Questions about the effects of Bio-Pellets

Did you start with a full dose or did you start with a small dose and build your way up? I hear that starting with the full dose is a MAJOR cause of BP related tank crashes.

I started with 25% and worked up to 75% all within 7 or 8 months.
 
OK. I am less and less tempted to consider using them at this point...

There is absolutely 100% no reason anyone NEEDS biopellets on their system. There are millions of others doing just fine without them. If you don't see a true benefit to adding them, then just walk away.
 
There is absolutely 100% no reason anyone NEEDS biopellets on their system. There are millions of others doing just fine without them. If you don't see a true benefit to adding them, then just walk away.

The Mighty Beard has spoken, let it be heard, let it be followed!! LOL

:)
 
Like I said before, I'd stay away from BPs unless you are shooting for ULNS for SPS, or have major algae or nitrate issues. I would consider it only as an expert level system, even though the concept seems simple. You need to watch the tank light a hawk when everything is adjusting. If you use them, you must be prepared to:

- Keep and maintain your Alk. below 8.5 or less.
- Actively feed your fish and corals A LOT more than before once they kick in. I now feed my SPS every day and fish 2x a day, and put extra in on purpose.
- Adjust your lighting schedule and/or intensity down when your tank reaches (ULNS) to avoid light shock
- Weekly water changes to keep up with trace element consumption (or separate supplementation if you have the time/patience to test)

Not doing any one of these things can cause a tank crash, and if more than one of these conditions is not adjusted you're almost assured a very bad experience. I was approaching a crash before I started really paying attention and making corrections for the four points above.

So overall I agree with the Beard!
 
Like I said before, I'd stay away from BPs unless you are shooting for ULNS for SPS, or have major algae or nitrate issues. I would consider it only as an expert level system, even though the concept seems simple. You need to watch the tank light a hawk when everything is adjusting. If you use them, you must be prepared to:

- Keep and maintain your Alk. below 8.5 or less.
- Actively feed your fish and corals A LOT more than before once they kick in. I now feed my SPS every day and fish 2x a day, and put extra in on purpose.
- Adjust your lighting schedule and/or intensity down when your tank reaches (ULNS) to avoid light shock
- Weekly water changes to keep up with trace element consumption (or separate supplementation if you have the time/patience to test)

Not doing any one of these things can cause a tank crash, and if more than one of these conditions is not adjusted you're almost assured a very bad experience. I was approaching a crash before I started really paying attention and making corrections for the four points above.

So overall I agree with the Beard!

Hummmm! We might have to look this over and have a few beers again ;) The above 4 rules are correct.. Just not sure why I had an issue..
 
It seems if bio-pellets are that much effort, if there is success without them (as their have been for far longer than they've been on the market), then what's the point? I have 0 nitrates on a heavy fed system, and my fuge/skimmer/cuc keeps everything in check. Biological>chemical all day.
 
Hummmm! We might have to look this over and have a few beers again ;) The above 4 rules are correct.. Just not sure why I had an issue..

Dre,

I still have one bottle of the good stuff left :)
Good excuse to drink it because this topic can make your head hurt :)
 
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