Week 26: How to Leverage Bacteria for a Cleaner Reef Tank. | 52 Weeks of Reefing

It's Week 26, and we've officially hit the halfway mark in the 52 weeks of Reefing series! This week we are going to explore how organic filtration can reduce nutrients like phosphate and nitrate in the reef tank.
#BRS160
More or less, this all revolves around using bacteria to process these nutrients for you. We are going to talk about the theory as well as pros and cons of marine pure and live rock, vodka dosing, bio pellets, nitrate reactors, commercial additives, and systems like Zeovit.
Do you have a favorite method of organic filtration? Let us know your favorite in the comments area below!
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

[@vincelok894]

I love the fact that at the beginning of the video, our host says the most truthfull thing ever ... that we have no idea what's actually going on, but we're guessing and we're working off the experience of the collective reefing community.

[@turbocpt1]

Ok

[@mrbigshot29]

im like an addict. i cant wait for a new video and rush to get home to watch it. im really hoping this goes longer than 52 weeks or something similar comes along. nearly everything i have known already bit i still learn something here and there and that alone makes it invaluable. you have no idea just how much the t5 video has shaken up the reefing community. so many posts about people now finally adding t5's to their leds and seeing the benefits. i love my t5 setups.

[@ibinyth5866]

Thank you for going with zeovit.. I plan on using it on my new tank build from the start as well

[@floydpros]

I struggled with high nitrates for over a year trying different kinds of carbon and weekly 30% water changes with no luck. couldn't get nitrates under 160 ppm. I stumbled on an article about sulfur denitrator and thought I'd give it a try. that has been the single best decision I have made for my tank yet. Love you videos guys, keep it up.

[@floydpros]

your*

[@gflinski]

This guy and this channel is awesome. Such good information.

[@davidmiller5832]

They, not just Ryan, have really set the standard and uniformed the hobby 10 fold!!

[@alecthenice8115]

I wish freshwater had some equivalent

[@xXNgat980Xx]

You guys are the best. So much information in such little time. True professionals and good guys. Might have to be looking into this relatively soon

[@Mr5Stars]

Thank you for the video,for informational purpose its good to learn what the experts like BRS must do to have the best looking tank to show in KZbin videos, but this is way to COMPLEX for my level. Good to see what the Major Leaguers in reefing are doing

[@pewheretic7967]

Thanks again guys. As always, you put out great info and are all about the education. I disagree with those that think this has anything to do with commercialism or advertising. Exactly opposite! Good luck with your Zeovit choice, but like all the other choices you've made (that we all make), I'm sure you'll end up tweaking and responding to what your tank and inhabitants communicate to you. I'm an eager observer and well-wisher for all you're doing. Thanks for this great service you provide. Happy New Year! :)

[@daycm1977]

Wow I'm surprised that you chose to use Zeovit over your own products that you've touted as the best. At least up till now you have. Excited for the results, thanks to the BRS team for your dedication & experience. Happy New Year!

[@FishOfHex]

I love the marine pure blocks! I have been using Bio Pellets for about a year now and i love them the only problem i have had is regardless if you are skimming the water coming from the reactor you still end up getting bacteria build up in pumps. I have to clean out the main pump every three months or the pump will stop working. Great video.

[@InappropriateReefer]

Amazing amount of information

[@erichmedenbach5304]

Great video bro!

[@SNBI2A]

nice video buddy. it's hard to find review videos and people like yourself speaking about zeovit. I just ordered this system and I'm trying to learn as much about it as I can. information is definitely scarce. keep up the updates! thanks.

[@conduit64]

I have just one question after watching this video, do Bacteria prefer their organic carbon shaken or stirred?

[@kylesmith9048]

On the rocks ;)

[@tsurro8086]

I wish u guys used bio pellets, cheap easy but with its draw backs, kz is very expensive even with Black Friday, I know it's not as popular, so that's why u are doing it, it's probably a huge mark up on price, I've used some products and haven't seen extreme results, so I'm using what I have left because I have already spent the money, hope to see better results with ur tank!!

