View Full Version : New Zeo Reactor
SPS Hoover
19-12-06, 18:04
My new custom made Zeo reactor made to my design
http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o6/SPShoover/IMG_1043.jpg
Reactor will hold up to 10 litres of media and has 4 baskets which will allow me to change oldest media every time. Each basket can hold up to 2.5 litres
http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o6/SPShoover/IMG_1044.jpg
There also is a ehiem 1250 circ pump on it which i will turn on for 1min/hr to flush system no more manual pumping. Also there a is a feed to allow me to feed Bak in at bottom of reactor.
http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o6/SPShoover/IMG_1045.jpg
I will be using a 4 channel micro processor peri pump I snaffled of ebay same as in link
http://www.ismatec.com/int_e/pumps/t_ipc/ip_ipc.htm
Do you think the 1250 will have the same effect as pumping the stones? even on full blast my 1250 doesnt even make the stones move,
Having said that I use ultralith stones and I believe they are bigger than the zeovit zeoliths
SPS Hoover
19-12-06, 18:36
I think it should have deired effect I can either run longer time period or up pump to 1060
im after one of these.love that peri cool gadget
simon garratt
19-12-06, 18:53
Oh, very nice...cracking build quality there si..
Just one Q.......Where does the trickle media go..?:p
In all seriousness, im interested in seeing how this performs...(doubting thomas that I am),,, Im being slowly and surely enticed to the Dark side by Mr Clark's antics...:rolleyes:
Interesting. Looks like its v well made and it could work - are you going to spread the rocks over all compartments? This would allow for a greater chance for the bacs to be washed off? Will the media be submerged all the time?
The real world test will be if there is plenty of mulm in the water column after surging.
Does the inner compartment move independantly of the outer compartment? If so - thats a good fall back position.
I use an I aquatic reactor which makes pumping easy so this design could work like that if the high flow thing doesnt work.
Cant post pics on this forum for some reason - but if a mod could fix that - can show the effects of zeovit after 6 months.
Cheers
Simon
..(doubting thomas that I am),,,
Only rational position to take:D at the start.
Here's what zeovit (basic 4 plus the other potions) has done in my tank:
http://www.reefpark.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=14927&st=200
It take quite a while to learn the adjustments and twaeks - but after a few months I came off the fense:cool:
cheers
Simon
SPS Hoover
19-12-06, 21:05
Interesting. Looks like its v well made and it could work - are you going to spread the rocks over all compartments? This would allow for a greater chance for the bacs to be washed off? Will the media be submerged all the time?
The real world test will be if there is plenty of mulm in the water column after surging.
Does the inner compartment move independantly of the outer compartment? If so - thats a good fall back position.
I use an I aquatic reactor which makes pumping easy so this design could work like that if the high flow thing doesnt work.
Hi Si
Yes very well made.
Its designed so to spread media thou out compartments
Yes i can add handle if 1250 doesn't work all baskets will slide within main body and as they will not be completely full it will allow it move media within very well.
Twistedpro
19-12-06, 21:10
Si, looks great very nice build quality. Will be interesting to see how it runs.
Hi Si
Yes very well made.
Its designed so to spread media thou out compartments
Yes i can add handle if 1250 doesn't work all baskets will slide within main body and as they will not be completely full it will allow it move media within very well.
Thanks for the pieces btw - just picked them up from MJ's. Thanks also for remembering the one from a year ago
Cheers
Simon
SPS Hoover
19-12-06, 22:39
No problem hope you like it, its very green
I hope to have reactor pumped in tomorrow we will see how it runs
Hi Si
What are you keeping params at? The Recomended 400/1250/7.5 or experimenting with higher values? What are your current po4/no3 readings?
Cheers
Simon
SPS Hoover
20-12-06, 08:35
My cal/mag/alk are 400/1350/10, po4 and no3 are non existant but when i ran less than recommended zeo i never could get to point the glass didn't need to be cleaned every 3 days. So there was still po4/no3 which aglea could use. Also I would forget to dose/pump some days so thats why i have purchased peri pump/flush system to automate it completely.
Also I am about to take delivery of a Grotech HEA 300 skimmer so that should also have an effect.
The HEA 300 requires a feed pump. We recomend a pump that allows the volume of your aquarium to be skimmed between 1 and two times per hour.
