Anybody running NP Biopellets

[dough]

AKA solid vodka dosing pellets. It looks like these are some type of solid but biodegradable carbon based product that is used in replacement of vodka/carbon dosing and GFO. The basic principle is that aerobic bacteria grows on these pellets and consuming N and P. Since they are consuming and competing for N and P this reduces nuisance algae and cyano.

It sounds like plug and play type system, reducing the daily dosing of carbon sources etc. It's not cheap but with Warner Marine entering into the market with new pricing it should help drop the costs.

It looks interesting and I'm thinking about trying it. I was wondering if anybody has had success locally with this?

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1694529">http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1694529</a>

[IMG]http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1829509">http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1829509</a>

[IMG]http://www.npbiopellets.com/index.php/home">http://www.npbiopellets.com/index.php/home</a>

[IMG]http://reefbuilders.com/2010/05/10/warner-marine-unveils-ecobak-solid-vodka-dosing-pellets/">http://reefbuilders.com/2010/05/10/warner-marine-unveils-ecobak-solid-vodka-dosing-pellets/</a>

 

[dough]

I'm not sure what would cause the pH drop. How long have you been running it?

 

[ralph atl]

I've been following as it is somewhat simpler than dosing vodka daily. havn't pulled the trigger yet. may or may not. can't decide. lol.

 

[morganatlanta]

I'm using a similar aerobic bacteria and carbon system called the Hiatt system http://www.hdltd.com">(www.hdltd.com</a>). So far my results are mixed, but my set up isn't exactly like their suggested setup-- I've got an open sump whereas they suggest using a canister filter.
The Ph and dissolved O2 drop comes from the aerobic bacteria using up available oxygen and producing CO2. The excess CO2 lowers the pH significantly unless you have a good buffer, and your O2 will drop as well unless you have good aeration. Hiatt suggests using Ca/Mg gravel they call "pH Rock" to keep the pH up, and putting the return flow to the tank above the water to allow off-gassing of the CO2 and absorption of O2. I've had a little trouble with the return flow above the water because it is too loud for me, but I'm working on a solution-- an algae turf scrubber which runs the output from the bacteria/carbon/pHRock over a screen to use up CO2 and any extra nutrients to grow algae while at the same time providing excellent aeration. The flow over the screen is also very quiet. I just set the screen up so I don't have algae growth yet, but my pH and DO are back where they should be.

 

[jcusmarine]

I use NP Biopellets with success. Just make sure you have a good skimmer and put the output of the BP reactor near the skimmer intake. I have not had a bacteria bloom and Polyp extension will be your first sign things are going well. I would recommend as long as you have a good skimmer and maintain good husbandry. My Ph runs a little lower than I would like, but not at dangerous levels. I am adding a CO2 scubber on my skimmer intake to see if I can hold a Ph of 8.3/8.4 soon.

 

[jonathan]

I placed an order for 2 liters of them yesterday and should have them on Friday. I also ordered the new Next Reef XL reactor and should have it next week. I plan on posting daily/weekly results as soon as I get everything setup.

 

[weaglereefer]

So does this require their special reactor, or would something like a Phosban reactor work? Does it need recirculating, or just in/out?

 

[jonathan]

Phosban reactor will work but you will want to remove the pads. They will get clogged with bacteria very quickly from my understanding. The hole sizes on the pad (plates?) should be small enough to prevent the pellets from passing. The larger Phosban 550 would probably work better due to the size/ability to hold more pellets. The Next Reef recommended flow rate for the pellets is 350 gph. I would definitely use tubing with a Phosban reactor and ditch the flimsy elbows due to the required flow. Running the output next to the skimmer will pull out excess bacteria from the reactor as well as blow off the co2 created.

 

[jcusmarine]

I use a Phosban reactor 150 to run the NP Pellets for my 45. I modded the reactor by taking out the foam and cut disks of 14 gauge Plastic Canvas to replace the foam. I added a Eco 396 gph pump as the maxi-jet 1200 would not cut it. Here is a pic of the mesh, you can have some if you like:

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[jcusmarine]

Also, for those without room for a reactor or wishing a slow flow solution, there may be a new alternative:

 

[jonathan]

Is that the cross stitch stuff from the craft store? Looks like the perfect size.

Jonathan

 

[jcusmarine]

Jonathan;510276 wrote: Is that the cross stitch stuff from the craft store? Looks like the perfect size.

Jonathan

Yes, I read a thread on another forum. It is craft cross stitch stuff....never even knew it existed until now. It is perfect for making sure the pellets stay in the reactor, and allows sufficient flow without clogging.

 

[weaglereefer]

jcusmarine;510239 wrote: Also, for those without room for a reactor or wishing a slow flow solution, there may be a new alternative: http://reefbuilders.com/2010/05/10/warner-marine-unveils-ecobak-solid-vodka-dosing-pellets/">http://reefbuilders.com/2010/05/10/warner-marine-unveils-ecobak-solid-vodka-dosing-pellets/</a>[/QUOTE]


According to the article, 1L of pellets would only need 100gph, meaning it would be ideal for a Phosban and MJ setup.

Dosing has been a hassle lately with changing work schedules. Do you have to start slow with this stuff, like with GFO or VSV?

And I think I'd almost positively need a CO2 scrubber at this point since my pH already runs very low...

 

[jcusmarine]

Everyones system is different, so I am hesitant to advise. I will say I just calculated the amount of pellets for my system and went for it and have had no adverse effects.

I am definatly adding a CO2 Scrubber, just to help keep Ph up a little more....it is not that bad a drop in Ph.

Let us know how it goes if you pull the trigger.

 

[dough]

jcusmarine;510239 wrote: Also, for those without room for a reactor or wishing a slow flow solution, there may be a new alternative: http://reefbuilders.com/2010/05/10/warner-marine-unveils-ecobak-solid-vodka-dosing-pellets/">http://reefbuilders.com/2010/05/10/warner-marine-unveils-ecobak-solid-vodka-dosing-pellets/</a>[/QUOTE]

I've been in contact with Jon at Warner Marine about this as I don't have a reactor. He says "We believe that ecoBAK can still be effective in a media bag, even if slightly less so than in a reactor". I take that we've not tried it but......

Anyway I'm going to get some from Warner Marine and take the plug.

 

[dough]

jcusmarine;510129 wrote: .... My Ph runs a little lower than I would like, but not at dangerous levels.....

What's it running at?

 

[jcusmarine]

8.0-8.1

 

[jonathan]

My NextReef SMR1 XL Biopellet reactor just arrived. The build quality is excellent. Hopefully I will get an opportunity to plumb it in over the next few days. I plan on running the output directly into a secondary skimmer.
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[jcusmarine]

Biopellets still working away on my system. I have had no problems and still value the addition, although I am seeing mixed reports and various reviews online. I think folks expect too much from these pellets....they are just a small part of the equation.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[jonathan]

My reactor has been running for 5 months now and I am pleased with the results. They are keeping my nitrates down but do not handle the phosphates quite as well as I hoped. Skimmate production greatly increased once the pellets got going and hasn't let up. I plan to continue the biopellets and recommend them.

Jonathan