[@hamidrasouli4430]

T Surro /// not really expensive; especially if you live in US, but if you live in Middle East like me products are really expensive and most of them you can not find, but I exam zeolites media with nano bio media and any others...;Matrix from seachem are more powerful than bioball also it's absorption dust...;

[@patrickbcox]

Thanks for another great video! I was glad to see that you are implementing Zeovit on this tank as I am starting a new tank this month that will be Zeovit as well so I am anxious to follow your progress!

[@russmaleartist]

Thanks for another good video . . . hope you and your staff had a Merry Christmas, and I will take this opportunity to wish all of you a most Happy New Year with good health and prosperity.

[@ukemaxxer]

Thanks for this video, I'm just setting up a new Red Sea Reefer 525xl. I'll be using solely dry rock, Aquaroche, and fully intend to go ulns with this tank. My current tank is suffering from nitrate and phosphate issues due to using too coarse a substrate, which I am now unable to get to enough of to clean fully. I was thinking about going the Zeovit route, so looking forward to that video.

[@ScottM]

Happy New year from NJ. Looking forward to this part of the series to see the development and how zeovit contributes to it.

[@darrensaquaticsworld]

Great video, with so many products out there it's good to see a video that shows the basic differences between each method. There are also Bio Active salts out there from the likes of Tropic Marin and Aqua Forest from Europe that can tie in nicely with some of these products.

[@discmank7798]

Dang, I just bought your (BRS) carbon reactor and bio pellet reactor. I'm still going to try bio pellets, since it seems much easier for me.

[@Fraysbricks]

Hey BRS loved this episode, I've had my IM_nano up and running for 5months now and its looking amazing thanks to all your help and advice. I have learnt so much from this experience, graphing levels, taking notes and obsessive maintenance I have just put an order for a 300Gallon custom aquarium and look forward to running Zeovit to gain more time enjoying the hobby. >>> my no.1 learn: ZERO no3-po4 = mega issues my obsessive maintenance actually stunted growth take this advice on new reefers!!

[@johanngarcia7290]

thanks ryan, awsome video , really interesting!!!!! and happy new year brs team and everyone!!!!!

[@TheDrakenZ]

Great videos, very knowledgeable and thorough explanation.

[@freddy-b]

Whishing you a happy new year from the Netherlands.

[@michalmakarewicz6909]

can you please make a video dedicated to zeovit system , install and more info on it plese

[@nwyk153]

Prodibio Bioclean all the way. Dose every 15 days.

[@nwyk153]

Yes. running it whole system. Dropped my Nitrates from 25ppm to 5ppm and PO4 from 1ppm to 0.1ppm in 2 months. Now my NO3 is at 2ppm and po4 at 0.03ppm, steadily. Love this product!

[@Race1199]

Thanks a lot😊

[@clsanchez77]

Great video on covering the different nitrate reduction systems. However, I am disappointed you selected to go with the Zeo-Vit system on this tank. I do agree the system work, but it is a very hands on system that requires daily observation, tinkering and additives. If I did not have 4 kids and had their time and tuition money available, this is the system I would go for! However, like most reefers, I don't. Personally, I just installed your BRS biopellet reactor on my tank; this was more for supplemental use as well as for future use and not as my current primary means. I'm actually going for the Eco-System Miracle Mud method on my tank as it is lower effort, more hands off and another proven system. The "Miracle" name and contents of the mud is up for much debate, like ZeoVit. However those who use it swear by the results. Regardless of what mud you use, it is a refugium based system so I do hope to see you cover this type (even if not this brand) of system next week. And this brings up another issue, I did not think you could use refugiums on Zeovit system because if you have a low nutrient system, then you cannot grow macro algae, right?

[@clsanchez77]

+BulkReefSupplyCom Ryan, a quick side question. I was looking at the chemical equation at the 8:21 mark and it appears to me that using your BRS pellets would contribute some incidental alkalinity to the aquarium in the form of Bicarbonate as well as some CO2. Do you know if pH and alkalinity impacts have been investigated with the biopellets?

