NanoTopia's ZEOvit 80L [ ]

[Criley7]

Haha. You give me a place to stay up in Canada for a little vacation, and I'll bring you coral! Haha

[Sahin]

Awesome tank. Look forward to the anniversary photos.

[NanoTopia]

Haha. You give me a place to stay up in Canada for a little vacation, and I'll bring you coral! Haha

 

 

 

Awesome tank. Look forward to the anniversary photos.

 

Thanks Sahin, hard to believe this tank is already almost one year old now.

[Jessy-Ray]

How's tricks NT?. Bring on some more of them sweet photos yeah?.

[bobssecrtsn]

i love your tank and scape! on a side note do you know who made your tank? im looking for a rimless and yours looks like it should be mines! and if you could can you give me a dimension? thanks!

[NanoTopia]

How's tricks NT?. Bring on some more of them sweet photos yeah?.

 

Haven't had time to take any photo's lately, update in a couple of weeks

 

 

i love your tank and scape! on a side note do you know who made your tank? im looking for a rimless and yours looks like it should be mines! and if you could can you give me a dimension? thanks!

 

Thank you bobssecrtsn, not sure of the brand, bought at Petsmart (Canada) nothing fancy just liked the dimensions (23x18x14).

[neuwave]

Sps growth looks really good. How is the zeovit products working for you? What's differences have you seen?

[NanoTopia]

Sps growth looks really good. How is the zeovit products working for you? What's differences have you seen?

 

 

Growth is not that great on some corals but I think they are still adjusting to some changes I have made in the past months and the Zeovit products. I have noticed some results with K-Balance Strong (KBS) and Coral Booster (CB), colours and PE, some growth as well but still slow. Flatworm Stop (FWS) is said to improve the tissue health of your corals (also make the tissue undesirable to AEFW), I have been dosing for over two months now, I can say I see almost no difference in the tissue but it may be stronger overall. I do not have AEFW.

 

Zeovit products do not list the strengths of their additives so you feel a little unsure at times. Trick is not to OD and follow the directions of their products to a "T". KBS is potassium and some complimentary mystery elements, most peoples potassium is low so dosing this product yields noticeable results in a day. I really need another month or so to give a fair review. So far I am happy but as you know results take time and patience.

[neuwave]

Growth is not that great on some corals but I think they are still adjusting to some changes I have made in the past months and the Zeovit products. I have noticed some results with K-Balance Strong (KBS) and Coral Booster (CB), colours and PE, some growth as well but still slow. Flatworm Stop (FWS) is said to improve the tissue health of your corals (also make the tissue undesirable to AEFW), I have been dosing for over two months now, I can say I see almost no difference in the tissue but it may be stronger overall. I do not have AEFW.

 

Zeovit products do not list the strengths of their additives so you feel a little unsure at times. Trick is not to OD and follow the directions of their products to a "T". KBS is potassium and some complimentary mystery elements, most peoples potassium is low so dosing this product yields noticeable results in a day. I really need another month or so to give a fair review. So far I am happy but as you know results take time and patience.

 

That was exactly I was gonna ask about the strength of the products. Also about whether or not there was a test kit to avoid over saturation of the products but I have yet to see any. I've been potassium to the tank and noticed better coloration in my acros. I've tried the red sea potassium kit but there are a million steps and even then its slightly hard to tell the results. I've been discussing new dosing techniques with a local store owner. His tanks look and grow like zeovit. For instance, for greens (iron/yellow), potassium for all color intensity, as a couple of examples. I think he's on to something. You can see the display tank of this store in D'Expresso thread as he took a pic of it not too long ago.

Though I haven't taken the leap into bio pellets but want to. I would like that extra bio-film as acro food. Though I have talked with a few different biologists and aquarium reefers. Do all bio pellets produce the same bacteria film as the next? For bacteria density or type or what. I've gotten a lot of different answers and I have even seen some people mixing different brands of bio pellets. What's your idea?

[metrokat]

most peoples potassium is low so dosing this product yields noticeable results in a day.