Due to the construction with external filling pump resp. bypass of the main pump, the GroTech HEA are suitable for the use inside as well as outside the filter sump. Moreover, the HEAs are independent of the water level, which guarantees an equal skimming even in case of a reduced water level in the sump. In case of external incorporation, only the glueing of the PVC-flow set will be necessary. HEA 300 Skimmer for aquaria from 5,000 l - 7,500 l and is supplied with two EHEIM 1260 - 65 W recirculating pumps. Construction size (lxwxh) 550 x 350 x 1,000 mm
http://www.itcaquatics.co.uk/acatalog/HEA250_1[1].jpg
Twistedpro
20-12-06, 09:07
that skimmer is a beast, will be interesting to see what it drags out
SPS Hoover
20-12-06, 09:31
I must admit I am looking forward to hooking it up to see what it produces
why not put an eductor {or whatevery they are called} under the baskets to make the flow crazy strong :D
nice build quality
SPS Hoover
20-12-06, 09:53
why not put an eductor {or whatevery they are called} under the baskets to make the flow crazy strong :D
Will reactor is on large size but it isn't large enough to get one of those in. When its up to full capicity with zeo will be the test to see what happens regards to pumping effect
SPS Hoover
20-12-06, 21:46
Well its running anyone who has run zeo know how ever well you wash it before use you get particles come of it when you first run it. The circ pump cleared water in reactor within 2 mins. I am wondering what would happen if i ran it all the time
Well its running anyone who has run zeo know how ever well you wash it before use you get particles come of it when you first run it. The circ pump cleared water in reactor within 2 mins. I am wondering what would happen if i ran it all the time
Any pics of it running just to ensure i have my head around how this works ;)
Simon, when you say you can change the oldest media, how often do you need to do this?
SPS Hoover
20-12-06, 23:00
I'll do one for you tomorrow night
I'll do one for you tomorrow night
Cheers :)
Am I correct in thinking that the peri pump continually feeds the reactor 24/7, then every hour the Eheim comes on for 60 seconds to flush the system?
Does the media need flushed that often?
SPS Hoover
21-12-06, 16:45
No its fed with a ehiem 1250, the other eheim 1250 is for circulation. If you wish to read more take a look here
http://www.faunamarin.de/eng/ultralithsystem.php
On the zeo forum they recommend the reactor is pumped more 2 times a day. I thought running it 1min an hour would be better as it stop any build up with reactor.
I am not 100% able to swallow the whole zeolite system.... There's a part of me saying it's just another new thing that is/will become the new vogue to go with the other must have at the moment, acans & cats....
Not having a dig at all, I may well (and hope to) be proved wrong - it is great to see the hobby move forwards.
I will be very interested to hear how you rate the zeolite system Simon. After 6 months or a year, to give it a fair amount of time to work. If you do see things improve, just how much of an improvement will there be? All very interesting......
Keep this thread updated please ;)
No its fed with a ehiem 1250, the other eheim 1250 is for circulation. If you wish to read more take a look here
http://www.faunamarin.de/eng/ultralithsystem.php
On the zeo forum they recommend the reactor is pumped more 2 times a day. I thought running it 1min an hour would be better as it stop any build up with reactor.
right I am nearly there now, after reading Claudes bit for about the fifth time.
So whats the peri for that you posted a link to?
Tony,
The zeo system is dead simple, its super efficient filtration that includes boosting the denitrification cycle. Nothing more, no snake oil. You can start of with just the amino acids and vitamins that boost your live rock, then move onto zeo, reactors and the like.
Try it, you might like it:D
Well its running anyone who has run zeo know how ever well you wash it before use you get particles come of it when you first run it. The circ pump cleared water in reactor within 2 mins. I am wondering what would happen if i ran it all the time
Hi Simon
Flow rate through the reactor is recommended at 400ltr/h per ltr of zeolite for 2200ltrs per hour for your amount of media. The zeovit people advise this because a faster flow rate could take out ammonia too fast, reducing the nutirnts available to symbiotic alage too fast resulting in s/rtn.
The theory is that sps take time to adapt to alternative energy sources (bacto plancton amino acids CV etc) so moving over to nutrient limited water column shouldnt be too fast.
IME this is the challenging trick to pull off, as sps can lighten substantially and move towards bleaching if the flow rate is too high - so there is a see-saw effect getting the right amount of energy to the coral in super nutrient limited water. Once at the point of ballance its easy keeping it there.
This is a long winded way of saying that high flow rates could put your sps at risk.
On the timing of the flush pulsing, it maybe an idea to do that after lights out when PE is at its peak so the sps can dervive maximum nutritional value. Obviously there is some PE during the day, and day time flushing will promote PE, but it maybe worth moving over to that gradually?