[@ska2dt]

Being from Canada I don't shop with you, shipping charges and all. But I still watch every video and find them very valuable. I've even gone back and watched alot of the older videos. Speaking of which Ryan has come a long way from the early days. He's like a seasoned pro. I guess you could say he is a seasoned pro. You don'e ever see much advertising for Zeovit, probably because it doesn't really need it. I was wondering though if in the future you might incorperate the Triton Testing. It would be interesting to see what the results are while using Zeovit.

[@chriscrigger5823]

Would you have turned off the uv sterilizer if you decided to liquid carbon dose. Like vodka, or nopox?

[@Cornovii]

A little disappointed you've gone the zeovit route with the 160 as most people wouldn't to try it. You can't deny the results of using it though. Happy new year! 🎈🇬🇧🎈

[@ironeagle7661]

Just wanted to say first how much i really appreciate all the time and thought you guys put into all these great videos. i am a noob reefer as I just recently purchased a Red Sea Reefer 450 to be my first saltwater tank ever. Its setting empty right now as I have 80lbs of Pukani Dry Rock curing in a couple Brute Trash cans. I purchased this rock from you guys and all I can say is WOW. The pieces I received were amazing, and pound for pound the 80lbs is more like 100+ compared to other rock I looked at. To my question.. as I am learning all of this as I go..I was going to run a BRS Media Reactor with a 1/3 GFO and 2/3 ROX 0.8 carbon. If I add a Bio Pellet Reactor with the BRS Bio Pellets is this overkill. I plan on using all of Red Seas products..for me as a new reefer the system seems a little more laid out and takes the guess work out of things. I base what I buy solely on what I am learning here and will be using BRS for all my aquarium needs. So i blame you guys if it fails..lol jking. Also do I add these items after the tank has been established or can I run them from the start after I add the water to the tank and start the cycling process. Thanks again for the videos!!!

[@Daemiex]

you have used live sand in the brs160 and zeovit tell you specificly not to use live sand, ive just stopped using zeovit myself, a year in of expensive products etc and im not seeing anything different to results ive had in the past with a well maintained berlin system, you have to be careful with it too, if you dose certain products too early or in excess then you cause issues with algae etc you cant just follow the recommended on the bottle you have to work it out for yourself depending on your system and this can cost money 1 in loss of corals and 2 a waste of product. and if you dose them too late and the ultra low nutrient part of it takes a hold it just starves out your corals which some can turn around from but usualy you will find lps will die inevitably, if you read the forums too the constant un winnable battle with brown algae drives users mad, if you have deep pockets you are very patient and can be super hands on with your system and dont take it heart fighting algae and loosing corals then id say have ago at zeovit, otherwise stick to a normal system, ive seen enough systems with amazing sps etc that dosent use zeovit or anything else

[@mikebaierdesigns]

Great video as usual! But I was really hoping you were going to go into more detail on bio pellet info though...would have loved to of seen a more in depth comparison of reactors and proper implementation of bio pellet usage... for example fact or myth that the output of a biopellet reactor should be plumbed to discharge right by the intake of the water source feeding the protein skimmer etc

[@mikebaierdesigns]

+BulkReefSupplyCom Appreciate the reply guys!

[@dannybski9620]

Maybe something you plan to go over in the Zeovit episode, but what about for a FOWLR tank with high nutrients? Obviously large water changes would be the #1 but after that to keep the nutrients down and avoid algae blooms?

[@dannybski9620]

+BulkReefSupplyCom Thanks. Our personal issue is nitrates only (GFO controls phosphates no problem) and big enough water changes to make a difference on a 300g tank. So looking for supplemental :)

[@dannybski9620]

+BulkReefSupplyCom Appreciate the advice :) We were trying vodka for now as a cheaper solution but definitely curious about the price gated options too. Is there a reason BRS doesn't carry denitrators?

[@brandanbowen988]

Did you leave in the Marine Pure Blocks after selecting ZeoVit?

[@vadovelocity9831]

happy new years from California! !!!!

