]

Did BRS ever come back to this? I can't find a follow-up...

[@mdineshraj]

How about extending this investigation to more tanks with rock only and blocks only and dose NOPOX or aquaforest pro bio s and np pro? So an efficiency check between carbon dose coupled with rock and carbon dose coupled with marine pure. I think it answers all, if extra coin spent for marine pure is worth or not. I was in an impression that marine pure is only for minimalist aquascapers. Great video there. 👍

[@cubanreefer1582]

Hey Ryan will you put that block in your tank or the BRS 160

[@Desmo1]

Is there anywhere in the video where you entertain the idea that your device that you used to measure these readings was faulty? If i'm not mistaken didn't you have a previous video where you couldn't get that device to give consistent data due to either user error or the device itself not specifically developed for saltwater?

[@daboomer22sl]

What happened to the next phase of this testing. Waiting anxiously!

[@BRStv]

Plans changed a bit and part 2 was never completed. We don't have this on the schedule right now, but you never know in the future!

[@atfinthehouse8631]

Wouldn’t those spikes have significantly bad effects on fish, corals and other invertebrates?

[@BRStv]

This was in a system without livestock, water changes, or any other form of nutrient control. Bioload levels here can be higher then in a newly established system as well. This was mainly to see how the different the biomedia performed under the same conditions.

[@atfinthehouse8631]

Thanks. I understand that, but I think the reefer needs to realize this can according to your study and data occur as well in a stocked tank. Swings could be problematic, which was my point. You have multiple multiple fully functioning and knowledgeable reef keepers in your employ. You gave a great tour of the place. Why not let them do some monitoring with a simple single change and see how they affect results and nitrate and phosphate levels. That would be more real life.

[@danielmcsween884]

These are just phenomenol and I am personally changing filter plans based on your results.

[@andreastucchi6191]

Would be interesting to test used marine pure blocks at the end of the test. Maybe nutrients get adsorbed by the materials and then get some sort of equilibrium whit the water column?

[@fedpay3408]

Is there Part 2 of this test?

[@SuperDanTheShoeMan]

When can we expect an update on the new test?

[@TheGubmint]

These tests could also be evidence that the carbon dosing folks are correct in their assertion that anaerobic bacteria may be nutrient limited at some point which could cause nitrate levels to flip-flop as those colonies die off and release their pent up nutrients to feed the next generation. I am most looking forward to a marine pure block test with regular dosing of NO3:PO4-X

[@bearclawws]

Yes many people would be interested in comparing marinepure with Brightwell Aquatics NO3 Bio Brick. One would assume that Brightwells product would be more efficient at removing nitrates due to the box showing brightwells has more surface area. Only a test would show the results. Also there is many rumors going around that they release metals, like aluminum, which I believe are most likely false, so a test would resolve this large rumor floating around on facebook saltwater clubs and online forums. REPLY 4

[@MajesticAquariumsTV]

Robert Rainey I have used both and Marine Pure results are far superior in the tanks I service.

[@deano72]

do you think if you had the same quantity could you use a large sponge instead?

[@jazzthrowout265]

If you try this with a bacterial monoculture, you will always have a rollercoaster curve. Combining different methods with different organisms like bacteria & algae will probably result in a more stable result where one can pick up when the other is temporarily cratering. My guess as someone who has never had an aquarium but has done some biology in university.

[@rorylennon]

Hi I love this subject as there's so much mystery about what aquarium filtration really does. Also I love your videos and investigations. If an inverted glass dish was placed above the marine pure or deep sandbed etc under the water line, it might catch the nitrogen gas rising and that could give an indication of the extent of anaerobic activity reducing nitrates. Just an idea...

[@JUNAID187]

Deep sand beds are good for nitrate consuming bacteria.

[@burningbaal]

I'm looking (over two years later) for the follow-on study that re-looked at this but can't find the video...did the follow-on study ever happen? Maybe BRS can sticky it to the end of this video for future watchers?

[@BRStv]

We haven't done the part 2 to this video. Maybe in the future, but it's not currently on our schedule.

[@Mike__B]

Interesting what was happening up to week 8, then the Marine Pure spikes in nitrates. I wonder if this is because there's so much more surface area that they are still building up nitrifying bacteria before stabilizing

[@wilinator56]

I would like to see you guys test Biohome products. It is claimed that they have anaerobic zones for nitrate conversion. It would be cool to see you guys out it to the test.

[@lukebrunton1507]

William Pike this test is still not going to prove anything as it takes longer to build the colonies than the time they are running the test.

[@slirpslirp]

I can't find the video of comparison between marine pure and live rock for nitrates reduction ...

[@GRodPericles]

you guys are beasts! keep up the good work

[@gmlasam]

Are there anything like this for freshwater tanks?

[@Jucy_j]

Will a small piece of marine pure placed in a hang on filter help some??

[@ghos282]

Inconclusive Because: All you were really gauging here was the initial establishment of the Aerobic portion of the nitrogen cycle in 'Brand New' unestablished tanks. It takes some six to eight months to establish the Anoxic Bacteria colonies in the Anoxic Zones after that. QUESTION: If all the Marine Pure block truly is, is a 'scaffolding structure' for the Aerobic and Anoxic bacteria colonies.. Why wouldn't a block of 30 Pours Per Inch Poret Foam of the same dimensions do the same job?

[@Nathan-wn5mc]

So is it that by month 2 they need to be clean and that's why there numbers start spiking like that?

[@joshscholtz4692]

hi Bulkreefsupply .... I just want to ask.. do you guys ship internationally?

[@kstailey56]

Ryan - You made an interesting comment that Live Rock performs Biological Filtration deep within the rock in an "Oxygen Free Zone" - I am doing a Saltwater Reef Tank Experiemnt with a 'Modified" Jaubert Plenum System - Covering with approx 2-3 inches of 1.5 of Florida crush Corla, then topped with 1 inch of CaribSea Special Grade - (These layers separated with nylon screen to prevent the smaller grains from leeching thru to the larger grains and allows sand sifters, like Gobies, Crabs, and Shrimp, to play). This lower lever (Under the Sand / Below the Egg Crate will have an extremely low flow and a zero to near zero oxygen level - My question to you my friend is - Would I be correct in assuming that the mounting for this Egg Crate - rather than using PVC Pipe Pieces (1" x 1") could be better suited if I used the 1" Ball of Marine Pure ? Conceptually seems like a great idea. Your Thoughts ? (NOTE: - I will be utilizing a modertae Flow in the tank from a EcoTech Vectra S1 Pump, and 1 Vortech M40WQD Powerhead (Lagoon Mode)) - The Tank (135 Gallon) will house several fish, inverts, and a low to moderate amount of Reef Saver Rock that is as much for art / display as it is for attaching Corals and converting into Live Rock over time. (FYI - The Egg Crate will also be covered with nylon screen to keep the Crushed Coral from leeching thru to the lowest level. BTW Ryan - I love your Tutorials - Thank You for what you do.

[@ManiacalMangoes]

Did you ever end up testing this again? I wasn’t finding another video

[@BRStv]

No part two, at least, not yet.