The nutritional value of the bacto plancton will reflect the non carbon bac food used - so there could be some interesting adjustment to experiment with on that front.
Are you placing the intake for the reactor before or after the skimmer? The out put for the reactor is best placed after the skimmer to let the mulm do the rounds before being skimmed out.
Just one other point of information regarding DKH - the zeovit people think that a value for over 8 risks stn - so will be interesting to see if you exterience that with a value of 10...
Having seen both the FM and ZEOvit zeolites - they look almosrt identical - so experience of one is likely to be transferable to the other.
Just some thoughts
Simon
Tony,
The zeo system is dead simple, its super efficient filtration that includes boosting the denitrification cycle. Nothing more, no snake oil. You can start of with just the amino acids and vitamins that boost your live rock, then move onto zeo, reactors and the like.
Try it, you might like it:D
thats my experience Ian - a great new set of tools - no going back for me:)
SPS Hoover
21-12-06, 22:12
I am now just waiting for my peri to turn up then dosing will become easier to control and automate.
Si good idea about setting circ pump over night.
Simon, when you say you can change the oldest media, how often do you need to do this?
Ok, ignore me then......<sob> :(
SPS Hoover
22-12-06, 06:46
Sorry didn't mean too as i am crap at typing and there is various answers to that question I'll paste all the info from their site
ULTRALITH is a natural zeolite which efficiently removes ammonia from the water by its ion exchange properties. The ammonia enriched zeolite surface makes it easier for those harmonically selected bacteria in ULTRABIO to find settlement on ULTRALITH. Matched to the bacterias physiological needs we have successfully developed a nutrient solution to boosting bacteria growth on the zeolite. The three components of the ULTRALITH-SYSTEM provide you a effective and controllable nutrient reduction in the aquarium, a significant increase in coral coloration, and magnificent polyp extensions. Numerous test tanks document the unique success not only in the husbandry of stony corals.
How does Ultralith work?
Ultralith is a special kind of Zeolite, specifically chosen to reduce nutrients in reef tanks. But it is not just the Zeolite itself, it is the whole new method to maintain extremely low nutrient levels in marine aquaria.
Our filtration system is characterized by its simplicity. It’s not exclusively thought to produce pastel-coloured SPS corals but for general filtration and water purification as well.
Filtration with the Ultralith System can enhance the natural coloration of all corals.
It’s also suitable for maintaining water the quality in tanks, which are set up for keeping non-photosynthetic corals.
Combined with our special food (UltraBak and Ultramin S), Ultralith is a simple and safe method to keep even the most delicate and sensitive animals.
How to use the Ultralith-System?
Ultralith / Zeolite
The name "Zeolite" goes back to the greek words "zeo" (boiling) and "lithos" (stone). Upon heating, these minerals appear to be boiling.
Zeolites are minerals and consist mostly of silica and aluminium plus other elements like Sodium, Potassium, Iron, and Manganese. The most interesting feature of Zeolites is their crystal structure. You can think of it as a sponge with many small and large holes. Large and small should be seen in perspective of the scale, the small holes have the size of single molecules, about one billionth of a meter. The size of these holes depends on the chemical composition of the mineral. There are hundreds of different Zeolites known in nature and also many different synthetic Zeolites, Ultralith is a natural Zeolite. What makes these minerals so special is their ability to absorb specific compounds. Which compound is absorbed depends on the size and shape of the holes in the crystal structure, which is depending on the chemical composition. Therefore, depending on their composition Zeolites preferentially absorb different compounds. Ultralith is specifically chosen to absorb ammonium (NH4+).
However, thinking of Zeolites just as absorbers is a bit oversimplified. They are actually ion-exchangers. The holes to which a compound binds are not empty but rather filled with sodium or potassium. As soon as a preferred compound is available, another compound, usually sodium and potassium, is given off and the compound will be absorbed. This reaction, the replacement of one ion for another ion, is called ion-exchange. In marine aquaria the liberation of sodium or potassium and therefore the resulting ionic imbalance is negligible as they are major constituents of seawater anyways.
The absorption of ammonium is just one half of the story. The other half is where the biology comes in. As already mentioned, zeolites have a very porous structure; under the microscope they look almost like a sponge. The larger holes are much bigger than the small ones, about a thousand times bigger. This porous structure creates a large surface area for bacteria to settle on. As the ammonium is adsorbed by the crystal structure, the bacteria living on the Zeolite get their food delivered to their doorstep.
