How to Lower Nitrate (and Phosphate) in a Reef Aquarium using BioPellets

[@jasonallen7665]

Just would have liked to hear a bit on how to distinguish when to replace the pellets to avoid bacterial release back into the system and what percentage of pellets to replace on what kind of timeline...

[@BulkReefSupply]

+Jason Allen The pellets generally just need to be topped off, never replaced. This is because they are consumed over time. The Protein Skimmer will actually remove excess bacteria from your aquarium.

[@ROTTERtube]

great video thanks

[@BulkReefSupply]

+ROTTER tube Reef Thanks for watching!

[@tonyclicky2132]

i just set up my bio pellet reactor, 25% recommended pellets to start dose it matter that when i set the reactor up i did add some more bio media to my sump ????

[@jasonblanco1592]

Would this work for a fresh water chiclid that does not have a protein skimmer

[@BulkReefSupply]

No, your best option for larger freshwater aquariums with high waste levels is a constant water exchange system or simply improve the filtration. You might also consider an algae scrubber; they work great for nutrient control and will function in freshwater aquariums. mdshop.us/2igyhOj

[@rafaelvantolra8072]

Great video , can I use a GFO reactor and in a different reactor using Biopellets. Both reactors in my sump?

[@BulkReefSupply]

Yes, this is completely suitable. Just be sure you have a strong protein skimmer for the pellets to be most effective.

[@bonsaiforu]

What is the pump you are using on that aquamaxx reactor at the beginning of the video? I use a mj1200 and the pellets barely move. Thanks.

[@BulkReefSupply]

The MJ1200 should suffice for +/- 1 cup of bio-pellets but if you are running more media than this, you might want something a bit stronger in the 500 GPH range.

[@bboytrez]

good quality and explaination like always. thank u so much!

[@antoniushendratmo7534]

if the output of my reactor isn't going to skimmer chamber... is it still effective?

[@BulkReefSupply]

The reactor will still help you beef up some biological filtration but, exporting excess nutrients would still need to be addressed.

[@antoniushendratmo7534]

@@BulkReefSupply So it' means that I have to find ways to export my output directly to the skimmer right?

[@dannysreeftank]

What pump would your recommend for the Aqua Maxx bio pellet reactor shown in the video?

[@BulkReefSupply]

+dannysreeftank The Sicce Syncra pumps are one of my favorites. You will want to have about 200-300 GPH through the reactor to tumble the media but keep in mind the exact rate depends on how much media you have. Utilize a ball valve to dial in the flow appropriately. goo.gl/kG1Knc

[@JoseOrtega]

can you run biopellets and a uv filter at the same time?

[@BulkReefSupply]

+Jose Ortega Running both at the same time may slow the bacteria colonization on the biopellets, so we would recommend turning the UV sterilizer off for 4-6 weeks to give it time to establish. Afterward it should be OK to run both simultaneously since, theoretically, the bacteria on the biopellets is stationary and not free floating (and thus would not be damaged by the UV lamp). This is a topic that is still contentious on many forums, so we would love to hear how things work out for you.

[@FishOscarmorales]

how often do you change the bio pellets and for a 250 gallons how much pellets do I need

[@samiam9059]

+FishOscarmorales They break down dissolving over time so then you add more over time to balance. Mostly a nitrate reducer.

[@BulkReefSupply]

+FishOscarmorales The amount of pellets depends on your bio-load and the general recommendation is 2-4 cups per 100 gallons of water. Start slow and add more pellets as time goes on until your nitrate levels are maintained.

[@RealAmerican13]

How do you incorporate the use of the microbacter 7 when adding a protein skimmer and bio pellet reactor to a system? MB7 instructions say not to run the skimmer for 4 hours after addition of MB7. Do you turn off the reactor also while the protein skimmer isn't running? How much MB7 are you adding and how often?

[@TheLittleGemstone]

If I add this into my tank which has been set up for 5 months, will it spike nitrate

[@BulkReefSupply]

No, it is designed to help lower nitrates on a regular basis when applied properly. You must have a strong protein skimmer and I do recommend starting with a small amount of bio-pellets and then increase the amount over time to accommodate the waste level in your aquarium.

