Cutting up MarinePure blocks?

[eraserhead187]

Howdy!

I've got a 34g BioCube, and am interested in adding a block to enhance nitrate processing. However, I've modded the middle chamber to accommodate a larger skimmer and have a custom media basket in there, so there is no room for an 8x8x4 block. Will the nitrate fixation lose its effectiveness if I hack the block into a few smaller pieces that I can then put in one of the trays of my media basket? I know that the overall size of the block is important for housing anaerobic bacteria. Will making it smaller negate the positive effects? Thanks!

Bobby

 

[Smo]

Howdy!

I've got a 34g BioCube, and am interested in adding a block to enhance nitrate processing. However, I've modded the middle chamber to accommodate a larger skimmer and have a custom media basket in there, so there is no room for an 8x8x4 block. Will the nitrate fixation lose its effectiveness if I hack the block into a few smaller pieces that I can then put in one of the trays of my media basket? I know that the overall size of the block is important for housing anaerobic bacteria. Will making it smaller negate the positive effects? Thanks!

Bobby

Given I use 8x8x1 plates in my sump with excellent results—nitrates barely detectable—I’d say you’d be just fine. But rather than cutting into an expensive block they also produce smaller cubes and bio-ball sized products too.

 

[jsker]

Given I use 8x8x1 plates in my sump with excellent results—nitrates barely detectable—I’d say you’d be just fine. But rather than cutting into an expensive block they also produce smaller cubes and bio-ball sized products too.

+1

 

[JBKReef]

They sell small cubes and small balls of the stuff... I’m not sure if you will get the full effect of a big block but the pieces will certainly hold enough of the bacteria you’re looking for

 

[eraserhead187]

They sell small cubes and small balls of the stuff... I’m not sure if you will get the full effect of a big block but the pieces will certainly hold enough of the bacteria you’re looking for

Do the cubes and spheres do as good of a job with the NO3 - N2 conversion, since they aren't as thick? Thanks for the ideas!

 

[JBKReef]

Do the cubes and spheres do as good of a job with the NO3 - N2 conversion, since they aren't as thick? Thanks for the ideas!

I would say probably not. Since the “low flow” quality of the bigger blocks would not translate. Especially in the return chamber

 

[eraserhead187]

That's what I thought. I'm going to hack up an 8x8x4 brick into as large of pieces as I can and stick them in a few locations in the back chambers. I'll update with the results. Thanks for the input!

 

[TerraMagnus]

That's what I thought. I'm going to hack up an 8x8x4 brick into as large of pieces as I can and stick them in a few locations in the back chambers. I'll update with the results. Thanks for the input!

I'm curious about a long-term update on this. How'd it go?

 

[JumboShrimp]

Just be aware that the more 'cutting,' I would assume the more chance of disintegration at the cut edges.

 

[Idoc]

My guess is that your anareobic bacteria are more deep in your live rock vs being in marinepure blocks.