Biopellets stink

Kali · Nov 5, 2016

I took my biopellet reactor offline last weekend for general maintenance. The pellets were sitting in tank water (in an open container not the reactor) for a couple days when I noticed they had a stink to them. I rinsed and put them in RO/DI water to soak while I waited for a couple parts to arrive.

This morning I stirred up the container with the pellets in them, and it STINKS. Are these a lost cause? Should I dump them and replace them or can I use them after...what? Do I need to rinse them well in RO/DI water or tank water or fresh mixed salt water? Do I need to dry them out and then soak them again?

saltyfilmfolks · Nov 5, 2016

Kali said:
I took my biopellet reactor offline last weekend for general maintenance. The pellets were sitting in tank water (in an open container not the reactor) for a couple days when I noticed they had a stink to them. I rinsed and put them in RO/DI water to soak while I waited for a couple parts to arrive.

This morning I stirred up the container with the pellets in them, and it STINKS. Are these a lost cause? Should I dump them and replace them or can I use them after...what? Do I need to rinse them well in RO/DI water or tank water or fresh mixed salt water? Do I need to dry them out and then soak them again?

Yea, toss them. Can I assume rotten eggs?

Kali · Nov 5, 2016

No, not rotten eggs...but just general stink

saltyfilmfolks · Nov 5, 2016

Kali said:
No, not rotten eggs...but just general stink

Im the cheapest men ever. But id toss em and start fresh

csb123 · Nov 5, 2016

I've had this happen. Just rinse them in some tank water, so you don't kill off the beneficial bacteria, and put them back in the reactor. No harm. No FOUL.

redfishbluefish · Nov 5, 2016

Biopellets are simply bacteria food.

The bacteria died from lack of circulation and certainly from putting in RO/DI water. At this point, just give them a good rinsing...in RO/DI or Tank Water...doesn't matter....and put them back into the reactor....good to go.