Fresh start with Zeovit!

[oogie]

Hello,

I have few questions about starting a brand new tank with zeovit implementation.

Here is a some bits and pieces from Zeovit guide Revision 1.01.

Page 5

The material does not directly remove nitrite (NO2), nitrate (NO3), or phosphate (PO4) from the tank water. It permanently absorbs ammonium (NH4+) and ammonia (NH3), the first two chemicals in the nitrification cycle, thus preventing the formation of nitrite (NO2) and nitrate (NO3).

Now, does this mean, my new tank does not need to be cycled like other traditional methods? If Ammonia is never given a chance to start a cycle because zeovit will absorb it then cycle will technically never start!
So, does this mean I can add the corals in my old tank to this new zeo tank in pretty short time?

Page 11

This product is a liquid food source and promotes the reproduction of all nitrifying bacteria in the aquarium. It is therefore very effective in reducing phosphate (PO4) and nitrate (NO3) and has to be used carefully in order not to drop nutrients too fast.

We recommend continuous use of this product as a food source for nitrifying bacteria.

Above quote is from section 4, guide to Zeostart.
What I am confused here is, if zeovit absorbes all ammonia like its stated in first quote, how could nitrifying bacteria exist in my new tank? Furthermore, why would I need to feed them when there is none or there is no need for them to exist?

As a zeovit newbie, I am lost over how I should proceed in setting up a new tank. I will start all new things, and when this tank is ready, I am planning on moving sps from my old tank. Can all you zeo masters give me some direction how I should go about starting a brand new tank and how long I should wait until adding live stocks?

Thanks a million!

[toddfreshman]

Welcome!!!!

WELCOME ABOARD!!!!!



Just wait around, Bob will be by with all the answers!

[OUinLA]

The zeovit media removes amonia, but it doesn't remove all amonia in your tank.

You are correct though that the "cycle" is quicker with the use of ZEOvit than without.

[Orion76]

Above quote is from section 4, guide to Zeostart.
What I am confused here is, if zeovit absorbes all ammonia like its stated in first quote, how could nitrifying bacteria exist in my new tank? Furthermore, why would I need to feed them when there is none or there is no need for them to exist?

I'm no Zeo expert but to answer this particular question, ammonia is not produced in the sump, it is produced in the display so a lot of it will collide with the live rock and other surfaces of the aquarium on its way to the sump, there will be plenty of bacteria living on and in those surfaces as well as in the water column who are happy to consume ammonia, NO2, NO3, PO4.

There is a lot more to Zeovit than the reactor filtering out ammonia.

[Aged Salt]

Hi Oogie, & welcome to ZEOvit. com I assume you've read the links in the two top stickies at the top of this forum. Be sure to understand the concepts well & you've come to the right place for questions as there are many experienced ZEOvit users here to help
Generally, cycling with ZEOvit method, allows placement of corals within 1-2 wks. depending on the nitrogen cycle[testing N02 negative], condition of your LR[old, new, cured, uncured] & LS, if used. Please give us the answers to the sticky "tell us about your tank" at the top of this forum for specific application of ZEOvit method as it pertains to your new system. Thnx. Bob

[oogie]

Please give us the answers to the sticky "tell us about your tank" at the top of this forum for specific application of ZEOvit method as it pertains to your new system. Thnx. Bob

Thanks everyone for such a worm welcome!

So here we go with the questions and answers!

1. Gross water volume of your complete system (incl. sump etc.)
Total water volume = 55G
2. Net water volume (incl. sump etc.)
I guess 55G?
3. Are you using a CaCO2 reactor or other technique
Will be using Single stage Calcium reactor.
4. Are you using a PO4 reactor (how long, how long ago, etc.)
No, because this is New tank.
5. Are you using Ozone
No, because this is New tank. Shall I use it?
6. Are you using UV
No, because this is New tank. Shall I use it?
7. What skimmer are you using (type, rated water volume)
Needle Wheel skimmer
8. What are your actual PO4 and NO3 levels
None. Again, New tank.
9. What are your actual Ca, Alk and Mg levels
None. Again, New tank.
10. What filtration method do you use (refugium, DSB, Miracle Mud, etc.)
None. Will be bare-bottom with just sump.
11. Type of light (Watt, color temp, how old, etc.)
250 Watt SE Metal Halide with 2 24" VHO and 2 24W T5.
12. What corals do you keep
Well, I will only keep Acros and some monties
13. Tissue color (light or dark)
Don't have any yet.
14. How long has the tank been running
Not running yet
15. Why do you want to use the ZEOvit system
It sounds great and I like the idea and concept behind it.
16. Any supplemental dosing (type, amount, why, etc.)
None. New tank.
17. Live rock (how much, how old, etc.)
I will be using approx. 20 lbs of live rock from my old tank that has been running for a year or so. Rest will be base rock.
18. Any present problems
New tank.
19. Problem description (tissue loss tips, tissue loss base, diatom bloom, algae, etc.)
None
20. What test kit do you use (how old, recently switched, etc.)
CA = Pinpoint CA meter All others = Salifert


So there.

I am really glad I found zeovit and zeovit.com! Thanks everyone!!!

[Aged Salt]

Hi Oogie, the key to using the ZEOvit method is patience. Go slow, & do not overdose. With the ZEOvit method, the parameters mirror those of NSW--Ca>400/Mg>1200/KH-6-8/ salinity- 1.023-5. 03 & UV sterilizers are not used[ remember, ZEOvit is a bacteria driven method] For your system, I recommend the following: Dose 1/2 Cup carbon in your sump in a filter sock, passively. Knead this every other day[to prevent channeling] & exchange the carbon once a month. Dose 1/2ltr zeolites in a filter with a flow rate of 50gph. A little more or less is OK, but target this flow as closely to 50gph as you can. Pump clean the stones 2x's/day & exchange these with the first cycle in 4 wks., thereafter, the interval becomes 6wks. Dose ZeoBak/ZeoFood--2 drops each daily for 2wks with new zeolites, then, 2 drops ea. 2x's/wk.Dose these in front of your zeo-filter pump. Turn off your skimmer for 60min. after dosing these. It is not necessary to do this when just dosing Start2. Dose ZeoStart2 0.3ml 2x's/day every day. When your N02's are undetectable, you are ready to add livestock. Plz. ask questions, but be sure to read as much ZEOvit material as possible for a thorough understanding of this wonderful method for keeping your corals/fish & inverts Bob