how will i start slow if using ZEO in sump?

[DMK]

i'm all ready to order and get going. i will not be using a reactor, will have zeolites in sump, either in sock or not. i keep reading that u should start ZEO slow. how necessary is this and how can i start slow if i'm not using a reactor? water just continuously overflows...
thanks.

[Aged Salt]

DMK, do use the zeolites in a enclosed sock, enabling one to "shake-knead" the stones once or twice a day, clearing the zeolites's surfaces for bacterial hosting. Alexander used this method for the zeolites for his first 6 mos. on the method, later adding the zeo-filter with even better coral color/growth. With the zeolites within a sock, the flow rates is not a concern. Be sure to only use 3/4 the recommended quantity of zeolites for your net vol. during the first 4wks. on the system. Keep us updated. Bob

[GTR]

Starting slows pertains to the amount of media and the dosages of the additives. Without the reactor I would place the stones in a high flow area of the sump to be sure the receive good water circulation.

SteveU

[DMK]

thanks. i will let u guys know when i'm about to start. hopefully w/in 2 weeks.

[DMK]

so why do some run reactor 3hrs on 3 off when starting?

[G.Alexander]

DMK with the 3 hour on / off interval of the reactor you provide a continuously change in the reactors environment form aerobic to anaerobic. Exactly in the “changing” phase the bacteria are able to strengthened consume PO4 which supports the system at the beginning. Once in phase 3 the reactor can also be run continuously, because PO4 is lowered to a minimum.

G.Alexander

[Bojan]

I will also have 1 liter of Zeolites in my sump. Based on user quide optimal water flow have to be 200 up to 400 liters per hour.

I have the following ideas
1.) DIY zeolite reactor, with pump MaxiJet250
2.) Put zeolites in 1,5 liter container and pump water with existing pump 800 liters per hour.
3.) Put 1,5 liter container with zeolites somewhere in the sump.
4.) Put 1,5 liter container with zeolites under exit of BK 200.

What is your opinion ?
How important is water flow ?
Acctually , I do not like tu put one additinal pump 250 liter per hour only for Zeolite. I prefer to use some existing equipment.

[G.Alexander]

Bojan, as you mentioned the water flow through the material should not be to high. This will cause problems while nutrients become depleted to quick. If I where you I would use the DIY filter with the possibility to easy mix up the material daily. I am not familiar with those MaxiJet pumps but I would not pump more than 400 liters per hour through the material.

The water coming from your skimmer is oxygenated which does not provide a optimal environment for the material and its bacteria.

Placing the material in a filter bag elsewhere in the sump works, I did it in the same way at the beginning. I can tell you, adding a reactor was a improvement in coloration and growth, also in water clarity.

G.Alexander

[Bojan]

Thanks Alexander

Do you know , what are dimensions of the smallest reactor ?

[G.Alexander]

Not sure Bojan, but there is a DIY rector sold by korallenzucht which is a little bit smaller:

http://www.korallen-zucht.de/index.p...t_products=189

G.Alexander

[DMK]

can 1 use a hang on filter hung off sump? i would love to use some kind of reactor or filter but no room other than place to hang a filter off sump. would this be better than placing in sump? i could even set it on timer to go on and off every 3 hrs in beginning.
if i do use in sump would placing in overflow sock right from beginning be good or place it in less flow area at first.
SOMEONE PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF I CAN USE A HANG ON FILTER OFF SUMP? NO ROOM IN SUMP AND NO ROOM REALLY FOR AN EXTERNAL REACTOR W/ PUMP.
thanks

[G.Alexander]

DMK, if your system is not to big this IMO should work, however a reactor would be better. I would recommend to make sure the flow through the hang on filter is kept as recommended. The On – Off interval is a good idea if possible.

G.Alexander

[DMK]

G.Alexander my tank is a 92, w/ a 22g sump, about 102g total system.