Looking to start a full aquaforest tank need info.

[kyle reimer]

Hi everyone

I'm starting a new 60g reef tank and I want it to be sps dominated. I did my research on zeovit and was going to go that way, even bought the special reactor. Then someone told me about aquaforest, and I started doing some research on that. I really like that aquaforest has everything from Salt and additives for corals to carbon and phosphate remover. But I do have a few questions. Now I know that it says in the manual that you don't have to shake the aquaforest zeolites but is it OK to agitate them once a day just to keep them clean so water can flow thru them better? Also I was wondering is it OK to use live sand and dry rock to start the tank or does it have to be like zeovit and use live rock and dry sand so the bacteria can culture properly? Can marine pure also be placed in the sump to add as a extra pla e for bacteria to culture or is this not a good idea? I also read that the you can run the zeolites, carbon, and phosphate remover in one reactor, but I was wondering can you run those in separate reactors so that just in case you don't need the phosphate remover it can be taken out easier from the system since you are only to run the phosphate remover if they are to high? If someone could awnser those questions and help me get a better understanding of this system that would be great. I am really considering this over zeovit.

 

[cbear44]

I considered zeovit as well but went with AF for my 180g new start. I don't know the Zeo question - I'm not running that at the moment (it's kinda optional from what I gather)

Also I was wondering is it OK to use live sand and dry rock to start the tank or does it have to be like zeovit and use live rock and dry sand so the bacteria can culture properly?

I used dead rock and dead sand for mine - well cured rock. You can use live rock and sand but you might get die off initially.

Can marine pure also be placed in the sump to add as a extra pla e for bacteria to culture or is this not a good idea?

The more biofiltration the better. Many use siporax or seachem matrix as extra surface area. I put in 10L of siporax and about 4L of matrix together. My nitrates are at 0.2 and phosphate at 0.015. The reason to do this is that you don't have to fill your DT with live rock if you don't want to. I used the BioS for the start and added a marine pure block from a cycled tank - no issues besides a small spike in ammonia for 1 day.

My experience now 1.5 months in is that I'm not even using NPpro-ProBioS at the moment. As mentioned before my nitrates are at close to ULNS levels without doing much besides a lot of biofiltration. I'm dosing with ABEV supplements and corals seem happy.

I also read that the you can run the zeolites, carbon, and phosphate remover in one reactor, but I was wondering can you run those in separate reactors so that just in case you don't need the phosphate remover it can be taken out easier from the system since you are only to run the phosphate remover if they are to high?

I don't see this as a problem. I'm using BRS GFO and Carbon in mine. I'm starting to mix in probiotic salt with my water changes. Not sure if its making any difference yet.

 

[kyle reimer]

Thanks for the reply. That gives me alot of info and I think I leaning more towards aquaforest then zeovit. Now if anyone can awnser my zeolites question I would be golden.

 

[Perry]

Hi, the method is not as strict as with Zeovit. So yes, you can start with dry sand, live rock, or live sand and dead rock, or dead sand dead rock, or live sand live rock As far as pulsing the Zeo Mix, there is no harm in doing so, while it is not necessary, it cannot harm either, you may extend your exchanges by doing so. Many of the AF tanks use stack method, stacking Zeo Mix, Carbon, and Phosphate Minus in one single reactor, exchanged every 4-6 weeks. This is quite popular in fact, and something you may want to explore. I did not see any difference in shaking the stones myself, but know others who do, old habits I suppose

 

[kyle reimer]

Thanks perry. Since it won't hurt the zeolites and I have a auto agitating reactor I may as well shake them every now and then.