[@TheLittleGemstone]

Marine Depot Aquarium Supplies ahh so this is not designed for nano reef use? I originally put in bio media once and it completely spiked nitrate so bad I removed them and the next couple of days, it went back down to 5ppm. I only run carbon, filter floss and fluval clear max in my 10 gallon system

[@tarakardha4520]

should i use biopellet reactor starting from day 1 cycling?

[@anthonym3051]

Bio pellets have brought my nitrates and phosphates to unreadable levels. I am concern because from my research having such pristine water parameters can be detrimental to the corals. Any advice on how to counter the excessive striping of nutrients?

[@BulkReefSupply]

I would recommend regular feeding with Zooplankton and/or Phytoplankton along with the addition of Amino Acids and Vitamins. Korallen Zucht is a great brand that offers a full line of products perfectly tailored for low-nutrient systems. mdshop.us/29In3yr

[@anthonym3051]

Marine Depot Aquarium Supplies Thank you so much. I will look into this product.

[@sarahsoberanes9968]

Is there something for Fresh water? I have Fancy goldfish and Nitrates rise rather quickly . Thank you!

[@BulkReefSupply]

Bio pellets are not suitable for freshwater use because an aggressive protein skimmer is required to efficiently export the bio-film that contains the nitrates. Increased water changes are your best method for a freshwater tank. You might also consider some live freshwater plants or a chemical filter media to help. mdshop.us/Plants mdshop.us/2HmrNt5

[@sarahsoberanes9968]

Thank you! I will definitely try your chemical filter media ! I have recently purchased Pothos and Peace lilly plants ,hopefully all combined will help a bit . Thank you again for your suggestions!

[@benedettodistefano640]

Hi! can i use biopellet with refugium?

[@BulkReefSupply]

Yes, you can run both bio-pellets and a refugium on the same aquarium. If you are looking for nitrate control, I would recommend that you start with bio-pellets because they are going to be the most effective method for consistently keeping nitrates under control.

[@countyliving]

Can I use a bio reactor with fro and carbon reactor

[@fredkaepp566]

How much out flow are you supposed to have ??

[@bobbygrover]

I have stupidly added too much pellets to water in a bowl for letting it “cure” Will they be ok after a month or so if I need them or will I now have to bin them?

[@jbelway]

I didn't know that I should direct the output of my pellet reactor at my skimmer, I'll make the change. Should I do the same with my Phosphate reactor?

[@BulkReefSupply]

+Jim Belway The phosphate reactor is not necessary, however, it is crucial for a biopellet reactor.

[@jbelway]

+Marine Depot Aquarium Supplies Thanks for the reply.

[@rafaelsoriano5365]

Need help! I have zero I mean zero nitrates in my reef and it's taking a toll on my corals almost all of them are losing their color, as crazy as this sounds how do I add nitrates in my aquarium?? Do I turn off the skimmer for some time??

[@BulkReefSupply]

Turning off your skimmer will get the job done, try spot feeding the corals directly and/or increase the frequency in which you feed your fish. It is a good idea to check all your other parameters as well to see if other factors may be contributing.

[@chrismoniz5898]

Rafael Soriano food

[@jessicahuffman743]

Hi Marine Depot!!! I need your advice. I just ordered an AquaMaxx BioMaxx BioPellet Reactor from you. It is on back order right now but when it comes it is going to replace a T.L.F. reactor that I hate. I need a suggestion for a good quiet pump to use with this. I have an old 34 gallon Solana AIO. I will be running the reactor externally. Right now I am using a mj 1200 but it vibrates the tubing to the reactor and makes way too much noise. Can you guys please help me pick a nice QUIET pump that will fit in my Solana? Thank you so much for your help!! I would like to spend under a 100.00 on the pump but silence is my top priority.

[@BulkReefSupply]

Glad to help and thanks for shopping with us. The Tunze Silence and Sicce Syncra are your best bet. I provided a couple of links below and you want to get something around 300-400 GPH and be sure to use a ball-valve in order to dial in the flow rate based on how much media is being used. Tunze: mdshop.us/29N0qph Sicce: mdshop.us/29tC6KJ

[@jessicahuffman743]

+Marine Depot Aquarium Supplies Thank you so much!!!!!!