I've been thinking of dosing Potassium in my tank. Especially since the formal test came back with low potassium. I hope it helps with the SPS color issue for me.

[NanoTopia]

That was exactly I was gonna ask about the strength of the products. Also about whether or not there was a test kit to avoid over saturation of the products but I have yet to see any. I've been potassium to the tank and noticed better coloration in my acros. I've tried the red sea potassium kit but there are a million steps and even then its slightly hard to tell the results. I've been discussing new dosing techniques with a local store owner. His tanks look and grow like zeovit. For instance, for greens (iron/yellow), potassium for all color intensity, as a couple of examples. I think he's on to something. You can see the display tank of this store in D'Expresso thread as he took a pic of it not too long ago.

Though I haven't taken the leap into bio pellets but want to. I would like that extra bio-film as acro food. Though I have talked with a few different biologists and aquarium reefers. Do all bio pellets produce the same bacteria film as the next? For bacteria density or type or what. I've gotten a lot of different answers and I have even seen some people mixing different brands of bio pellets. What's your idea?

 

Zeovit says to use your eye as a guide to when you are over dosing a product. They have a general guide that details what to look for. Potassium is a difficult element to test for regardless of the test kit used. Levels indicated are often vague with most test kits. Salifert has put out a new potassium test kit that works as a titration test, so it is very easy to read but it's overall accuracy is now in question. Most potassium test kits are a turbidity test and would be better suited to a colorimeter test, I don't know of one.

 

I have been using Vertex brand bio-pellets, they are consisting of 100% pure PHA bio-degradable polymers. I have heard of people mixing different brands of pellets in the hope it will attract more strains of bacteria avoiding a monoculture, I have not seen any proof this is the case. I have had no issues with my pellets, no cyano, nothing. I think there may be a possibility that some strains are attracted to the pellets in greater quantities however, this has not proven a problem in my case. I don't think it would hurt to mix pellet brands but how do you know they are are not biologically the same any way?

 

So now I am converting my pico to bio-pellets in my DIY reactor. See my pico build thread. I am using Vertex pellets again since they have worked well for me in my 20 gallon. I will seed MB7 sparsely to help encourage the good bacteria to dominate the pellets. I am running a skimmer as well in the pico.

 

 

 

 

I've been thinking of dosing Potassium in my tank. Especially since the formal test came back with low potassium. I hope it helps with the SPS color issue for me.

 

Dose and increase your K value slowly, watch your corals closely, test often but use your eyes as well. OD of K will give you burnt tips. Burnt tips are identifiable by whitish tips and no polyps, not to be confused with growth which is identifiable by white tips and polyps present. Good luck and keep me updated on the results you achieve with this, your blues should colour up first. Monti growth will increase.

[metrokat]

Zeovit says to use your eye as a guide to when you are over dosing a product. They have a general guide that details what to look for.

 

Dose and increase your K value slowly, watch your corals closely, test often but use your eyes as well. OD of K will give you burnt tips. Burnt tips are identifiable by whitish tips and no polyps, not to be confused with growth which is identifiable by white tips and polyps present. Good luck and keep me updated on the results you achieve with this, your blues should colour up first. Monti growth will increase.

Thanks Christine, I have been looking for the guide on zeovits forums, that tells you what clues to look for and what they mean. I went to this site but it's hard to find a single source of info, if you have a link I could peruse, that would be great.

 

I bought and dosed potassium for the first time today. My Z's and P'z practically doubled in size, they were so happy. It could be a coincidence since I too have read that K helps blue colors and in Stony corals. But these guys were just too happy getting all puffed up and swaying.

[neuwave]

Zeovit says to use your eye as a guide to when you are over dosing a product. They have a general guide that details what to look for. Potassium is a difficult element to test for regardless of the test kit used. Levels indicated are often vague with most test kits. Salifert has put out a new potassium test kit that works as a titration test, so it is very easy to read but it's overall accuracy is now in question. Most potassium test kits are a turbidity test and would be better suited to a colorimeter test, I don't know of one.

