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Using Carbon??

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by JoeVic, Jan 26, 2011.

  1. JoeVic

    JoeVic Well-Known ReefKeeper

    303
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    I'm curious.  I am running two  TLF 150 Media reactors.  One with carbon and the other with my biopellets.  Both running inline with a MJ 1200. 
         First question is should I run my bio pellets first and then my carbon or carbon first then bio pellets.  Right now I'm running the bio pellets first cause I wanted to make sure it was getting enough flow to tumble, but i didn't know if the carbon would pick up the good bacteria.  
         Secondly, Can I be using too much carbon?  Will that be taking out the trace elements that are needed for my corals to survive If I'm running too much. 
    I right now I loaded the carbon reactor full to clean up my tank after my anemone died.  I know carbon doesn't have a very long use time.  I'm running a 34 Galllon Solana for my tank. 
    I'm curious cause i did notice a couple of my SPS aren't extending like the use too, but this has just started to happen and I didn't know if it had anything to do with the reactors I have running. 
    Any comments would be great!
     
  2. FlyingMoray Experienced Reefkeeper

    Minburn, IA
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    Joe,

    I would get a separate pump as the biopellets need a constant flow to work well and as your carbon gets clogged, it will slow the water down too much. I don't think you can use too much carbon in my opinion. The death and loss of PE might be because of something else. Like if there was a large change in your nutrient level from starting biopellets that can stress the corals out too much.

    Joe
     
  3. JoeVic

    JoeVic Well-Known ReefKeeper

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    So is it common for my corals to adjust to the biopellets? I've only been running them for about a week and a half?
     
  4. FlyingMoray Experienced Reefkeeper

    Minburn, IA
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    Yes! That is why the manufacturers of them say to start with half dose of biopellets because the nutrient level can be reduced too fast and stress your corals.
     
  5. Armydog

    Armydog Expert Reefkeeper

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    +738 / 8 / -0
    Sorry to steal your thread but I have a question about bio pellets.... I havent started using them yet but I was planning on doing so... Do I have to replace the nutrients lost or will they replenish themselves?
     
  6. FlyingMoray Experienced Reefkeeper

    Minburn, IA
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    When nutrients is said with biopellets, it means nitrates, phosphates and other excess nutrients. The point of using biopellets is to achieve a ultra low nutrient system.
     
  7. FishBrain Expert Reefkeeper

    New London
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    +399 / 6 / -0
    Joe run your reactors seperate. The bactera will clog up your carbon the way you have it now.
     
  8. Armydog

    Armydog Expert Reefkeeper

    Ratings:
    +738 / 8 / -0
    Thanks flyingmoray
     
  9. AJ

    AJ Inactive User

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    +1  I've not heard too much about them saying to start with 1/2 the target volume (as mentioned in Joe's second post)  but it certainly sounds reasonable.  I'm starting a new biopellet reactor soon (I had problems with the last one and worked with the vendor to get a different model) and I'll use that approach.
    --AJ
     

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