I've read bio-pellets are the solid from of vodka dosing and I've been wanting to try them. It's a little scary to leave the pellets run full time because I can't judge how much is added like I can when dosing vodka. I would say its still to be determined if you can actually overdo the pellets and I understand the theory behind them about this but I still don't totally trust it. I dose MB7 and vodka every once in awhile just to give my tank a little kick from time and I figured I would give bio-pellets a try. I got some from a buddy which is really the only reason I'm trying them now instead of later because of the mixed reviews. I wonder if each brand is experiencing the same results or totally different results (algae blooms, etc..). The brand I'm trying out are the ATB HQ Bio-pellets.
I soaked them for 24hrs before putting them in line. I started with only 100ml or so for my total water volume of around 180g of water because I didn't want to add to much. They are running in a TLF reactor w/ a MJ 600 pump. I took out the foam and added some screen to prevent clumping or clogging.
I added the reactor to my tank yesterday. My ph usually runs on the low side (7.6 or so) and once I added the reactor my ph dropped to 7.3. I don't know whether its a coincidence or what. Later I looked at the graph on my RKE and my ph was jumping all around throughout the day from 7.3-7.8. My alk was 8, sal. is 1.026 so I don't know what else could be causing the ph swing. The only thing I have added to the tank this week is MB7 and that was probably 3 days ago. This morning my ph is at 7.5 and still jumpy so I have no idea whats going on.
The media is still tumbling great, no clumping or clogging of any kind. For the number crunchers out there, I won't be displaying test results. It's been a long time since I have tested for Po4 and has been a couple of years since I have tested for nitrates. I'm just seeing what effect they have on my system (colors, skimmate, etc..) and seeing what problems (hopefully none) I experience.
