Prodibio Bio Digest Pure Garbage

[Steve Blum]

Definitely an estimate on the ratio but absolutely consumes more no3 than po4. Like Greg said, gotta have both for bacteria to consume.

ReeferFoxx thank you for the info. Yes I understand. My problem is not the Phosphate level as mine is high. I tried running phosban about 6 months ago and it did little to reduce my phosphate. it has been 6 months way past the life of phosban and it is still higher than I would like. I still have algae unfortunately. Prodibio makes a claim that it reduces phosphate. Guess it does not and I stand by my comment that Prodibio is garbage

 

[Velcro]

Before completely slandering a product that is known to work well for countless others you may want to get educated on the relationship of nitrogen phosphorous and organic carbon.

 

[reeferfoxx]

I think it's absolutely fine to have concerns with any product. I also think it needs to be backed up with visual proof. Confirm the GHA isn't just bryopsis and show the po4 results from a test kit. GFO is very effective at reducing po4 and if the claim that it isn't working, might have a cause for concern with the test kit itself. Things have to be validated before we can all agree.

 

[Steve Blum]

Definitely an estimate on the ratio but absolutely consumes more no3 than po4. Like Greg said, gotta have both for bacteria to consume.

Reeferfoxx thanks for the info. Phosphates are not my problem. I ran phosban in my aquaclear 110 about 6 months ago. It did not lower phosphates much and I have not recharged phosban way past the life of the phosban. I still have high phosphates and some algae so that is not a problem. The Prodibio has done nothing. In my opinion it is a waste of money and has no value.

 

[Steve Blum]

I think it's absolutely fine to have concerns with any product. I also think it needs to be backed up with visual proof. Confirm the GHA isn't just bryopsis and show the po4 results from a test kit. GFO is very effective at reducing po4 and if the claim that it isn't working, might have a cause for concern with the test kit itself. Things have to be validated before we can all agree.

Reeferfoxx I am familiar with Bryopsis and that is not my problem. It started with over feeding my fish. The last 2 months I am feeding 2 cubes for 13 big fish from those 3.5 Oz blister packs. Before I cut back about 3 months ago I was feeding 3+ cubes. That is what I think started my Nitrate and Phosphate problems. I tested with 2 different test kits and they both read the same. I will run the phosphate again in the next two weeks, but my last Phosphate test with API kit was a week ago and it was .25 ppm.

 

[reeferfoxx]

Reeferfoxx I am familiar with Bryopsis and that is not my problem. It started with over feeding my fish. The last 2 months I am feeding 2 cubes for 13 big fish from those 3.5 Oz blister packs. Before I cut back about 3 months ago I was feeding 3+ cubes. That is what I think started my Nitrate and Phosphate problems. I tested with 2 different test kits and they both read the same. I will run the phosphate again in the next two weeks, but my last Phosphate test with API kit was a week ago and it was .25 ppm.

No worries. The API phosphate test kit is less than acceptable for this purpose. More than likely a bad kit and I wouldn't base any measurement as accurate. With that, if you are going to play with nutrients, it's best to get the most accurate kit available to hobbyists. A lot of us here would agree the Hanna ULR Phosphorus checker is your best bet. Unfortunately, till then it will be very difficult for us to agree that the probidio product isn't working to your satisfaction. Don't confuse that statement with thinking I work for them. Heck, I've never tried the product.

Sorry this has become a headache for you as it shouldn't be but until you upgrade test kits, i'm afraid your nutrient concerns or validations will never be seen.

 

[Reefltx]

So, you want biodigest to fix a problem that you’ve been having for 23yrs?

Come on man, you likely have 23yrs worth of nutrients soaked in your rock and sand.

Sorry, I don’t mean to insult. I’m just going by the info you provided.

 

[Steve Blum]

Reeferfoxx. I agree about API I have upgraded everything else to Salifert and Red Sea. I will upgrade the phosphate test kit in August. I don't want to invest in in Hanna Checkers, but I will get another test kit, hopefully Red Sea or Salifert make one. Kind of a shame the API test kit is fairly new. I even used a vial of the Prodibio every week instead of every two weeks. It has been a major disappointment. Thank God I did Vodka Dosing with it and in a few more weeks I should see some results. In the mean time I must do water changes frequently as my D.T has 7 angels and if the nitrates get higher it might cause them not to eat.

 

[reeferfoxx]

Reeferfoxx. I agree about API I have upgraded everything else to Salifert and Red Sea. I will upgrade the phosphate test kit in August. I don't want to invest in in Hanna Checkers, but I will get another test kit, hopefully Red Sea or Salifert make one. Kind of a shame the API test kit is fairly new. I even used a vial of the Prodibio every week instead of every two weeks. It has been a major disappointment. Thank God I did Vodka Dosing with it and in a few more weeks I should see some results. In the mean time I must do water changes frequently as my D.T has 7 angels and if the nitrates get higher it might cause them not to eat.