The overall reaction that takes place in a Zeolite filter is the removal of ammonium and its conversion into nitrogen gas, which goes off into the atmosphere. The removal of ammonium takes place in three steps, 1. Absorption of ammonium, 2. Oxidation of ammonium, 3. Denitrification.
1)As already explained, the ammonium will be adsorbed onto the surface of the mineral due to an ion-exchange process.
2)At the surface of each mineral grain, oxygen is still available. Here the ammonium is oxidised by autotrophic bacteria to nitrate according to the following formula
NH4+ + O2 + 3OH- = NO32- + 2 H2O
This process consumes oxygen, thereby creating an anoxic environment inside the mineral grains. If this would be the only process that occurs in a Zeolite filter such a system would actually produce nitrate, and its use for aquaria would be rather limited.
3)Deeper inside the mineral grain, heterotrophic bacteria will consume the nitrate that is produced in the outer layer. This process is called denitrification, and occurs in two steps, from nitrate to nitrite, and further to Nitrogen gas. The overall formula for both processes is given below
5CH2O + 4 NO32- = 4 HCO3- + CO2 + 3 H20 + 2 N2
Because this process is carried out by heterotrophic bacteria, they need to be fed with a suitable carbon source such as UltraBak.
But Zeolites can even do another trick! Inside the Zeolite filter, there is a small but constant abrasion of the material, which contains a lot of aluminium. These tiny particles bind phosphate. By leading the outflow of the Zeolite filter into the protein skimmer the abrasion is skimmed off, thereby removing phosphates from the aquarium.
The feeding of the bacteria substantially increases the bacterial biomass inside the filter, which again results in a binding of phosphate. Dead bacteria will either be removed by the skimmer or serve as food to some animals, especially filter feeders. Eventually the Zeolites will be clogged up by the bacteria. This is the reason why the material has to be exchanged regularly.
How to use UltraLith;
Please always do all changes in your aquarium very carefully and follow the instructions!
In older tanks or in tanks with a high nutrient levels a reduction of phosphate with UltraPhos or Ultra Powerphos before the use of Ultralith is recommended. If you are unsure, please feel free to mail or call us. We are looking forward to help you.
Wash UltraLith before use. Initially, use a maximum of 500 g UltraLith per 400 liters of water (17ounces per 100gallons). After 30 days slowly increase the amount of UltraLith to a maximum of 1 kg per 400 liters of water (34 ounces per 100 gallons). Exchange one quarter of the UltraLith after 4 weeks.
Always use our UltraLith-Reactor or the Grotech Zeolite reactor for filtration with UltraLith. There should not be more than 400 liters per hour (100 gph) flow through the filter, too much flow in the UltraLith-Reactor is not advisable and may cause problems.
Especially in older aquaria or tanks with a high nutrient levels the amount of flow should be reduced because corals need some time to adapt to the lower nutrient levels.
Clean UltraLith three times per week from debris and dirt. To do that it’s sufficient to shake the filter or to move the built-in cleaning rod. Washed out particles and bacteria will serve as coral food. They can also be skimmed out.
With high nutrient load as well as during the start-up phase of the system, the UltraLith-Filter can be used interval mode. Attach the built-in pump to a timer. The interval should be two hours on, three hours off. As a result of this interval mode the amount of oxygen in the filter changes rapidly. This helps to speed up the starting of the reactor.
Dosing recommendations:
Start in a new aquarium:
1 liter UltraLith per 400 liters of water (1/4gallon per 100gallons). Exchange of 1/4 of the material every 4 weeks. After 6 weeks 25% every 6 - 8 weeks depending on the nutrient load of the aquarium. Flow through the reactor should be no more than 400 liters per hour (100 gallons per hour).
Older systems or restart of a system:
1 L UltraLith on 800 liters of water (1/4 gallon on 200gallons). Exchange of 1/4 of the material all 6-8 weeks. The flow through the reactor should be no more than 200 liters per hour (50 gallon per hour). In certain cases a preliminary reduction of phosphate with an adsorber like UltraPhos or UltraPowerphos is necessary.
To reduce the start-up time, use UltraLith in combination with our bacteria concentrate UltraBio for the first 2 weeks.
Try it, you might like it:D
After around 12 months of other people using it, I might try it. I pleased with the results I'm getting and a touch worried about changing it; don't fix what ain't broke.
That said, if other people report good results after long term use, then I may look into this more seriously.
FWIW I have read all the information on the sites that make these products...... Interesting read...... :)
Ian, did you get that acro frag I left for you with Sue?
