DMSO reef safe?

[Miami Reef]

Thanks Randy

I have a question about biopellets: BRS says their canister is rated for 75 gallon tanks. Why would the canister size matter if the pellets aren’t consumed either way?

I’d like to learn what’s limiting factor for biopellet nitrate reduction.

Also, does it really have to be in a canister? Wouldn’t a high flow area in the sump have enough oxygen to allow aerobic bacteria consumption?


I just want to learn about how the process works. I’m not trying to take any shortcuts.

 

[Miami Reef]

More questions here:

BRS says it’s for denitrifying bacteria. Was that a typo?

BRS Bulk Biopellets are made from 100% natural Polyhydroxyalkanoates or PHA and are an excellent solid carbon source for denitrifying bacteria in the aquarium.

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/brs-...tWdXG_HgU95m9v8KDLBgiJmQbJPo5nrRoCMcYQAvD_BwE

Here is the tank size rating for the canister:

Perfect for tumbling biopellets. No thumbs screws, foam pads or leaky lids common with other reactors. The reactor will hold up to 350mL (~1.5 cups) of biopellets. Suitable for tanks 75g and smaller.

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/brs-...0K0xlrEGnSA7X5aXsB-iD1CDTrYVsbIfT9He40z7NqHra


Why would the quantity of the pellets matter if the entire pellet is edible? My reasoning, which is likely wrong, is saying that as long as there are pellets, the bacteria will not be carbon limited, so adding more shouldn’t increase the rate of nitrate reduction.

 

[Troylee]

More questions here:

BRS says it’s for denitrifying bacteria. Was that a typo?


https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/brs-...tWdXG_HgU95m9v8KDLBgiJmQbJPo5nrRoCMcYQAvD_BwE

Here is the tank size rating for the canister:


https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/brs-...0K0xlrEGnSA7X5aXsB-iD1CDTrYVsbIfT9He40z7NqHra


Why would the quantity of the pellets matter if the entire pellet is edible? My reasoning, which is likely wrong, is saying that as long as there are pellets, the bacteria will not be carbon limited, so adding more shouldn’t increase the rate of nitrate reduction.

I’d imagine surface area.. less pellets less bacteria can grow, food or not.. lots of pellets more surface area more bacteria at a single time. I could be wrong I suck at chemistry but that’s my thoughts haha!

 

[Miami Reef]

I’d imagine surface area.. less pellets less bacteria can grow, food or not.. lots of pellets more surface area more bacteria at a single time. I could be wrong I suck at chemistry but that’s my thoughts haha!

That seems logical!

Hmm. Carbon dosing with biopellets or DMSO haha. What has gotten into me lol.

For now I’ll just let nitrate climb over the week. I’ll take a measurement of the NO₃ prior, measure exactly how much DMSO + prazi I added, then see the depletion rate.

I’m a bit skeptical that DMSO could be that effective. I didn’t notice any bacteria blooms and the pH didn’t really drop. Doesn’t make sense.

I think it was just a coincidence. I’ll find out in a week.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I would not assume any actual denitrification is taking place, but it might. It may be mostly aerobic consumption by specialized bacteria.

It will be a process limited by pellet surface area.

 

[Miami Reef]

I would not assume any actual denitrification is taking place, but it might. It may be mostly aerobic consumption by specialized bacteria.

It will be a process limited by pellet surface area.

Thanks Randy. Random question. What could be contributing sources of lithium in a reef tank? Someone uses IO purple (just like most people) but his lithium is about 1500 ug/L if I’m not mistaken.

I really don’t think it could be from the salt. Maybe people use it and have tested it. I don’t think it’s likely he got many bad batches.

What do you think?