[@VladAndreiLazar]

Any reason why dosing Flourish Excel would not work ? :)

[@Tacomaguy458]

I have a question.... After battling the nitrates in my 40b I sorta threw in the towel. I was hovering at around 40-80 nitrates and no matter how big of a water change I did they would be back high again. I recently hooked up 3 phosban reactors. I with carbon, 1 with Rowaphos, and 1 with the brightwell Xport No3. I did a 50% water change which got the nitrates down to around 20-30. My question is, how long does will it take to start reducing the nitrates and how much flow should I be running? It says on brightwells website that you want 1-3x tank turnover but my LFS said to have it as low as possible ( which makes sense as you were talking about a low oxygen environment for the bacteria to colonize ). I have it set as just a small but steady stream coming from the reactor. It has been running for about a week with no noticeable drop. I've seen reviews saying it takes weeks to work and others that say it was just a couple days. I put more in the reactor than what was recommended as I would like the nitrates to be low and I can remove and adjust the media as needed. My bioload is super low with only a pair of clowns, a couple shrimp, and my cleanup crew. My feedings are light but I mainly feed new life spectum pellet with the occasional cube of frozen mysis.

[@ericv435]

all in one bio pellets does they work good ive got the premium and the one you have in combination for a few weeks nitrates 1 Salifert and phosp. are 0.1/0.06 Colombo bleu looks almost the same and min reach is 0.03 next month to Hanna checker(can't buy anything at bfs because i live in the Netherlands where Philips is started)

[@TheGabrielberki]

Carbon dosing seems like too much can go wrong very quickly, I have tried NoPox and it royally messed up my tank with algae in a week, which took about 5 months to get rid of... yikes.

[@rudyb3194]

Awesome video as always. I like the idea of the red sea products. Is there more information on it? I use some products but would like to know more about it

[@geoffreyzxart0012]

rather than guessing about whether the bacteria helps or not, why dont you guys do an episode with marine biologist to get a much clearer idea

[@samiam9059]

A lot of good "food" for thought here.

[@davidmiller5832]

If I use the NP all in one pellets, should/could I use more pellets in a larger reactor than I would using just gfo?

[@thefishguy8229]

maybe they could make marine pure live rock for the display tank

[@thefishguy8229]

Do you have a link

[@thefishguy8229]

I mean like rock for aquascaping

[@raeesusman2026]

My nitrates are constant at 25ppm and all my SPS are doing good. I want to start dosing NOPOX but I know stability it key for SPS. So, shall I try decreasing my nitrates to about 5ppm and start dosing NOPOX or just leave it alone and not disturb the stability?

[@santanaman6783]

Raees Usman yes very CORRECT, never mess with what is working even if all is happy, corals seem fine fish too then just keep a close eye. i still would test minimum 4 to 5 cosecutive weekd to make sure nothing goes too high or low. the only time you do changes is when parameters are way high, fish possibly die and coraks too. then you do a 30 to 45% water change with clean 0 TDS RODI WATER. I say it like that because many think that just because its RODI its perfect water, guess what WRONG still test water with TDS meter to make sure its great water. so back to water change, do that water chenge wait min. 2to3 hrs then test water in tank and see what thd effects have been. if numbers dropped them good your on right track to fixing issues. wait at least 4 days before doing another water changd as this can cause your bio in your tank another issue. then do another 25 to 30% water change wait 1 day and test water and their after once a week with 15% water change until water parameters are close of back to normal. as you do this keep close eye watch for stress on fish and corals, if you see this happen what ive done is keep lights on 5 to 6 hrs a day and if see if that help with stress if dont test water see what parameters are and if no change in numbers then look at your equipment make sure skimmer is doing its job, return pump is turning your water minimum 7x per hour for water circulation and cleaning affect through sump. add probly gfo & carbon media from BRS. also bio-pallets for denitrate water... well hope that helps.... look at all these BRS Vids for good informational help and what not to do. good luck.

