Biopellets not working yet?

[Mr_Banana_Pants]

I've been running bio pellets for three weeks now, tried to slowly add more and more to my phosban 150. I tried sitting the bacteria using aquavitro seed to try to help the bacterial growth. But regardless my nitrates to not seem to drop at all nor are the bio pellets being consumed. Am I doing something wrong? Or should I just give it more time?

 

[recess62]

May take up to 2 months. Just leave them alone

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

It does take a while, apparently.

Also, the bacteria that consume biopellets are rather specialized, and may not necessarily be present in substantial amounts in normal bacteria products for reef tanks.

 

[redfishbluefish]

As stated, months to kick in.

Also note both nitrates and phosphates are needed for the bacteria to proliferate.....if one is missing or limiting, the pellets won't work. So if you're running GFO, take it off-line for now.

In addition, a Phosban 150 is a simple reactor and I'm pretty sure you won't get the tumble needed....most likely will see the pellets clump up.

 

[Mr_Banana_Pants]

It does take a while, apparently.

Also, the bacteria that consume biopellets are rather specialized, and may not necessarily be present in substantial amounts in normal bacteria products for reef tanks.

Are there any products available that help start the population?

As stated, months to kick in.

Also note both nitrates and phosphates are needed for the bacteria to proliferate.....if one is missing or limiting, the pellets won't work. So if you're running GFO, take it off-line for now.

In addition, a Phosban 150 is a simple reactor and I'm pretty sure you won't get the tumble needed....most likely will see the pellets clump up.

I modified the phosban 150, removed the bottom plate and flowing off a manifold connected to my main pump... the pellets are tumbling top to bottom, no clumps

 

[DSC reef]

I personally run biopellets and investing in a reactor did help. I originally ran a phosban before upgrading to a reef octopus. Give it time to kick in and as stated above take any gfo offline if using any. I only use one brand of biopellets, every tank is different but I've had the best success with reef interests brand. Been using them for many years now. Definitely have to be patient and consistent with biopellets.

 

[Donovan Joannes]

For the sake of questioning, which one is correct?

1) Bacteria lives in the bio pellets itself, feasting on it and being skimmed once they exited the reactor
2) The tumbling dissolved the pellets slowly, releasing the content out of the reactor and feeds the bacteria in live rocks, sands and free floating in the water column

This might answer some intriguing question of bio pellet success.