I completely understand. Those hanna checkers can be pricey. I think it's more unfortunate that API makes such a huge gap between 0.00 and 0.25. The range in between is exponentially wide for our purposes. Honestly, the Red Sea Po4 would be my next recommendation. However, even with that kit, a slight miss measurement can through the results off. You can always run it by the LFS to see if they can test with trust worthy kit?

Are you running a protein skimmer?

 

[Steve Blum]

Before completely slandering a product that is known to work well for countless others you may want to get educated on the relationship of nitrogen phosphorous and organic carbon.

Yes Velcro I know about nitrogen and Organic carbon. If you would have seen my previous post you would have seen I am also vodka dosing to supply a Carbon source for the so called Prodibio biodigest which they fail to mention in their literature. I am not slandering, anyway if you look at other reviews you will see a fair number of other hobbyists saw no benefit. I am just reporting my experience. I used it because of those who said it works. Now I have experienced it and could not recommend anyone use it. Glad it worked for you. For meIi could have better spent my money on something else.

 

[Steve Blum]

I completely understand. Those hanna checkers can be pricey. I think it's more unfortunate that API makes such a huge gap between 0.00 and 0.25. The range in between is exponentially wide for our purposes. Honestly, the Red Sea Po4 would be my next recommendation. However, even with that kit, a slight miss measurement can through the results off. You can always run it by the LFS to see if they can test with trust worthy kit?

Are you running a protein skimmer?

Reeferfoxx, I am not slamming Prodibio just reporting my experience. Yes I am running a protein skimmer as when you vodka dose it is recommended. Have not got a lot of skimate yet but am starting to pick up dark brown material and still some foam. I think my best bet is to wait an extra month and then buy a hanah

 

[Steve Blum]

So, you want biodigest to fix a problem that you’ve been having for 23yrs?

Come on man, you likely have 23yrs worth of nutrients soaked in your rock and sand.

Sorry, I don’t mean to insult. I’m just going by the info you provided.

I know you didn't mean it as an insult. My parameters were very good until recently. I am hoping it can be corrected without breaking down my tank. I think it was a combo of things. one was my cannister filter, I got sick and was unable to service it for quite some time. I now have serviced it as well as my aquaclear 110. I stopped overfeeding, I am Vodka dosing in week 5. Hopefully i will get a response from the Vodka Dosing. I am also doing frequent water changes, have gone from 160 PPM to about 60-70 PPM. I will keep hoping this will correct the problem.

 

[Steve Blum]

So, you want biodigest to fix a problem that you’ve been having for 23yrs?

Come on man, you likely have 23yrs worth of nutrients soaked in your rock and sand.

Sorry, I don’t mean to insult. I’m just going by the info you provided.

I forgot to mention this is a recent problem. I also wash my rocks and scrub them every 2 months. Don't do much with the coral sand it seems to stay pretty clean. I am running Aquaclear 110. Marineland 400, Fluval 405 Cannister so tank is pretty clean.

 

[Velcro]

I really think you are phosphate limited if you aren't seeing increased skimmate after carbon and bacteria dosing.

 

[Steve Blum]

I really think you are phosphate limited if you aren't seeing increased skimmate after carbon and bacteria dosing.

Velcro my phosphate is still very high last week .25PPM should be less than .05PPM. I am seeing some increase in skimate. I have my skimmer set to make very dry Skimate. The sides are becoming coated with brown material just has not overflowed into my holding cup yet. Most posts show Vodka Dosing takes 6-8 weeks to work I just started week 5.

 

[gcarroll]

Good luck to you Steve in your battle, I sincerely hope you find a cure for your nitrate issue.

 

[Velcro]

Velcro my phosphate is still very high last week .25PPM should be less than .05PPM. I am seeing some increase in skimate. I have my skimmer set to make very dry Skimate. The sides are becoming coated with brown material just has not overflowed into my holding cup yet. Most posts show Vodka Dosing takes 6-8 weeks to work I just started week 5.

I'm not sure I'd trust the API test kit. Zero looks a lot like 0.25.

 

[joseserrano]

Canisters can also be heavy waste traps, and that aqua clear is intended for freshwater realistically. Good luck, it sounds like it is an uphill battle. carbon dosing will work, but be careful to not overdose.

 

[Steve Blum]

I'm not sure I'd trust the API test kit. Zero looks a lot like 0.25.

No it was definitely green .25 PPM much different then the zero

 

[Steve Blum]

Good luck to you Steve in your battle, I sincerely hope you find a cure for your nitrate issue.

Many thanks Greg. I am noticing much more skimmate today as I am in the middle of week 5 with Vodka dosing. Perhaps it will work in the next few weeks