[@brsund06]

Nice I didn't think this build would be doing zeovit. I was hoping you guys would. I live up in duluth not far from you and have been running zeovit for quite some time now it is an awesome system I've ran many types of filtration but for my 350g build I had to continue with zeovit. smart choice on the reactor. If you guys are interested I would love to donate you some acropora for your system. like I said I am not far away and when you guys are nutrient poor stable and ready for coral I'd be happy to give you some variety from my zeovit tank aefw free.

[@brsund06]

+BulkReefSupplyCom I'm actually heading down for the weekend tomorrow for a Christmas party in Minneapolis I'm not sure if you guys are ready yet unless you have a holding system ready to go I could drop some off if you want unless you guys want to drive out sometime and pick from what you like I got a jungle of acros to pick from.

[@brsund06]

+BulkReefSupplyCom I would be heading down tomorrow in the morning I think the party starts around two I could swing by your place before and drop them off if you give me an address or you can email me or call to figure out an arangment I have some corals plugged and ready to go and others I would clip some fresh to give a variety of colors and species.

[@karlek110188]

so if im using the zeovit system i shouldnt be running my protein skimmer, carbon and gfo in reactors? also do you think 95psi from my aquatec 8800 to my 4 stage ro/di system is too much? should i reduce it?

[@lazarusvintage1719]

I m interest in running zeovit system, since achieving low nutrient environment, is refungium will be pointless to run? Due to not able to provide to feed the macroalgae/chaeto etc?

[@alecg7854]

I didn't even know I needed the zeo stuff! shut up and take my money!

[@alecg7854]

+BulkReefSupplyCom I'm quickly learning I'm a gear junky! sad thing though is about the UV and Ozone part. that's two less items :( unless I can run em on a schedule of some sort!

[@ussj4brolli]

Ive used No3Po4X on my current systems. I now have "Live ocean rock" coming for my nano 24G tomorrow, and my No3Po4X i ordered from you should arrive this week too. Can and should i use NoPox immediately during the cycle? My skimmer is rated for 220G.. just had it laying around so why not use it. No3Po4X - BioSpora - Skimmer. All immediately or wait?

[@drew1841]

The zeovit system also advocates the use of venturi style skimmers instead of needle wheel. I'm just curious why you followed the system so closely when it came to the type and method of running carbon filter media but not with the method of skimming.

[@drew1841]

+BulkReefSupplyCom Ok, that's good to know. Are you aware of any issues that might arise from using the BRS brand of GAC in a filter sock instead of their brand?

[@drew1841]

+BulkReefSupplyCom Will you guys be using Reefer's Best salt mix for this tank?

[@Fraysbricks]

Hi BRS team I need some quick advice my zero reactor has gone offline, would you recommend I just bag the zeolite and agitate daily until I can purchase a new reactor? [feed pump failed causing the agitator to jam] fairly new system extremely low bioload currently.

[@ROTTERtube]

Great video as always. Full of awesome info! Ryan is the best! On a side note, I run a weekly saltwater aquarium care show and I run contests here and there for my subscribers. Can I purchase BRS gift certificates for them? I get all my stuff from you guys. Thanks! Steve

[@ROTTERtube]

cool. I'm assuming there is a place on your site for that?

[@shaungarfinkel2812]

I was just wondering if you guys where gonna make the video fully on zeovit that you mentioned in this video?

[@pamelatify]

Now I have to figure out how to implement zeovite into my new 32 gallon bio cube nano reef im setting up..

[@wesleyknutsen4017]

WHat kind of reactor would you want to use with a nuvo fusion 20 for zeovit? Would the Innovative marine reactor work with it?

[@Throttled19]

Hi. Your videos are always great. I am curious if BRS or anyone else has ever used expanded clay pellets (used in hydroponics) either in reactors or loose in the sump to increase surface area for bacteria. They are pretty cheap and very porous. The only potential problem I could see is the introduction of minerals that may not be desirable, but I am not sure if there are in fact any impurities or, if so, whether they are bioavailable. I think they could be used in an experiment to compare to MarinePure.

[@nevadagunbros]

great video! have you guys thought about a side by side challenge Biopellets vs Zeovit vs Vodka?

