Zeo Bacteria & Carbon (without a reactor)?

[Rick55555]

I'm interested in your thoughts about using zeovit's bacteria and carbon source without a reactor in an SPS dominated/SPS only tank. Has anyone done this? Was it as effective as prodibio or just carbon dosing with vsv?

Thanks

Rick

[Rick55555]

I assume that in order to realize all of the benefits of the zeovit system you may require a reactor and zeolite stones. The prospect of dosing, releasing mulm and replacing stones does not appeal to me. However, the combination of a bacterial and carbon source does appeal to me.

(yes, a "bump" just would not cut it )

Rick

[Mykel Obvious]

I'd say give it a shot... should be similar to many of the other carbon/bac sources without media IMO

I've done Polyp Lab Inc. Reef-resh and had good results but it was a bit pricey for me... a month of Vodka and Prodibio Biodigest before switching to Brightwell NeoZeo method last month (my first zeolithic media system)... so far so good on that... but I may try VSV and Biodigest with the NeoZeo media after I use up the Brightwell carbon/bac source due to the fact that it will be cheaper... if my personal economy every picks up, I'd like to try full blown Zeovit and the Balling method on the future 120 gallon SPS only system I'd like to build next year... but I'm a tinkerer, so YMMV

HTH

[pusanpa]

You can use prodibio Biodigest + Bioptim instead of a reactor and zeolite stones.
Many famous european reefer do the same thing.(iwan & szymon)
Prodibio Biodigest + Bioptim(bacteria food) + Zeostart2(bacteria food).

[prodman]

I have used the full zeovit system for some time now with outstanding results. I recommend following the suggested regimen for whichever system you plan to use. "If you want what we have do what we do" sort of thing. I would not get creative and mix and match. Its not for everyone and there are many ways to skin the cat. But I have found that the work involved in zeo is no more than the work I had changing gfo etc.

[mpoletti]

Originally posted by prodman
"If you want what we have do what we do" sort of thing.

That sure sounds familiar

[Rick55555]

I like the quotation

I'm not necessarily trying to reinvent the wheel. I just don't want to run the reactor. I don't want to stir the stones, maintain them or replace them. Maybe I'm answering my own question (i.e. zeo isn't for me and I should just use prodibio instead).

I'm trying to extract the two elements of zeo's line that I'm interested in. I want the bacteria and I want the carbon. I figure if prodibio can harness bacteria plus carbon without a reactor, maybe zeo can too.

I appreciate everyone's comments. I'm still interested in hearing from anyone who has tried running zeo's bacteria plus zeo's carbon source in an sps tank without running the reactor.

Thanks

Rick

[Shadowramy]

I believe Iwan used the same method originally, using his sand bed as a bacteria surface instead of the Zeolites.

[stunreefer]

Originally posted by Rick55555
I just don't want to run the reactor. I don't want to stir the stones, maintain them or replace them. Maybe I'm answering my own question (i.e. zeo isn't for me and I should just use prodibio instead).

Honestly the reactor and zeolites are the easiest part of the Zeovit system IMO. Pump a couple times and replace every so often... not nearly as often as one should replace carbon or anything. If you dont want to pump it, there are automatic units now that simply operate off an air pump.

In short, yea I think you answered your own question. I'd go Probidio initially if I were you. FWIW, the Zeo method utlizes bacteria in the water column more efficiently than others would, and this is where the zeolites come into play... same goes for Fauna's Ultralith, but you dont hear much of that system stateside... yet at least I would agree with Prodman in that mixing them probably isn't the way to go... stick with one company (and follow directions), and it'll be easier to make changes if you have issues too.

[Rick55555]

I appreciate your suggestions. I think I may take the prodibio route. I may end up with a full zeo system a bit later on down the road.

Rick

[slojmn]

I played around for about 6 months dosing ZeoStart, Food7 and ZeoBac without a reactor on my second tank (I run full blown Zeo on my 1st tank with reactor et al). It did not appear to do much of anything for me. I eventually phased out the dosing and run nothing on that tank having to do with a low nutrient system. I am just keeping anemones, Zoos, a few LPS, and a few sps for now and trying to see what does best given the low budget nature of the tank. It has no calcium reactor, no nothing, just a skimmer and top off unit.

I think you are definately on the right track to avoid mixing Zeo products with other products and running a sort of bare bones low nutrient system. I would go with the Probido since it seems to fit what you want to dose and deal with. I must say though, the Zeo system has been very good to me. Not to say I have not had my share of ups and downs with it, but after 3+ years on it I am still going strong and love it.