Thanks for that, Simon. I'm a bit concerned about the mention of aluminium.....? Won't this cause a problem?
Simon, where did you get the blue hose connector from?
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q4/Blue connector.jpg
SPS Hoover
26-12-06, 21:55
Thanks for that, Simon. I'm a bit concerned about the mention of aluminium.....? Won't this cause a problem?
If you see results posted on zeovit.com then answer is no. Perhaps Ian can get claude to post a more techincal answer
Simon, where did you get the blue hose connector from?
Slappy I got it from a local company hyperhose. Try www.altecweb.com (http://www.altecweb.com) I am sure they do them
How is it going Simon? Getting much mulm?
im well sold on this i saw spshoovers tank when he had just set up the zeo and saw it again a week or so ago.around 3 month gap and coral colour has improved fantastically
http://www.ultimatereef.net/forums/showthread.php?t=168941&page=4
Just a link to some photos of my tank after a few months on zeo.
Cheers
Simon
My cal/mag/alk are 400/1350/10, po4 and no3 are non existant but when i ran less than recommended zeo i never could get to point the glass didn't need to be cleaned every 3 days. So there was still po4/no3 which aglea could use. Also I would forget to dose/pump some days so thats why i have purchased peri pump/flush system to automate it completely.
Also I am about to take delivery of a Grotech HEA 300 skimmer so that should also have an effect.
http://www.itcaquatics.co.uk/acatalog/HEA250_1[1].jpg
Have you got it yet? Big efficient skimmers seem to be important to take out the no3/po4 laden bacto plancton with this method - that looks like it would do the trick:cool:
I put this one on in the autum and after a while not being able to tell much difference from the Deltec, am quite impressed now:) Worth the extra cash IMO to go big/efficient.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q4/DSCN0489.jpg
Simon,
Please don't take this the wrong way, but I need to ask this somewhat strange question to fully understand this system.
On reading this thread with interest, I am unsure as to how the system works as in my past of keeping Koi, I used Zeolite in the Filter System to remove Ammonia. This was then recharged in Salt water to remove the Ammonia it removed from the water?
If you could please, would you be able to advise of the differences here so that I can understand this more clearly, as it seems I am missing something here. :o (not hard for me to miss something I know - before someone else gets there) :D
Regds
Jay
:)
The zeoliths used in the FM ultralith differ from ponds zeos in their make up, we don't have the chemical break up to hand but Claude (who is very helpful) will happily post it if you ask nicely;)
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthre...mp;pagenumber=1 (http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=957754&perpage=25&highlight=Fauna%20Marin&pagenumber=1)
Here you can see what Ultralith binds out of the water.
After a longer use it is possible that you need not only Kalium.
This is necessary of all kind of Zeolith which can use in marine tank.
( Ultralith )
Cs+ > NH4+ > Pb2+ > K+ > Na+ > Ca2+ > Mg2+ > Ba2+ > Cu2+ > Zn2+ ...
Ultramin S is a very koncentrated food for Corals and bacteria and it contains also enough trace elements. but we make the new organic elements cause it was very difficult to take more organic elements in the ultramin S
it was notlonger possible to do more minerals in the Ultramin S
So we decide to create a completly new elements solution which
is a perfect supplement for the ultramin S
The Corals grow much better and if you will use it alone you also can see whats the different
Greetings Claude
I put this one on in the autum and after a while not being able to tell much difference from the Deltec, am quite impressed now:) Worth the extra cash IMO to go big/efficient.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q4/DSCN0489.jpg
Can you pm me the details or web link of where you got that skimmer from please.
Thanks Tony
PM sent Tony
These are not available in the UK yet. The build quality is outstanding (makes deltec feel like a toy) and IMHO if you get one - there's nowhere to upgrade to so that wraps up the skimmer upgradeitis for a decade or two.
THe new Fauna Marin version has a similar base plate and looks to be very good too, I dont know the build quality or price, but it has the advantage of Ian's support in the UK.
ATI also do a variation on the BK theme, and seems to work well too, is cheaper but build quality not so hot according to some on RC.
Cheers
Simon
Simon,
Please don't take this the wrong way, but I need to ask this somewhat strange question to fully understand this system.
On reading this thread with interest, I am unsure as to how the system works as in my past of keeping Koi, I used Zeolite in the Filter System to remove Ammonia. This was then recharged in Salt water to remove the Ammonia it removed from the water?
