Reef Discussion

[JurisHP]

Dear All: I have a 180G mixed reef tank, and have had NO3/PO4 issues for years. I am running Carbon, and 2 months ago, started using BRS Biopellets. I am also dosing NOPOX. When I started with the biopellets, I stopped running GFO (in my BRS dual reactor--the other chamber is where the carbon is). Today is the 8 week mark for the biopellets. Upon testing today, my PO4 levels have finally come down (.36), but I want them down even further. My NO4 levels have not budged. BRS recommends that the biopellets run for 8 weeks, and during that time shut-off the UV Sterilizer and stop dosing GFO.

Can I keep the biopellets running, and at the same time, dose NOPOX and/or Neonitro? Or is that a bad idea? I have gotten mixed answers from BRS on this, and don't want to dose too much OR dose things simultaneously that may result in some sort of chemistry disaster.

Thanks for any help.

 

[192k]

What is your nitrate reading now?

The Redfield Ratio states that with a phosphate reading of 0.36, your nitrates should theoretically be 5.76.

The above is only a guideline and there are many vairables involved when calculating the ratio, but ideally the levels should be C:N: P 106:16:1

If you have a high level of nitrates, then large frequent water changes could be an option to bring the levels down that don't involve additives.

I have not used the products you mentioned and maybe someone with first hand experience of them can provide more information about their use.

 

[Franklin Dattein]

Yes, you can mix organic carbon sources, such as bio-pellets and NOPOX, but I wouldn't recommend.

There is a school of though that recommends mixing organic carbon sources, to feed different strains of bacteria and avoid a mono-culture. Knowing that, reputable brands such as NOPOX, already mix different sources in their products.

However, I wouldn't recommend mixing it yourself. Why not? Because these products take time to be effective and you wanna learn how they react to your tank, in order to repeat the process when you achieve success.
When you mix different products, you end up adding an extra variable to the puzzle and consequently making more difficult to learn and repeat.
You can also speed up the learn from others, but not many people, will be using the same mix as yours. Therefore, it will be hard for anyone to give advice.