Who uses bio-pellets and why?

The biopellets need to be in a reactor because they have to tumble. They will clog and slime over, which I have read is very bad.

 

I use the WM Ecobaks and I believe mine are just starting to take effect after four weeks running.

I used to run ROWAphos in my fluval 405 to keep PO4 low,not that it was ever high to begin with. Even with regular cleaning the canister was pumping out NO3, though in low amounts.

Currently my NO3 sits at 1ppm and PO4 is Undetectable. I have the outlet of my reactor plumbed directly my skimmer intake pipe and I'm sure some of the bacteria remain in the water column. I have tons of Copepods and their numbers have definitely improved since introducing the pellets. Water stays crystal clear. Haven't done a WC in two weeks though I'm going to this week for other reasons. Only algae I have are diatoms on glass, but my tank is still young. I'm gonna stick with them until I see anything detrimental.

 

I believe they are a problem even though my test kits are saying different,which makes sense.I agree,extra bacteria with less nutrients would be a win win.I know it's not an overnight fix,but just wanting feedback from others as another good step in the right direction or something that i should stay away from.

I know and that sucks as i don't want to buy a reactor also,but i have read of several using them in canister or chamber type filter and stirring every so often to keep detitrus from building up and having good results,so thanks for bringing that up as it was a question i forgot to ask and am wondering if anyone using bio pellets are using them that way.

 

Thanks! pods are yet another item that i'm trying to improve thier numbers thanks to my 6 line,i haven't seen a pod in about 2 months(i'm sure i still have some,but they stay deep in the rock,lol!)Also going longer on water changes,not to be lazy as i always have fresh sw made up in a 10 gallon setup,but just so the tank can stabalize itself and run healthier without disrupting it so much.Glad to hear your seeing good results!