If you could please, would you be able to advise of the differences here so that I can understand this more clearly, as it seems I am missing something here. :o (not hard for me to miss something I know - before someone else gets there) :D
Regds
Jay
:)
Jay
I'v been running a similar sytem to Simon by ZEOvit - very breifly it works like this:
1) Marine specifi zeolites exchange amonium for cholrides- reducing the need for the nitrogren cycle to take place. This takes the nurtients to a much lower level than skimming alone. Result - symbiotic algae reduce in density (reduced browing) revealing underlying colors of sps; If the underlying tissue color is genetically brown - it can't help with that.
2) The problem with this is it can strip water of nutrients so low that this risks bleaching and s/rtn. Solution: Inoculate the zeoreactor with bacteria regularly, feed the bacs with amino acids vitamins etc, and boost thier developent with carbon. This takes out residual no3/po4. Shake the zeolites daily to shake off the bacterial mulm which acts as an alternative food source for sps now that symbotic zoos are providing less energy.
3) Add Potassium to NSW levels and the bacs consume this at a dispropotionate rate, to keep color and growth booming;
4) Tweat coloration with mionor elements.
5) Please do not use f/w zeolites as these suck out calcium.
6) Ensure your ca/mg/dkh are steady at NSW levels, and not elevated or low.
7) Run carbon passively 24/7 to keep light pentration at max.
8) Get the best skimmer you can and run wetish. Put this before the zeoreactor in the chain to allow the bacs to do the rounds before being skimmed out.
9) Intense light - MH or T5s.
10) Wait until the nutirent pool in your LR and sand are leached back into the water column and removed.
11) Wonder at the beauty of your tank:) Expect results in 3-5 months.
There more to it than that - mostly arround tweaking nutrient availability and minor element adjustment but the above is it in a nutshell
HTH
Simon
Thanks Simon,
Truly appreciated. :D
In relation to no2 How is that actually achieved in the system - in that what is the correct procedure for doing this? :confused:
Also, with reference to no3 - is pottasium readily available or rather what would be the trade name of it (the reason I ask is that my LFS is not what we could call fully stocked with the majority of additives we see mentioned on UR). - Or have I completely missed the point in this statement?
Regds and thanks
Jay
:)
Thanks Simon,
Truly appreciated. :D
In relation to no2 How is that actually achieved in the system - in that what is the correct procedure for doing this? :confused:
Also, with reference to no3 - is pottasium readily available or rather what would be the trade name of it (the reason I ask is that my LFS is not what we could call fully stocked with the majority of additives we see mentioned on UR). - Or have I completely missed the point in this statement?
Regds and thanks
Jay
:)
HI Jay
Re 2) The zeolites are placed in a special reactor with bottom to top flow, and kept submerged. The flow rate should be 400ltr/h per 1 ltr of zeolites. 1 ltr of zeolites is needed for each 400ltrs of net volume (including sump). Any faster flow rate and the nutrients are stripped out too fast.
The reactor is 'pumped' daily at night to release the bac mulm into the water column - and SPS catch the bacs and eat them. Simon is using a different approach of high water volume flushing to release the mulm. This is a new approach so will be interesting to see how it goes. The risks are that nutrients could be stripped out too fast and/or the rocks not adequalely agetated - the potential benefits are less effort on a daily basis and slow addition of carbon over the 24 hr cycle.
Zeolites act as a surphase area for bacs to adher to. I'm not sure exactly how the rest works with the FM range - Simon will know- but with ZEOvit a bacteria solution is added drop wise into the reactor intake , folowed by 'bac food7', followed by carbon 'ZEOstart2'. Amounts determined by the maturity of the tank and nurtient situation. More detail available if you try it out.
Potassium is readily available at NSW levels in 2 salt mixes to my knowledge - 'Seachem reef' and 'Korallen zucht reefers best'. The rest test out lower than NSW.
Both FM and zeo do potassium aditives - Ultra Organics and K - Ballance respectively. There is a 'K Ballance Strong' for tanks with low K levels.
Nick at Coral culture sells the K Ballance and K test and STM do the FM Ultra Organics.
Both systems are variations on the same theme. FM is more transparent in what the elements contain and has a great range of coral specific food. ZEO is often critisised for not disclosing content, but seems to be more flexable in tweaking the bacs and mineral elements.
IMHO ZEO is a superb tool over and above high quality diligent husbandary, and talking with Claude from FM, I'm confident FM will prove to be great too.
Cheers
Simon
Thanks Simon,
Interesting system, is there any FS that have these systems running to allow someone to see them working?
