Biopellet Question

[Scubabum]

I've been carbon dosing my tank for about a year using Vodka. I've been able to keep my Nitrates at about 2-4ppm. I started using Biopellets to avoid the daily dosing of Vodka. I started my biopellet reactor 10 weeks ago with 1/3 recommended amount of BRS pellets and over several weeks increased to the recommended amount while weaning off the Vodka. Now at ten weeks in, my Nitrate is slowly increasing. Currently sitting at 7-9 ppm. My skimmer has been producing a bit more dark skimate than normal but I haven't seen a reduction in Nitrate. At ten weeks shouldn't the pellets have started working by now? Anyone have any suggestions?

 

[jsker]

How fast do you have the pellets turning? It should be a very slow tumble for the bactira to form on the pellets.

 

[Scubabum]

How fast do you have the pellets turning? It should be a very slow tumble for the bactira to form on the pellets.

I have them tumbling at a pretty decent rate but nothing crazy. I've noticed the pellets are turning a little orangish. My reactor is fed with a DC pump so I am able to adjust the tumble. Sounds like I need to slow them down a bit.

 

[jsker]

here is my tumble :)

 

[Scubabum]

Thanks jsker, My tumble rate was just slightly faster. I've turned them down a notch. If that doesn't solve the problem, do you have any other ideas?