NP Bio Pellets are a solid organic carbon polymer that provides a substrate and food for bacteria. We’ve slowly introduced this new filtration method into the glassbox over the past two weeks for a review. We plan to use the media two ways–the first being in a traditional media / zeovit reactor that will gently [...]
NP Bio Pellets are a solid organic carbon polymer that provides a substrate and food for bacteria. We’ve slowly introduced this new filtration method into the glassbox over the past two weeks for a review. We plan to use the media two ways–the first being in a traditional media / zeovit reactor that will gently tumble the bio pellets. The second, as a substrate to a cryptic refugium housing various tunicates and sponges.
The Bio Pellets are roughly 1cm in diameter and slowly sink when introduced to water. As a substrate, the media is easily agitated using a turkey baster or increasing flow nearby. In the two weeks of use I has not yet observed any changes or seen a reduction in nutrients.
As much as we’d like to provide an indepth review on this product, without a controlled lab setting we will not be able to provide hard data. NO3 and PO4 levels of the aquarium water will be measured and and observations will be taken on the appearance of corals and the growth of micro algae. This product will take a long time to evaluate and like any organic carbon source–there will be a learning curve.
Reef Interests does suggest that you cannot overdose with Bio Pellets, unlike ethanol, but I’m being cautious with the introduction of this new “filter”. A biodegradable media is an intriguing concept and I am curious to see if it can live up to its claims. For me the biggest test will be how well it supports non-photosynthetic life, like the sponges and tunicates that reside in my cryptic refugium. If you’re anxious to try the bio-media yourself, NP Bio Pellets are now available from Aquarium Specialty and Premium Aquatics.
