Hi fellow reefers!
As you may recall many threads together with tests were performed by reefers here on MASA about NP Bio-pellets. Most feedback were negative with some good results.:P
Myself and Lanzo performed LOADS of research on NP Pellets and have tried and tested many different reactors, pellets, flow rates etc.
We can now with confidence say and state that NP Pellets does work!:thumbup:
We have started up a tank in our shop some 5 - 6 months ago using only NP Pellets and a TS2 Skimmer. The tank holds about 500 liters of water.
We even went as far to skip water changes for 3 months and the results were unbelievable.:biggrin:
Like many denitration methods, we believe that they all work, but has to be applied the correct way. Just like DSB for example. Many reefers claim that they don't work only to find out that they applied the method incorrectly.
With NP Pellets there are certain very important facts to consider in order to run this successfully.;)
Flow:
This is where many of us got it wrong... NP Pellets require LOADS of flow. Plenty of flow is needed to prevent any bacterial build-up from taking place. Basically the flow needs to be strong enough to constantly loosen the bacterial build-up from the pellet right to the skimmer intake where it is removed.
If the flow is to weak the bacterial build-up remains stagnant and sulfur problems occur.
Reactor:
The correct reactor must be used. We have DYI'd our own reactors together with some maintenance clients and the correct reactor play's a HUGE role. A reactor must be used that can stir the pellets quite violently. This ensures that the pellets rubs against each other removing the bacterial build-up.
Preferable reactors containing NO sponges must be used. The slime (Bacteria) that is constantly removed clogs the sponges and then requires maintenance. Once you remove the pellets to perform maintenance you trigger bacterial die-off.
We personally recommend Reef Octopus NP Pellets reactors. The second batch of reactors that landed really have some nifty improvements since the first reactors was released!
Skimmer:
As most products on the market like Phos E, NP Pellets only works well in conjunction with a GOOD quality skimmer. Preferable rated for 30% more than the total water volume. Once the bacterial wastage is removed from the pellets using the correct flow and reactor, the skimmer removes this from the water.
Pellet Amount:
We have done many experiments and found the following to work very well:
- N/P Bio Pellets = We recommend 1ml for each liter of water.
- BrightWell Catalyst = We recommend 1ml for each gallon of water.
Then there is also the debate about how much pellets for Softies, LPS and SPS. Well, starting with our above recommended dosage, you will be able to keep most corals. As the need arises you can add more pellets.
Feeding:
In some cases we have seen corals Bleach due to the pellets removing ALL the nutrients. Feeding becomes extremely important when using NP Pellets. ALL corals and fish eat FOOD in the ocean. So lets give them a well planned diet of food.
But also be careful....., it is very important that you find the correct balance of feeding as overfeeding can cause major problems not even the NP Pellets can resolve.
Our conclusion:
Starting up a tank with NP Pellets provides the BEST results!:thumbup: It is easy to set a big ship in the right direction, but sometimes very difficult to turn a ship going in the wrong direction around. We have seen very good results with pellets added to established systems, but the KEY is patients. It usually takes twice as long for the pellets to deliver results.
The Pellet route is definatly one that Dorry Pets will recommend to ANY new and existing reefer. Although more expensive than say a DSB, it require far less space and has the added benefit of removing phosphates as well. Using the NP Pellets with the correct reactor, flow pump and skimmer offers very little maintenance. You would only need to top-up the pellets every 4 6 months.
I hope you all find the thread very useful and please shout if you have any more question as I might have left something out
.:biggrin::biggrin:
