Bio Pellets and Carbon (1 Viewer)

[nanna]

One week ago we upgraded from our 55g show tank to a 90g. All went well, not one loss of any kind!
I've been running bio pellets for about 2 months and was wondering if it would be okay to add another reactor with carbon in it? I'm not planning on running the carbon constantly, just want to know if it would be okay to run it for about a week to polish the water and then take it offline. I was thinking about 1 week each month just for that little extra boost. Any comments will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Ginger

 

[fightmeaboutit]

You're suppose to run carbon constantly with biopellets

 

[nanna]

Ok, thanks for the info. I"ll get the carbon running right away. I had been told it was best not to run carbon with bio pellets.

 

[wendy32693]

I also am running bio pellets and heard that you werent suppose to run carbon as well?

 

[nanna]

oh boy, back to the drawing board. I'll do some more research. Comments will still be appreciated.

 

[fightmeaboutit]

Am guessing you didn't run carbon because you heard biopellets are a carbon source?

 

[MrReef]

I run carbon even when I use a carbon source...vinager....it just help clear up water and take any extra stuff out

 

[nanna]

No, honestly didn't think about bio pellets being a carbon source. Can't claim to be that smart. LOL I just remembered reading somewhere you shouldn't use the two at the same time but don't remember the details why.

 

[MrReef]

Really dont see why you shouldnt???? Maybe while the bio-pellets are just first intro to tank so pellets can get the most bacteria to start it up

 

[fightmeaboutit]

Biopellets are a organic carbon source completly different from activated carbon

 

[MrReef]

Biopellets are a organic carbon source completly different from activated carbon

Which is why I would see a problem on running both at same time

 

[MrReef]

Oops ment why I wouldnt!! Hehe sorry

 

[nanna]

I've decided to start the reactor with carbon. I've been doing more research and can't find anything that leads me to believe the carbon would be detrimental while running bio pellets. Thank you all for your comments. If something should start going hay wire I'll let you all know.

 

[dayton]

My next purchase is going to be 2 reactors, one for bio pellets and one ffffoooorrrrr????? ( I was thinking carbon because I already have GFO running) so please do say something if you notice anything, even good things please.

 

[dayton]

I just started my bio pellets and now water is a little cloudy? I assume from the pellets? I have sea chem in the fuge, did your water get cloudy?

 

[Diesel]

If you start with bio-pellets you let it sit in your sump with NO pump running from the reactor for about 12 hours.
After that you can turn on the pump.
At least that told me by Dr. Tim.
It will take a while when your pellets starts working, how long depends on what kind of biopellets you have.
The one you got I don't know really.
I will start using my reactor on the new setup and will use The NP-Active Pearls from Dr Tim's.

drtimsaquatics.com.

 

[soymilk]

I just started my bio pellets and now water is a little cloudy? I assume from the pellets? I have sea chem in the fuge, did your water get cloudy?

Cloudy water could mean a bacterial bloom. Keep a close eye on your tank. The bacterial bloom itself is not dangerous but the effects could be. The bacterial consume oxygen so it could possibly suffocate your livestock.

 

[dayton]

Dosnt look so much like a bloom but more of a "milky" color like maybe residue from the pellets? I didnt let it sit like Ben just said I should have done.

 

[dayton]

Maybe run carbon along with it? Paul at tnt said not such a good idea bc carbon strips the water of both good and bad.

 

[wendy32693]

That is normal, ive read online before I had set mine up and they said it was expected to get cloudy water, my tank cleared up after 24 hours after running bio pellets