 

I have been using Vertex brand bio-pellets, they are consisting of 100% pure PHA bio-degradable polymers. I have heard of people mixing different brands of pellets in the hope it will attract more strains of bacteria avoiding a monoculture, I have not seen any proof this is the case. I have had no issues with my pellets, no cyano, nothing. I think there may be a possibility that some strains are attracted to the pellets in greater quantities however, this has not proven a problem in my case. I don't think it would hurt to mix pellet brands but how do you know they are are not biologically the same any way?

 

So now I am converting my pico to bio-pellets in my DIY reactor. See my pico build thread. I am using Vertex pellets again since they have worked well for me in my 20 gallon. I will seed MB7 sparsely to help encourage the good bacteria to dominate the pellets. I am running a skimmer as well in the pico.

 

 

Exactly what I have heard about different strains of bacteria but that's all hear say since I haven't found any studies or aquarist testing this theory out and checking under a microscope. I've never had a problem with cyno or algae, it's actually hard for me to grow it regardless of the numerous feedings.

That was my question to you, ha ha,"I don't think it would hurt to mix pellet brands but how do you know they are are not biologically the same any way?" - only time will tell to see if there are any differences.

I hear about the K test kits, wish a company would develope a test kit with better accuracy. I've read a lot on the zeovit forums but even then the chemistry has a shroud of mystery to it. I'm having fun with the different base elements and trying to create a formula similar to zeovit. All in good fun.

I saw your macro reactor. Hence what attracted me to your thread. Normally I don't see people trying new things to enhance their coral growth/color, etc. So I was happy to see how thought out your ideas are when you try out a new product. Glad I'm not the only mad aquarium scientist out there.

Anyway your tank looks good. Keep up the good work.

[NanoTopia]

Thanks Christine, I have been looking for the guide on zeovits forums, that tells you what clues to look for and what they mean. I went to this site but it's hard to find a single source of info, if you have a link I could peruse, that would be great.

 

I bought and dosed potassium for the first time today. My Z's and P'z practically doubled in size, they were so happy. It could be a coincidence since I too have read that K helps blue colors and in Stony corals. But these guys were just too happy getting all puffed up and swaying.

 

 

Good to hear, I also noticed my zoas get happy with K, along with other corals. Just be careful not to dose too much. I have heard from an aquarist today with 700+ ppm K that experienced tissue thinning, STN at the base of SPS, low PE with LPS. I am using the Elos K test kit, hard to read but it's all I have as a guide and have to live with it. When you see signs of K OD it's too late.

 

Have a look at these: Zeovit guide

 

Reef Builders Article

[NanoTopia]

Exactly what I have heard about different strains of bacteria but that's all hear say since I haven't found any studies or aquarist testing this theory out and checking under a microscope. I've never had a problem with cyno or algae, it's actually hard for me to grow it regardless of the numerous feedings.

That was my question to you, ha ha,"I don't think it would hurt to mix pellet brands but how do you know they are are not biologically the same any way?" - only time will tell to see if there are any differences.

I hear about the K test kits, wish a company would develope a test kit with better accuracy. I've read a lot on the zeovit forums but even then the chemistry has a shroud of mystery to it. I'm having fun with the different base elements and trying to create a formula similar to zeovit. All in good fun.

I saw your macro reactor. Hence what attracted me to your thread. Normally I don't see people trying new things to enhance their coral growth/color, etc. So I was happy to see how thought out your ideas are when you try out a new product. Glad I'm not the only mad aquarium scientist out there.

Anyway your tank looks good. Keep up the good work.

 

I find quite a few reefers adopting the bio-pellet/Zeovit methods out there. There are a lot of full fledged Zeovit users but even more that just use some of their products to enhance colours and health of their corals. It's all trial and error really, results vary for everyone. I think you have to play with the stuff for years to really understand how to use it properly, not something most reefers are in to. As for test kits, I think if people only knew how unreliable they really are they might be scared. I've tested with many kits over the years and found a general margin of error to average as much as 30% either way. I'm learning to test with instinct and my eyes more and more now. Mad scientist pretty much sums it up, I'm part of that club.

