Bio Pellets & High Alk levels

jbb_00 · Jun 5, 2014

First off , if this is in the wrong section I apologize . Feel free to move to the appropriate area.

I am in the process of "restarting" a 90g reef (crash after a move) , and I am debating on running pellets. I have been in the hobby for around 11 years, but my knowledge on pellets is VERY limited. I read a lot of threads saying that you really should be hitting NSW parameters (alk mainly) if running pellets, but I'm wondering if running a lesser amount of pellets than recommended can still be effective while keeping elevated Alk levels. as it sits I am in the 12dKh neighborhood , and I wonder if I would just be better off running GFO/ Carbon , or maybe just a refugium. To me the pellets are just a cleaner look, and seem to be less maintenance which works well for me since I travel for work (usually 3-4 days at a time , once / twice per month) .

Thanks in advance.

If I'm crazy please feel free to let me know.

jduck · Jun 5, 2014

The reason you want to run lower alk with Carbon dosing (vinigaer, vodka, biopellets) is that you my end up with Alk Burn.
Biopellets are just for reducing Phosphates/Nitrates.

jbb_00 · Jun 5, 2014

jduck said:
The reason you want to run lower alk with Carbon dosing (vinigaer, vodka, biopellets) is that you my end up with Alk Burn.
Biopellets are just for reducing Phosphates/Nitrates.

I understand what they are for , and the reason for lower alk . My question was is there a way to run a lower amount of pellets , still get the reduction in trates/phates , and not burn anything with my current alk levels. I'm not looking to go ULN , just wondering if there was a happy middle.