NP-reducing BioPellets ??

C

Cheech

Global Moderator
Jan 13, 2000
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Montreal, Canada
So i heard that this is the new shizzel nizzel.. A friend of mine swears by it, telling me it destroys phosphates/nitrates. . .

Any experiences?


http://npbiopellets.dvh-import.com/

Home We provide a novel filtermedia entitled NP-reducing BioPellets to the professional aquarium industry including public aquaria, zoos and aquaculture facilities. This product has been developed for (professional) aquarists who want to supply their aquarium inhabitants with large quantities of feeds without negatively affecting water quality. The husbandry of marine species which require large amounts of nutrition has made a crucial step forward with this new product. Examples of such species are Anthias fish, soft corals such as Dendronephthya sp. and filter feeders such as sea squirts.


The positive effects of NP-reducing BioPellets on water quality are based on the principle of immobilization. Waste products from the water, mainly nitrate and phosphate, are converted into bacteria. This keeps the aquarium water clean. The new formula NP-reducing BioPellets are composed of 100 % pure biologically degradable polymers that can be placed in a fluidized filter or filter canister. The pellets will allow aerobic growth of bacteria which consequently will consume nitrate and phosphate simultaneously. The bacteria will use up the carbon from the BioPellets, whilst nitrogen and phosphorus are taken from the water as nitrate and (ortho)phosphate. This conversion of organic BioPellets (together with inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus) into microbial biomass is called immobilization. In addition, anaerobic layers will develop, resulting in additional denitrification.
The surplus of bacteria will be consumed by filter and suspension feeding organisms such as sponges and corals, or skimmed off by a protein skimmer. On average this “solid wodka method” takes 2-4 weeks to give rise to sufficient bacteria to allow nitrate and phosphate levels to drop. The main advantage of this method over using Wodka or sugar as a carbon source is that NP-reducing BioPellets stimulate local growth of bacteria in a filter compartment, instead of all over in the aquarium where they may clog up pipes and hoses. They also prevent the growth of cyanobacteria, as the bacteria growing on NP-reducing BioPellets will compete with these phototrophic nuisance microbes. Finally, NP-reducing BioPellets will save the aquarist a lot of time, as no daily dosages of carbon are required.
NP%20closeup.JPG

Close-up of the New Formula NP Reducing BioPellets.​
 
It definitely works and is made of polycaprolactone, which provides a readily oxidized form of carbon for bacteria. Still too expensive in the long-term for my tastes and it still requires fairly hefty skimming.
 
Ya, that is the problem I have read.. it works.. but in some cases with NP, it works TOO good and you get big bacterial blooms in the tank causing it to look milky... along with white sticky film on the glass. I guess it is like any other carbon dosing where if you use too much and not skim enough it can lead to problems.

I was told biopellets (not the exact ones we buy for our tanks) came from water treatment plants.. they have used something similar for decades.

Oh ya, and Warner Marine is cheaper than NP.
 
Thanks for the comments.. This does look very interesting. I'm still battling turf algae, maybe this will do the trick.
From what was told to me, these biopellets work best in a cannister filter, as they need to tumble in there... I have a media reactor, and I'd rather not invest in a cannister filter right now. you think it I upgrade the pump of the media reactor, I would be OK?
 
Should work just fine, as long as it doesn't break up the media too badly and you have enough room for the amount you need. A good moderate tumble should be fine, like in the video.
 
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