[Asureef]

I haven't gone through your whole thread, but what zoevit products do you use? I'm running pellets myself and just placed an order for the Salifert potassium kit as I'm curious on what my levels are right now. Currently, I'm using coral vitalizer and thinking about picking up Pohl's extra again. Besides the dendro colony, I don't feed any of my corals directly.

[NanoTopia]

I haven't gone through your whole thread, but what zoevit products do you use? I'm running pellets myself and just placed an order for the Salifert potassium kit as I'm curious on what my levels are right now. Currently, I'm using coral vitalizer and thinking about picking up Pohl's extra again. Besides the dendro colony, I don't feed any of my corals directly.

 

I am using Coral Booster (CB), K-Balance Strong (KBS), and Flatworm Stop (FWS). I have not been using them for a long time so it's hard to fully endorse them but I tend to go with instinct more than anything now and I can say I have a good feeling about KBS and B specifically. I'm on the fence with FWS.

 

The new Salifert K kit has had many good reviews due to the easy to read titration method however, just because it is easy to determine the final result, it does not necessarily make that result any more accurate. I was ready to order this kit and at the last minute backed off and decided to wait for more reviews, hopefully a review of it's accuracy compared to lab grade results will appear soon. I use Elos and have determined my K is anywhere from 350 to 550 ppm. I read 450 ppm on the last test, but depending on the light source and how I held the measurement card it could have been + or - 100ppm. I think that vagueness is not worth $30 but it may be the best we can do with a hobby kit. I would be somewhat sceptical of the final result you get with the Salifert kit as well.

 

I broadcast feed zooplanktos from Brightwell every day and on occasion target feed with various foods once of twice a week. Usually if I see a coral struggling.

[metrokat]

Good to hear, I also noticed my zoas get happy with K, along with other corals. Just be careful not to dose too much. I have heard from an aquarist today with 700+ ppm K that experienced tissue thinning, STN at the base of SPS, low PE with LPS. I am using the Elos K test kit, hard to read but it's all I have as a guide and have to live with it. When you see signs of K OD it's too late.

 

Have a look at these: Zeovit guide

 

Reef Builders Article

 

Well, I failed the first test: yellow!

I've got great pinks however. And green too.

 

I need to find a new really yellow SPS to try in the tank.

[NanoTopia]

Well, I failed the first test: yellow!

I've got great pinks however. And green too.

 

I need to find a new really yellow SPS to try in the tank.

 

 

Yes yellow is a good colour to have in the tank, I don't have one ATM, trying to get my hands on a A. Humilis in yellow, can't find one in Canada. Greens always fade on me, tried everything to get them back but nothing works, just wait it out.

[metrokat]

Yes yellow is a good colour to have in the tank, I don't have one ATM, trying to get my hands on a A. Humilis in yellow, can't find one in Canada. Greens always fade on me, tried everything to get them back but nothing works, just wait it out.

What about yellow porites, would that be considered true yellow?

[NanoTopia]

What about yellow porites, would that be considered true yellow?

 

Yes it would work, I did have one and when nutrients or dosing increased it would go green on me. I killed the one I had unfortunately, I have no yellow in my tank ATM.

[metrokat]

Yes it would work, I did have one and when nutrients or dosing increased it would go green on me. I killed the one I had unfortunately, I have no yellow in my tank ATM.

In that case, maybe I can get a passing grade?

[NanoTopia]

Kat, your eye will detect subtle changes in hue, it's hard to tell with photo's. Yellows should be bright and clear. I'm sure you are on the right track.

 

What test kit are you using for potassium may I ask? This is such a hard element to test for.

[metrokat]

Kat, your eye will detect subtle changes in hue, it's hard to tell with photo's. Yellows should be bright and clear. I'm sure you are on the right track.

 

What test kit are you using for potassium may I ask? This is such a hard element to test for.

 

I'm not using any test kit I was thinking for the price, I can send my water to be tested again to the water testing company. After I make some dosing changes and additions.

[NanoTopia]

Okay Kat, just make sure you get your water tested for K, you don't want to OD.

 

Check out this A. tenuis frag I picked up on the weekend...