[@jessicahuffman743]

+Marine Depot Aquarium Supplies One last question. They are pretty close in price and both have great reviews, Out of the two do you guys prefer one over the other? I can't decide lol. Thank you again for all of your help I really do appreciate it!!!! (So do my corals 😊)

[@BulkReefSupply]

Both are great choices and to be honest they are very similar pumps in terms of construction. Either way, I am sure you will be happy.

[@jessicahuffman743]

+Marine Depot Aquarium Supplies Thank you so much for all your help!!!!

[@TheGreatDadoo]

is it recommended to use GFO with a biopellet system or just one or the other? my GFO does a great job eating my phosphates but does very little to nitrates/nitrites. Also, does this BioPellets stuff do anything about nitrites? Also, will this decrease my frequencies of water changes? also, do the pellets ever need to be changed-out?

[@BulkReefSupply]

+David Beecroft The use of GFO is determined based on the phosphate levels in your tank, some hobbyists utilize GFO alongside bio-pellets and some do fine without. If phosphate levels tend to remain a problem after applying bio-pellets than it is fine to start using GFO as well. Bio-Pellets will only consume nitrate, not nitrite. We still recommend keeping up with a regular water exchange schedule and you will never need to change out the pellets, only top them off to keep the recommended qty of pellets inside your reactor at all times.

[@ethanrussell3163]

Hey guys, a serious question. I only have space for one reactor - should I use Biopellets or GFO? Either will be in conjunction with a Protein Skimmer. Thanks! :) (Stock is mainly small nano fish & easy - moderate difficulty corals (zoos, rics, lps etc)

[@BulkReefSupply]

+Ethan Russell I would personally choose GFO unless you have a heavily stocked tanked where nitrates are always a problem for you.

[@ManOfSteel77]

Will this work on a freshwater tank?

[@BulkReefSupply]

+Zachary Hanson BioPellets are best for saltwater aquariums with a protein skimmer for removal of the bio-film created when running the pellets. Without a skimmer or appropriate form of export, the pellets will not really provide you any benefit.

[@dennismarquez1817]

Currently, I have been using biopellet from last 5 months. My question is it okay to use carbon reactor with biopellet together?

[@miguelpires5856]

Heres my problem, in my reef my po4 is absulute 0 since i started 6 months ago, and no3 as always been 10mgl.... and i have no idea how to solve this... i tryed overfeeding but it only made my no3 rise to 25mgl.... i run the zeovit method .... help...

[@miguelpires5856]

Thanks, problem solved ... i upgraded to a bigger tank ... now no3 is 0,2.5 and PO4 is 0,03 .

[@bryane5635]

Can they be used on a freshwater system?

[@merrittmcdowell2460]

i have read people often have issues with cyano and algae outbreaks when first starting up a pellet reactor why is that?

[@BulkReefSupply]

+Merritt McDowell In some cases this is because the protein skimmer is not efficiently removing the excess bacteria from the aquarium and fueling the growth of Cyano.

[@Sean57Sean]

over a short period of time (1wk), i am getting a layer of fine dust on all over the sump where the biopellet reactor is located. If i turn down the flow, not all of the pellets tumble. any ideas? thx.

[@BulkReefSupply]

+Sean Jin This is most likely a bacteria film so be sure the outlet of the reactor is located close to the inlet of your skimmer to help remove it. If the problem gets worse, feel free to shoot a photo over to our Customer Service team for further support. [e-mail]

[@Reeffred]

Buen aporte y vídeo gracias!!

[@Marshy2020]

Can biopellets crash you’re reef tank? I have read the some people have had biopellets and they crashed the tank.

[@BulkReefSupply]

They can be problematic when not used correctly. A strong protein skimmer is required for proper function and it is important not to abruptly discontinue usage once they are established.

[@macrapidito1]

Yep I liked this video. :)

[@Dawg99999]

Just use marinepure blocks or nopox. No need biompellets