Check out the Third Dream Tank of the Quarter 2010 on Zeovit.com website. Although there are still skeptics out there, who think Zeovit is worthless, how can anyone argue these results?
http://www.zeovit.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20690
equipment Archive
30
Jun
24
Jun
Warner Marine- EcoBAK biopellets (solid vodka dosing)
Just picked up some EcoBAK pellets from Jon (president of WM) direct from Warner Marine. This product is currently available direct from WM only. From what I’m hearing, the delay is due to packaging issues. I order 1 liter and it came in a plain zip lock bag. Directions from Jon was to soak the pellets in RO water for a day or so to get them to sink. Then to be safe, use half (in a reactor) and then add the other half after a week. Some ‘clouding’ of your water may happen if you have high nitrate levels, but will go away. The usage recommendation is 500ml per 100g of tank water. Based on all the other similar products out there, this seems about right. Why did I choose EcoBAK over similar products like NP Biopellets, NPX Bio Beads, and Vertex Pro-Bio Pellets? Price, plain and simple. I got 1000ml for the price of some competitor’s 500ml.
So is all the hype about solid vodka dosing legit? Some people have reported a reduction in their nitrate levels. Others have seen some cyano bacteria as a result of using biopellets. My gut feeling is that this product will help in the fight against elevated nitrate levels. I’ll report back in a month w/ my findings.
Here’s some links to what others are saying:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1847060
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1694529
Update 7-16-2010. So far, so good. I’ve noticed my water looking extra clean and I believe the biopellets may be helping. I haven’t tested my nitrate levels (I don’t believe my test kits are reliable), but I have noticed increase color in my corals. Biopellets are being used in my PM reactor (does not tumble).
25
May
Tunze Interzoo 2010 Flyer
Here’s the link to Tunze’s Interzoo 2010 Flyer, showing all the new goodies from Tunze. The best thing coming is the Silence clamp that should eliminate the annoying vibration noises from the Stream II pumps.
Also check out the master pump specs that rate the pump at 29,000 gph(designed for pools and public aquariums)!
19
Mar
Pumps Gone Wild
It’s been a bad few week for my pumps. First, the Red Dragon pump on my Bubble King Supermarin 250 goes bad, and now my Reeflo Super Dart is out of commission. The Red Dragon’s needlewheel impeller shaft broke and has been replaced by Premium Aquatics and Proline. Comparing the impellers, the old one was defective and was bound to fail at some point. For whatever reason, the titanium shaft looked like it didn’t have a uniform diameter, getting smaller near the needlwheel. Even w/ this defect, the skimmer skimmed like a champ. Hopefully the new impeller will prove to be more durable.
The Reeflo Super Dart’s seal failed and leaked; causing the motor bearing to seize. I returned the pump and Reeflo has repaired the pump (cleaned the bearings, changed the seals). I’m glad that I purchased these from reputable dealers, otherwise replacement costs would be crazy. A new skimmer pump would cost about 500-600 and the return pump about 300-400 more.
Lesson learned: 1. Clean your pumps regularly, even if they don’t look like they need it. 2. Spend the money on products that are backed w/ a good warranty, you’ll eventually need it! ( salt and motors don’t mix and will eventually fail).
*Update: Reeflo pump is making noise again and Chris is sending a brand new replacement. Good customer support from this company!
23
Feb
Simplified Reef Tank Plumbing
In an attempt to streamline my plumbing setup, I’ve updated my overflow downtubes into one. Before, I had 3 x 1.5″ flex pipe going into my sump from my overflows and into individual filter socks/holders. This caused a big mess of tubes running all over the place. I’ve cleaned up my setup using a single 2″ pvc pipe to handle the 3 1.5″ overflow tubes. This runs into my custom filter box that houses 3 x 4″ filter socks. The setup is much quieter now too! Still need to clean up the return plumbing, but that’s for another day.
