Biopellets not working after 9 weeks

[ajiisss]

I have been running biopellets for about 9 weeks and still its not working. My nitrates are around 15 -20ppm. IS there any way to jump start the biopelettes ? The flow rate and the reactor seems to be inline with specs as per BRS. tank is 220 gallons.

 

[sixty_reefer]

I have been running biopellets for about 9 weeks and still its not working. My nitrates are around 15 -20ppm. IS there any way to jump start the biopelettes ? The flow rate and the reactor seems to be inline with specs as per BRS. tank is 220 gallons.

What’s the phosphates in your system and how many biopellets have you got in the reactor?

 

[blaxsun]

My own personal experience with biopellets is that they can be hit or miss (usually the latter). I've had more success with bio media and zeo rock.

 

[ajiisss]

What’s the phosphates in your system and how many biopellets have you got in the reactor?

Mine is mostly a FOWLR with some xenia and GSP. To be honest I never checked phosphates I know I have that high as well because I feed pellets everyday along with frozen food. Also I started getting hair algae. That's the main reason I want to use Biopellets to minimize algae issues. Initially I used 25% of recommended after 4 weeks I added some more and right now I used the amount recommended
using the below reactor

BioMaxx XL BioPellet Reactor

The AquaMaxx BioMaxx BioPellet Reactor is a finely-tuned fluidized filter designed to help hobbyists remove nitrates and phosphates from reef aquarium systems. Controlling nutrients inside our aquariums is one of the keys to preventing nuisance algae growth. AquaMaxx BioMaxx bio pellet reactors...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

 

[ajiisss]

My own personal experience with biopellets is that they can be hit or miss (usually the latter). I've had more success with bio media and zeo rock.

Can you add some links?

 

[sixty_reefer]

Mine is mostly a FOWLR with some xenia and GSP. To be honest I never checked phosphates I know I have that high as well because I feed pellets everyday along with frozen food. Also I started getting hair algae. That's the main reason I want to use Biopellets to minimize algae issues. Initially I used 25% of recommended after 4 weeks I added some more and right now I used the amount recommended
using the below reactor

BioMaxx XL BioPellet Reactor

The AquaMaxx BioMaxx BioPellet Reactor is a finely-tuned fluidized filter designed to help hobbyists remove nitrates and phosphates from reef aquarium systems. Controlling nutrients inside our aquariums is one of the keys to preventing nuisance algae growth. AquaMaxx BioMaxx bio pellet reactors...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

It’s probably time to check phosphates, carbon dosing without phosphates won’t lower nitrates in addition you could try and stop pellets if possible as they can become a source of energy for the algae to bloom until you figure out what’s happening with the reactor

 

[blaxsun]

Can you add some links?

Nyos High Level Reefing

Nyos - High level reefing

www.nyos.info

 

[Aspect]

My Biopellets didn't really kick in until about 3 months after adding them, but after that they kicked in fast. Bottomed out Nitrates and my corals wouldn't even open anymore. You need to make sure the flow isn't too fast through the generator and also the water outlet needs to be going directly to the skimmer intake or it's a waste.

 

[ajiisss]

My Biopellets didn't really kick in until about 3 months after adding them, but after that they kicked in fast. Bottomed out Nitrates and my corals wouldn't even open anymore. You need to make sure the flow isn't too fast through the generator and also the water outlet needs to be going directly to the skimmer intake or it's a waste.

I just reduced the flow will wait for 1 more month lets see. I just want to keep the nitrates constant at around 10 ppm

 

[Aspect]

I just reduced the flow will wait for 1 more month lets see. I just want to keep the nitrates constant at around 10 ppm

Do you have a video of how they are flowing in the reactor? Also is the outlet of the reactor directly feeding next to the protein skimmer pump?

 

[ajiisss]

Do you have a video of how they are flowing in the reactor? Also is the outlet of the reactor directly feeding next to the protein skimmer pump?

Yes

 

[Aspect]

Yes

The outlet is feeding near the protein skimmer intake right?

 

[ajiisss]

The outlet is feeding near the protein skimmer intake right?

Yes it is ...the outlet discharges just infront of the protien skimmer intake.

 

[ajiisss]

The outlet is feeding near the protein skimmer intake right?

does the flow looks okay?

 

[Aspect]

does the flow looks okay?

Yes it looks fine, I'd give it another month at least. The bacteria that binds to nitrate needs a carbon source to feed off of, which the biopellets are carbon. It just takes awhile for a colony to establish.

 

[ajiisss]

Yes it looks fine, I'd give it another month at least. The bacteria that binds to nitrate needs a carbon source to feed off of, which the biopellets are carbon. It just takes awhile for a colony to establish.

Thanks!

 

[RichReef]

MicroBacter7 will have your kick start bacteria.

 

[Spare time]

Maybe try adding waste away. Dr tim's mentioned this can kickstart their biopellets, so I'd imagine it could work with yours.

 

[Aquaticsole]

So I know my media is working, 4 year reefer 1st time biopellet user, just wondering if the tumble looks right? Or too much? I have a mighty jet pump attached to.it on a cycle where it starts at 1.1 and goes to 2.2 and down again over and over to keep the media suspended. Tia for any responses

 

[bushdoc]

I second sixty_reefer about checking phosphates. If you are having problem with GHA, that it is most probably phosphates which are elevated too and they are the culprit.
Biopellets and carbon dosing are not primarily to decrease phosphates.
Now, I used bio pellet reactor years ago and had similar issues with controlling nitrates. This method is difficult to adjust. Now I use vinegar dosing on my 30 gal FOWLR and my nitrates dropped from 60 to 0 over 2 months, so I had to temporarily stop dosing and restart at much lower level.