the official ECOBAK thread...

Discussion in 'Warner Marine' started by Jon Warner, Feb 3, 2011.

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  1. Jon Warner

    Jon Warner 3reef Sponsor

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    no problem... it is annoying when those original "kit skimmers" don't work well.
     
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  3. OnlyTono

    OnlyTono Spaghetti Worm

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    So I'm going to setup a BioPellet reactor this week and I'm going to use the EcoBack Plus. I've prepared by getting my PO3 and NO3 down to .03 and 8-10ppm respectively.

    I'm going to start slow with either 1/4 or 1/2 of the recommended amount for the first week or so to try and avoid a bloom. I've also created a manifold for the outlet of the BioPellet Reactor to dump directly into my skimmer. So this is where my questions is:

    I've read that you want the outlet to be very close to the skimmer inlet, but I've also read that the bacteria the biopellets produce can also be beneficial to your mixed reef tank.

    The manifold I created (see below) is setup in such a way that it's likely very little if any of the exiting water from the reactor will make it past the skimmer. So, should I drill a hole on the opposite side of the reactor outlet where it meets the manifold so that some of the water might bypass the skimmer, or will enough of the bacterial laden water make it out of the skimmer without be being skimmed to still be beneficial?

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  4. Jon Warner

    Jon Warner 3reef Sponsor

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    that's REALLY well done, congrats!

    Experiment both ways... run the reactor straight to skimmer and observe for a week or so and then try it with the reactor output straight to the return section of skimmer.

    I've seen the output done many ways. I've even seen an advanced hobbyist run his reactor effluent into his fuge! He says it gives amazing pod and cryptic critter growth!
     
  5. OnlyTono

    OnlyTono Spaghetti Worm

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    OK - I'll give it a shot.

    I have one more question - I have the ecoBAK Plus, so I received the little vial of ecoBAK Spark. Do I simply dose the tank with that, or do I pour it over the biopellets before hooking everything up? The instruction on the side of the bottle are not very clear on this point.

    I have the pellets soaking in RODI right now, but plan on firing everything up this evening.
     
  6. Jon Warner

    Jon Warner 3reef Sponsor

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    Just add the ecoBAK Spark directly to the display on day 1 or divide it up into 2-3 little doses.
     
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  7. OnlyTono

    OnlyTono Spaghetti Worm

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    Perfect - thanks for the quick responses. ;D
     
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  9. Jon Warner

    Jon Warner 3reef Sponsor

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    No problem... are you up and running?
     
  10. OnlyTono

    OnlyTono Spaghetti Worm

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    Yep - I started with 1/3 dose, and will add another 1/3 later this week.

    I did have some trouble to getting the proper tumble, but it all seems to be running smooth now.

    one thing I observed that I had not expected is once I brought the pellets online, the skimmer started being supper touchy. In fact, it stopped skimming for the first day and half. It was like the surface tension on the foam couldn't hold. I did soak and rinse the pellets in RODI for about a day before adding them into the reactor.

    But now, on day 4, everything seems to be back to normal, and the skimmer is producing as it should, pellets are tumbling like I want.

    I should also note, I chose to skip the ecoBAK spark for now. Simply because I want to take this really slow. Do you think there any benefit to adding a full or partial dose of the Spark at this point?
     
  11. Jon Warner

    Jon Warner 3reef Sponsor

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    That's all normal. Go ahead and dose the Spark whenever it's convenient for you, it's always a good addition.
     
  12. OnlyTono

    OnlyTono Spaghetti Worm

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    Figured I'd update here since it may be helpful for others:

    At the one-week mark the Biopellets seems to have kicked in. The Skimmer has started skimming overtime with a thick and dry foam and produces an extremely dark skimmate. I have not measured the amount of skimmate each day, but it seems to be increasing.

    I'm still running the 1/3 dose and plan on adding another 1/3 today.

    Other Observations:
    My Palythoa Grandis colony (about 14 heads) seems unhappy, since they are somewhat shriveled and limp and have been for about 4-5 days. My research suggests this may be due to lower nutrients in the water and/ore too much light due to increased water clarity.

    Green Hair Algae continues to be an issue, but it looks as if it's getting weak. I see more of it floating around in the tank from time to time during periods where the MP40s kick into high gear.