Biopellet reactor and nitrate expected results

Zechirian · May 4, 2016

Evening All!

Just had a question. I've had issues with keeping nitrates lower for a while now and had been dosing No3Po4x from RedSea and it was doing a really good job. My problem is that in order to reduce daily maintenance and preparing for vacation time i'd really like to have the house sitter not have to worry about dosing daily.

So i decided to start up a biopellet reactor along with a regime of Prodibio Biodigest and Bioptim.

Here are the results so far:

Week 1: Biopellet reactor start, 1/2cup biopellets, 1x biodigest, 3x bioptim, No3 5
Week2: add 1/2cup biopellets, No3 5
Week3: 1x biodigest, 3x bioptim, No3 10
Today: No3 is at 25

So i'm seeing a rise in Nitrates and not sure if that's to be expected until the biopellet reactor can become fully operational.

I see a couple of options:
1. Add another 1/2cup biopellets
2. Hold off on adding more biopellets and 25g water change
3. Add another 1/2cup biopellets and a 25g water change

Here is my system setup:
120g display, 39g sump, Aquamaxx EM300 skimmer, Aquamaxx XL Biopellet reactor, various other bells and whistles

I have the output of the biopellet reactor plumbed into the skimmer via a T fitting and connected to the skimmer, so it's not leaking out anywhere.

I have a Tomini Tang, Lt Tang, One Spot Foxface, 2x Snowflake clown, Hoevens Wrasse, Royal Gramma, Blue Jaw Trigger, Court Jester Goby, Midas Blenny and 3 Lyrtail Anthias. So it's stocked towards the heavy end.

Any help, comments, concerns, questions, birthday wishes or what have you would be welcomed!

Thanks!

Randy Holmes-Farley · May 5, 2016

I would just wait as it takes a while for biopellets to get going. Only rather unusual bacteria can grow on them, and it may take a while to build up enough. :)