Regds
Jay
:)
Thanks Simon,
Interesting system, is there any FS that have these systems running to allow someone to see them working?
Regds
Jay
:)
I know stm use the Ultralith system in their sps tank,
If you want to see some good examples have a look on the zeovit.com forum, also loads of info there too.
Thanks Simon,
Interesting system, is there any FS that have these systems running to allow someone to see them working?
Regds
Jay
:)
STM for FM - dont know of any for ZEOvit. Probiotics are just catching on here in the UK so it'll take quite come time before the LFS's catch up with us. For the time being the 'early adopters' have all the info available through the forums. If you are tempted - ask away:)
Cheers
Simon
Maestro / Simon,
Thanks for the info Guys,
Truly appreciated, thinks I might be taking a trip to STM (if the system is on show that is).
I like to see sometimes before going into new ideas - coz it helps me get my head round the operating of the equipment. :o (may seem strange to some, but it does help me)
Will check out that website as well to see more information.
Once again many thanks.
Regds
Jay
Just been onto the website and it shows a lot of positives to this system.
Did SPS Hoover Ever post the pics of his reactor working as I can't see any on this thread?
Regds
Jay
:)
PS Are the systems shop bought or are they home grown? (also is it best to go open top with the design if home grown).
Maestro / Simon,
I like to see sometimes before going into new ideas - coz it helps me get my head round the operating of the equipment. :o (may seem strange to some, but it does help me)
Regds
Jay
Just to give you an idea: Aim for the best skimmer you can. The skimmer is first in the filtration chain. The green tube is from the intake pump that feeds the zeoreactor and is also in the first compartment. Flow is regulated by a ball valve. This is where the bacs , bac food, and carbon are dosed.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q4/DSCN0788.jpg
The green tube goes into the bottom of the zeoreactor and flows up the reactor and out through the pipe to the left. The output is after the skimmer to give the bacterial mulm a chance to do the rounds in the tank before any leftovers are taken through the overflow and into the skimmer to exit the system with their nutrients.
The grey handle is used to pump the stones after lights out - which releases the mulm. Iv only just started putting the activated carbon in the reactor as an experiment - usually this isnt in there.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q4/DSCN0787.jpg
Cheers
Simon
Thanks Simon,
I have purchased an Deltec AP 702 (I needed it small in height to fit under cabinet).
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q4/Deltec AP 702.JPG
Hopefully this is good enough (Tank is 5 x 2 x 2 approx ) :D
I am making a new sump at this moment in time (well finalizing plans so I can see what I need to do before actually making it (I have the glass already) but may need to fine tune things as more ideas keep coming up whilst browsing the forum.
Also I want to take the middle sction / wall out of my cabinet to alow a bigger sump - but I need to get a good way to carry the support as once it is removed the tank will only have the external walls of the cabinet holding it up (if you understand what I mean here).
All pipework has been delivered to allow me to add my sequence pump etc and hard plumb most of the system to keep it neat and tidy. I will be ordering more once I know what is required to run the system you are kindly assisting me with
Do you still use a phosphate reactor (I ask as it says on the website zeovit.com, that they become redundant?)
Also The first picture is slightly puzzling to me, what is all the bubbles coming from (Dumb question really but this is all new to me) :confused:
Do you feed your skimmer from a gravity fed position or do you have a dedicated pump?
Did you buy the reactor or have you modified something else to run this system?
Thanks for the time, it truly is appreciated.
Regds
Jay
:)
Thanks Simon,
I have purchased an Deltec AP 702 (I needed it small in height to fit under cabinet).
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q4/Deltec AP 702.JPG
Hopefully this is good enough (Tank is 5 x 2 x 2 approx ) :D
Do you still use a phosphate reactor (I ask as it says on the website zeovit.com, that they become redundant?)
Also The first picture is slightly puzzling to me, what is all the bubbles coming from (Dumb question really but this is all new to me) :confused:
Do you feed your skimmer from a gravity fed position or do you have a dedicated pump?
Did you buy the reactor or have you modified something else to run this system?
Thanks for the time, it truly is appreciated.
Regds
Jay
:)
Hi Jay
Yes no problems with that skimmer and zeovit IMO:D
I sold my Deltec FR and no longer use PO4 removers (except on the CA RX output) What is saved from Rowaphos is spent on zeolites. Cant get a PO4 reading at all using teh merik test kit.
The first pic is just to illustrate the quantity of fine bubbles produced - a skimmer collection cup sits on top of that normally.