[@Tetra84]

What do you do if you go out of town for a week or two and don't have someone who can shake your Zeovit reactor once a day? Seems like this could be automated somehow..

[@lazarusvintage1719]

I got the gfo/carbon kit from u guys and the pump recommend, I have limited space, can I covert the gfo side into all in one bio pellet, and carbon on the next one like it was before?

[@t.regnerus301]

Zeovit makes testing/maintaining alk, calcium, and magnesium look like child's play. I'm one where if it's not easy to do I won't add it to my reef. lol. I'm gonna be hard pressed to ever try this so do your best BRS to convince me. I will give you this though, I'd rather drink the Vodka than add it to my tank. lol.

[@t.regnerus301]

+BulkReefSupplyCom I run gfo/carbon, grow chaeto, and do weekly water changes as my algae/nutrient control. A big thing I've learned is to not overfeed. If you overfeed you're doomed unless you have sufficient nutrient export.

[@danieldonnelly7828]

how do you cut the marien pure blocks?

[@GolfMotionAcademy]

Is there a test u can run.. To see the levels to see if you need more bio pellets? So yo dont over dose

[@eldridgehenry2]

so instead of a refugium use the BRS Ceramic Biomedia Plate?

[@jdsevereide]

I'm thinking of sugar dosing my nano. I have a sump with tons of marine pure. I dose kalk to keep up the pH with a diy auto top off. Can I add the sugar to the ato along with kalk?

[@stijntaelman]

BRS: can you tell me how exactly you cycled the tank (no live rock) using the zeovit system? I ask because the zeovit guide specifies a preference to using live rock (they mention a 2 week period for cycling). what are your general experiences with the system, after using it for some time now?

[@williamcowley2153]

How do you dose zeo chemicals and pump the system at the weekend

[@jamesweil3470]

You said in 2015 you were going to do an in-depth KZbin on zeovit and I have not yet seen it are you still planning on doing it

[@Tubbybeef]

What types of fish are the Pink, Orange, and Blue ones shown at 1:09?

[@BzReef]

Hey guys, I am also going to run zeovit. I have a question for you. I have a 200 total gallon tank so I need to run 2L of media. I am either getting the vertex 1.5L or 3L. The 1.5 would be to small but the 3L would be to big. Does this media have to be packed tight? Or can it be loosely put in and can I just run the 3L with 2L of media?

[@franklinmichael671]

If the carbon is used by the bacteria then would it be a good thing to add during the cycling process to feed the bacteria and help them populate the tank faster? And can you feed the corals with phytoplankton and plankton instead of using zeofood?

[@franklinmichael671]

***** Cool thanks.

[@tkotanko]

Looking forward to the Zeovit dedicated video!! Or did I miss it? ?

[@clarkpaul7399]

So how about mixing 1/3 GFO, 1/3 ROX Carbon, 1/3 Bio Pellets all together in a reactor without tumbling?

[@rebeldeasupoder92]

can the zeovit media be "re-cycle"? any other use after it is replaced?

[@tbaloni]

vodka has clear instructions

[@hansi98]

will the pores in the stones get clogged over time and not let water through anymore so that i have to replace them?

[@hansi98]

thank you

[@eroggero]

Unfortunately that system is very labor intensive , how would a reefer handle that system when on vacation , can you let it sit idle for a week or so and just pick back up when you return thanks?

[@brsund06]

You can also automate drop dosing with some of the higher end dosing pumps, kz also makes some automatic Reactors but you can go quite a while without shaking the stones as long as you keep up on your zeostart

[@bajan_hove9078]

can you guys do a follow up on the zeovit sys i want to do it but im on the fence about it thanks

[@BzReef]

Last question I have for you I promise! I am starting a new tank, and it just finished cycling about a week ago. When should I start using zeovit? I don't know if now is a good time or if I need to wait until the tank matures?

[@BzReef]

+BulkReefSupplyCom Thanks guys I really appreciate it! The only thing I am concerned about is I ordered my zeovit starter package, but it seems they discourage the use of live sand. I used the same Carib Sea special grain reef sand you used in the 160. I hope it isnt a big issue, I read it can cause a cyano outbreak if live sand is used? I am not sure how accurate this is.

