Siporax vs. MarinePure

[cromag27 Verified Sponsor]

I've used both and I don't know if either works, or even to what degree.

Both products provide surface area for nitrifying and denitrifying bacteria. there is no exact recipe for surface area per tank, for biological filtration. it will vary tank to tank. so I wouldn't worry so much about the right amount - there is no "right" amount.

 

[john.m.cole3]

I'm a big fan of marinepure bricks. I've never tried anything else, so I can't help compare the 2. I noticed a large drop in my NO3 6 months after starting up my system with a new brick. I think it takes a long time (6 months) for the bacteria to colonize in the anoxic zones. I perform a bit of maintenance with the brick at the beginning of every month, it's easy. I put about 3 gallons of clean SW in a bucket during WC time, dunk the brick in the clean water about 20 times and put it back after I sohop vac that area of the sump. I want to try the Brightwell bricks for my new build.

 

[Daniel@R2R Verified Admin]

I'm a big fan of marinepure bricks. I've never tried anything else, so I can't help compare the 2. I noticed a large drop in my NO3 6 months after starting up my system with a new brick. I think it takes a long time (6 months) for the bacteria to colonize in the anoxic zones. I perform a bit of maintenance with the brick at the beginning of every month, it's easy. I put about 3 gallons of clean SW in a bucket during WC time, dunk the brick in the clean water about 20 times and put it back after I sohop vac that area of the sump. I want to try the Brightwell bricks for my new build.

What's a "sohop vac"? That sounds like something I need...my sump is getting pretty dirty and I can't siphon out because of the height... :/

 

[Maritimer]

(>_<)

Suspect "Shop Vac", i.e., wet-dry vacuum.

~Bruce

 

[Anirban]

How much siporax do I need for a 22g frag tank?

I will say 2 litre is enough. It will be a bit overkill but as its a frag tank and possibly without any live rock. More is good.

 

[john.m.cole3]

What's a "sohop vac"? That sounds like something I need...my sump is getting pretty dirty and I can't siphon out because of the height... :/

LOL! I use the buckethead from home depot. It was about $25 if I remember correctly.

 

[Rakie]

I've used both and I don't know if either works, or even to what degree.

Both products provide surface area for nitrifying and denitrifying bacteria. there is no exact recipe for surface area per tank, for biological filtration. it will vary tank to tank. so I wouldn't worry so much about the right amount - there is no "right" amount.

I will say I was using Seachem Matrix and I had to dose no3 religiously just to keep it detectable, let alone where I like it (above 5). After pulling my matrix and replacing with brand new siporax, it my nitrates coincidentally spiked extremely hard.

It'll take a few months for the Siporax to become colonized, but I can tell you for sure the Matrix was having a huge impact.

 

[roostertech]

LOL! I use the buckethead from home depot. It was about $25 if I remember correctly.

I got the same thing but the bucket fills up in 10s so it is very hard to do good cleaning?

 

[Wh00pS32]

I use 2 liters of siporax in my 55 liter nano which is overkill but tbh i don't think you can over do it. Been using it for 2 years and it's my only method of nutrient export (apart from water changes) and seems to work well.
About once a month i take the bags out and give them a good shake in tank water, you would be surprised at the crap that comes out.

 

[bklynreef123]

I guess I'll be the first to say I threw my marine pure block out and my tank has improved since. I had almost 0 NO3 with the brick and I think that caused a nutrient imbalance even though I was running rowa in a reactor. Once I removed the brick I saw improvement in coral health. Just my .02 and every system is different.

 

[TetoCCB]

I will say I was using Seachem Matrix and I had to dose no3 religiously just to keep it detectable, let alone where I like it (above 5). After pulling my matrix and replacing with brand new siporax, it my nitrates coincidentally spiked extremely hard.

It'll take a few months for the Siporax to become colonized, but I can tell you for sure the Matrix was having a huge impact.

What form of MarinePure were you using?... Block, plate or spheres?...

 

[Rakie]

What form of MarinePure were you using?... Block, plate or spheres?...

Seachem Matrix, completely different product but does the same thing.