ZeoVit Users - Question?

Anyone that runs a ZeoVit system, or has in the past, this is for you. I understand that to make this system work, you must have a ULNS. I have seen some online that are absolutely beautiful.

I am currently running an ULNS using EcoBak and GFO, and wanted to know if using the ZeoVit supplements (ZeoFood, ZeoBak, Amino Acids, etc.) would work without using the Zeolith media. Any and all help would be appreciated.

 

Adding food to a ULNS is beneficial. There are cheaper ways to do it than with the zeo products Although, colonizing bacteria, as a food source in a way that it can be "fed" to the system, may be easier with a zeo reactor and media.

 

I understand the feeding regiment needed to keep a successful ULNS. Why do ZeoVit systems sustain the best coloring (IMO)? I have seen some very colorful systems not utilizing ZeoVit, but every ZeoVit system I have seen looks like a PhotoShop tank.

 

Obsessive compulsive disorder...

Well, there may be some truth to that LOL, but there are other factors. A zeo reactor is very effective at growing bacteria. The system is probably the most aggressive bacterial mediated nutrient reduction available. Also, some of the zeo carbon sources, seem to be very potent carbon sources, so, it is a very aggressive nutrient reduction system. Much more so than BP for example. So, nutrients are very, very low.

Most of the other stuff they sell amounts to food. So, the nutrients are very low, but available food very high. Therefore the corals can get the nutrients they need to be healthy and produce pigment, but zoox levels are low, as they don't need tons of carbon from photosynthesis. Also, playing with certain trace metals may interact with certain pigments, but these trace metals are poisons. It's unclear exactly what's in some of their additives, and at what concentrations, but likely some of the coloration is not a sign of health per say... There are also plenty of trace metals in foods and all tanks seem to be elevated in trace metals compared to the ocean, to begin with. So, being able to feed more accomplishes much of the same effect anyways. Just depends how far you want to push it.

 

So would you not recommend going down this road?

 

I've been debating it for a long time, probably 7 years or so... However, I haven't yet. I am still thinking about a zeo reactor, but for a carbon source, will probably just stick with vodka and vinegar. For food, will just stick with the various food sources I already feed. Which does include amino acids and, but otherwise no supplements, but lots of cyclopeeze, mysis, other small food, fed several times per day. I feel my colors are pretty much what I've seen from zeo systems, as is, so, just don't see the need. You can always try though. In principle, other than some of the trace metal stuff, I'm all for it. I just think it can be done via other means, where you know exactly whats going in and therefore have more control.

 

Bump.