[@WaterspoutsOfTheDeep]

This stuff seems pretty cool. I never knew there was zeolite for fish tanks. I know there is extremely high grade zeolite for human consumption and it's so good it can save ones life from a poisonous mushroom that can kill you in a hour and is very good for removing heavy metals and other stuff and isn't toxic or build up in the body. It's so high grade the rock is actually water soluble and has insane surface area like one capsule has the surface area of a football field. Now that I think about it that stuff might be really handy to dissolve in the fish tank water if the fish are ever sick. That is if vitamin C and glutathione are safe for marine life I don't know but it's an extremely small amount in the capsule. It's called zeogold. There is also acz zeolite from results rna which is just zeolite but one bottle has the same amount as one capsule of the zeogold. But they are the same high end zeolite. Probably be amazing if a bunch of coral toxins was released in the water or some fish are sick from the toxins and the water was already changed since this zeolite would probably get absorbed. It would probably be very good for healing wounds and open sores on animal life in the aquarium too for another reason to use this stuff. Thought I might put that out there might really help someone and those are the only two products from two different companies that use any zeolite worth using for internal use. The rest is all low grade stuff. Also another fact about zeolite. It's volcanic rock with lots of tiny little microscopic bubble cages. The cages have a charge which is what pulls in the toxic compounds and heavy metals. The problem is finding clean zeolite that doesn't have it's cages full with bad stuff that might get released. Then there is the grade of zeolite which has to do with it being clean and how many of the tiniest cages it has so the more tiny cages the more surface area and more junk it can detoxify. So I have to assume since zeovite is obviously using cheap rock since it's chunks and not processed I assume it's clean rock at least. So it's a bad idea to just buy any zeolite you see online and throw it in unless you know it's clean, then the grade will determine how effective it is. There is another problem the human grade stuff would be too small to keep in any bags or material as far as I know since it's usually around 0-20 micron. So then you might see black specks perhaps in the tank? Maybe that's too small. The highest grade stuff you wouldn't see anything that stuff would be way too small and would be more for treating a coral or fish toxicity or wound issue unless you have lots of money to blow lol. Anyways thought that might help someone.

[@ldballoon4]

When is Triton coming to BRS?

[@tristang9875]

will you guys ever start shipping to Australia? I think there would be a huge market for yous if you did

[@ElementL116]

I currently dose Zeostart 3 to my SPS dominant system. I do not use the Zeovit stones or any other Zeovit product. My tank runs very low to no P04 and N03 thanks in part partially to the Zeostart 3 I believe along with an awesome skimmer (Bubble King 300 Deluxe External) and good husbandry. I've always been tempted to try the Red Sea program as it's very logical to follow, comprehensive and not exorbitantly expensive like the Zeovit system when you get into all the extra additives. Question I have is how receptive the Red Sea program is to integrating the N03 P04 reducer, Reef Energy A&B and coloration enhancers into a system which utilizes the BRS 2 part currently. Presumably, I would wean off the Zeostart 3 and slowly introduce the Red Sea N03 P04, but I wonder how straightforward it would be to integrate the Reef Energy A&B and coloration enhancers without using the Red Sea Foundation Elements A, B and C. Reason for that is I my dosing units are well calibrated for the BRS 2 part and I would not want to recal for the Red Sea Foundation Elements if unnecessary. In addition, I'm under the impression that the BRS 2 part is much more economical over time and I really don't know if there is any benefit of the Red Sea product vs the BRS 2 part. Appreciate your insight. Thanks again for the great series - I just finished watching all of them over the last few days and it's hands down the best guide to reefing that I've ever seen produced without a doubt.

[@ElementL116]

+BulkReefSupplyCom Excellent. Thanks for the reply. Looking forward to giving it a shot.

[@ElementL116]

+BulkReefSupplyCom By the way, how does the calcium concentration in the BRS 2 part compare to the Red Sea formulation? Is it 1 for 1 or are the dilutions different?