This is the reactor shown in the pics:
http://www.coralculture.co.uk/shop/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=36&products_id=936
It has an acryclic tube inside the acylic tube - making the pumping of the zeolites very easy compared with Grotec and the like.
Cheers
Simon
Thanks Simon,
Definately something I will be moving too I feel.
Thanks for your assistance. Truly appreciated. :D
Regds
Jay
:)
Thanks Simon,
Definately something I will be moving too I feel.
Thanks for your assistance. Truly appreciated. :D
Regds
Jay
:)
NP Jay - I think you'l be delighted - its one of those developments that its hard to contain one's entheusiasm about:D
There's a thread called zeovit - maybe ask Qs there as others who have seen the effects on my tank are going to give this sytem a whirl - and we can go into depth there?
Cheers
Simon
Hows the new reactor going Simon?
SPS Hoover
12-01-07, 23:32
Running lovely need more zeo now and I think I need to pulse the circ pump more
SPS Hoover
23-01-07, 14:01
Peri pump now online... I will put photo's up later I now dosing 0.1ml of bak and mins every 15mins equals 9.6ml a day
And I have set circ pump up to pulse on and off in effort clear mulm better
Peri pump now online... I will put photo's up later I now dosing 0.1ml of bak and mins every 15mins equals 9.6ml a day
where do you get 9.6ml's from as a daily need - i mean, what have you calculated to get that.....on the zeovit guide i read 1 drop per 25g per week?
also, do you auto dose any of the other addatives?
SPS Hoover
26-01-07, 20:31
I am not using zeovit, I can't help you with what to use for that method try Trythechi he uses it.
I am using fauna marin
Has your Grotech HEA300 skimmer arrived yet? If so any feedback? Just I'm expecting mine to arrive in a week or two so am hoping I haven't bought another dud!
Keith (the once proud Betamax, soon to be Blu-Ray owner, will I never learn?)
SPS Hoover
27-01-07, 09:02
Hi Keith
No I think mine will arrive same time as yours. I have been told how much air flows thou each pump on them so you will not be dissapointed. Needle wheels are old hat.
SI,
let us know how you get on with it, I think we'll start seeing an increase of none needlewheels being used in the uk, we just seem so stuck in our ways, if you goto germany vens are considered superior to needles.
Take the new fm skimmer, if you speak to claude he reckons the venturi version is better yet the hysteria remains round the needlewheel version people waiting on pre-order lists when the others are already available!!!!!!
Jacksok if its any consolation betamax was a better system the only reason vhs took of was the porn industry!!!!
Regards
C. Schuhmacher
28-01-07, 08:10
HI
Both System working very well , and each System had itīs disdvantages.
The NeedlewheelSkimmers had less air but finer bubbles and mostly they are
mostly more quietly.
Needlewheels are very expensiv and sometimes hard to get
Spare parts
the reason is that 20 Years long only a few companys will have
the licences to produce the Wheels.
Venturi or Jets are the older Version and they bring more air then the needlewheels.For the Pumps it is not so hard to work cause they do that for they are constructed.
They are easy to clean , run very long time , do not need a second pump , and to get an spare part is very cheap
We decide to produce 3 Types now of the Skimmer
1. the original Jetz System
2. An special for UK Needlewheel System with Aquabee pumps
3. A new PowerSkim System with the original Red Dragon Skim Pump
Greetings Claude
instantsquid
13-02-07, 11:54
Yooohoooo - Mr Clarke :D
Got any updated pics?
Did you have to upgrade the circulation pump in the end?
- Ian
Yooohoooo - Mr Clarke :D
Got any updated pics?
Did you have to upgrade the circulation pump in the end?
- Ian
Not been around for a couple of weeks, I bet when Si G opened his case in Kuredu Hoover jumped out ;)
Anakinlucas
15-03-07, 00:41
I intend to start using the FM ultralith system, i currently deal with po4 by running a deltec rowa reactor. Should i continue to use this when i start with the Fm system or remove it.
Anakinlucas
SPS Hoover
15-03-07, 07:36
You want to make sure your phosphate levels are down to dersired levels 0.03 or below before starting zeo. So i would keep rowa running then after zeo has been running for a 2-3 weeks then remove.
emperorfish
26-05-08, 23:19
So SPS HOOVER how is the reactor going ? Do you still have it ?
SPS Hoover
27-05-08, 10:25
Fine thanks
Any update pics of the reactor in use Si?.
Thanks
Mo
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