RS RCP, Zeovit or hybride approach?

[reef-rc]

I had post this message on the nano forum and figured that may not have enough eyes there so I thought I drop it here.

I am currently on the crossroads between which approach to take at this point with the 13G mixed reef. The intent is to keep a relatively low nutrient tank. The tank itself is just 6 weeks and doing good.
Based on my limited research I am considering either red sea reef care program or zeovit. Initially I had planned to start with zeovit. After additional research, I am reconsidering and leaning toward RS RCP based on three factors: it's simpler, less expensive and results are more or less the same for a mixed reef. If this tank was mostly SPS, I may not have asking this question and gone with original plan.

I mentioned hybrid as it would seem I may be able to mix a little of both approach at a later point...am I off?

 

[jwshiver]

I have been running Zeovit for over a year. I personally wouldn't run it on a 13 gallon system. I think it would be too difficult to dial in on that small of water volume and could easily over strip the water. You should be fine with weekly water changes.

 

[ramabama]

I have been running Zeovit for over a year. I personally wouldn't run it on a 13 gallon system. I think it would be too difficult to dial in on that small of water volume and could easily over strip the water. You should be fine with weekly water changes.

How do you like the Zeovit system?

 

[jwshiver]

I like it mainly because of the control I have over NO3 & PO4. I can easily take both to zero. This gives me the control to target the levels of each through feedings and/or NO3 & PO4 additives. The biggest caution to someone who is considering Zeovit is to be prepaired for a long and sometimes painful/expensive learning curve. There is a vast amount of shared knowledge and experience that can be found on forums with other Zeovit users, but as we know every tank is different. You have to look at the available information as a general guide for your tank. Once you have the system dialed in, although there will always be some minor adjustments, I think most would like the control it gives of some of the tanks parameters. If you enjoy the daily labor of love of having a reef tank I recommend it. If you only want to deal with your tank a few days a week then Zeovit is probably not for you.

 

[reef-rc]

I like it mainly because of the control I have over NO3 & PO4. I can easily take both to zero. This gives me the control to target the levels of each through feedings and/or NO3 & PO4 additives. The biggest caution to someone who is considering Zeovit is to be prepaired for a long and sometimes painful/expensive learning curve. There is a vast amount of shared knowledge and experience that can be found on forums with other Zeovit users, but as we know every tank is different. You have to look at the available information as a general guide for your tank. Once you have the system dialed in, although there will always be some minor adjustments, I think most would like the control it gives of some of the tanks parameters. If you enjoy the daily labor of love of having a reef tank I recommend it. If you only want to deal with your tank a few days a week then Zeovit is probably not for you.

@jwshiver - thanks for the advice. I sense from researching that may be the case and that was one concern I have. Currently with this size tank and given my situation, I am short on time and my situation may change very soon.

 

[miniChou]

I wanted to refresh this topic since I have some of the same questions in terms of using a Zeovit and RS RCP hybrid. I recently started Zeovit on my tank (for about 5 weeks). It has done well in keeping my NO3 and PO4 low. However, I find the KZ products frustrating to use, and also not the cheapest. I get a lot of tips from the Zeovit forum, and I don't mind the daily chores of Zeovit if I can get the results I'm after. However, for example, I've been trying to raise my K+ (potassium) levels as advised by the Zeovit forum. So I got their K-balance additives which states the following instructions: "dose 1 ml per 25 gallons". How this actually increase my K+ levels and at what rate is a total mystery. I've been using this for a week with no change in my K+ level. RS has their Colors B additive for K+ which states "1 mL will raise the potassium level of 25 gallons (100 liters) by1.75ppm". Red Sea seems to be a MUCH more informative product with better directions, plus it is cheaper than Zeovit's K-balance. What are thoughts on using Red Sea additives such as Colors B and RS RCP additives, while continuing to use the primary Zeovit system of their stones, Zeostart (carbon dosing), and ZeoBak?