[@ElementL116]

+BulkReefSupplyCom So, if I maintain my Ca at say 420 ppm, I would dose based on 420 ppm? Or would I dose off how much I add on a daily basis to achieve that reading of 420 ppm? I was thinking the latter which is why I'm unsure how to gauge that. I mix the BRS 2 part per instructions and then use a dosing pump to add equal amounts throughout the day to regulate Ca, Alk, Mg. I do regularly calibrate the pumps as I've found they can drift. That being said, I can accurately gauge how much 2 part I add daily to maintain my given Ca, Alk and Mg levels. So, do I take my system's water volume, my daily dose of 2 part in ml and then use the reef calculator to determine how many ppm I'm effectively adding to my tank daily to maintain the 420 ppm reading? Thanks again for the feedback.

[@biologicalmedia8134]

Will this work for freshwater?

[@shawnriv9]

Have you guys made the entire episode devoted to ZeoVit yet? I am very interested in learning more and thinking of converting my low nutrient tank to ZeoVit or beginning a new tank.

[@danielschultz8084]

Is there a Zeovit Reactor that can fit into a Nuvo tank?

[@joenose290]

What tank is that at 3:09? Love that aquascape

[@jacob7285]

I just noticed zeovit added a "Coral System" did they listen to you? Please tell me more about this. I am very interested in cutting out fifty million blue bottles out of my life. :D is it better to add this or the little blue bottles? will you be using this in the 160?

[@jacob7285]

I am currently running the same zeovit system as the 160. would this system replace or simplify the color and health additives "parts" of zeovit?

[@raeesusman2026]

Can you do a full video series on zeovit please?

[@larryloaf4938]

Has this happened yet im really interested in going zeo on my system and would love BRS video to help me decide. what is zeo like with lps and softies does it restrict the growth?

[@lisadimercurio9473]

so are you saying to not dose zeo if I have zoas, mushrooms and LPS?

[@Fraysbricks]

7 weeks into zeovit method nitrates risen to 40ppm I wish I never tried this method, and no room in the sps growout for the fish to be house its a sad day for reefing.

[@robbradley1337]

I appreciate the fact that you guys/gals don't sell vinegar and vodka (which along with a good skimmer is all you need to get to an "ultra low nutrient system"), and you need to make a profit. I am just really bummed to see you push the snake oil that is the zeovit system.

[@georgearias7336]

We novice aquarists have to watch these BRS videos in slow motion for understanding :-)

[@jaron4750]

14:58 bacteriaaaarrrr!!!

[@ciaranl7590]

If you could only use one; this reactor or a refugium, which would you recommend for a new Red Sea max s 500 in the sump?

[@ciaranl7590]

+BulkReefSupplyCom sorry, referring to low nutrient system, zeovit or similar with auto shake function

[@ciaranl7590]

+BulkReefSupplyCom thank you!! Food for thought... Like everything about reef aquariums, a lot of right answers and plenty of wrong combinations of right answers. Seems to be part of what adds interest to the hobby. Appreciate your responsiveness.

[@sagrath1982]

what about lava rock?

[@nickward9839]

Yo Ryan....how long before the corals go in a the zeovit dude ? any ideas ? my tanks Coming in 3 month and want to run Z 👍👍

[@nickward9839]

+BulkReefSupplyCom 👍👍

[@jjmccloud]

Do they sale replacement thumbscrews for the lid on the skimz nitrate reactor I broke 2 of mine 😭😭😭

[@BRStv]

Unfortunately, Skimz went out of business last year, so replacement parts are hard to find 🙁 I might try checking with your local hardware or big box store to see if they sell nylon thumb screws. You might be able to find a similar size there.

[@jjmccloud]

@@BRStv yea that sucks almost $400 for this thing and can't even use it 😑 brand new still 🤣 i had faith in their stuff lol. That's my luck, I bought it like 4 or 5 years ago and just got around to setting up dream tank and realized they had broken somewhere along the way. Thanks for info will be able to find some somewhere that will fit but sucks to have to look 😅