If you use the 10 ml bottle of zeobak read this

[Tom Berry]

Make sure you are dosing the correct amount. Zeo dosing is based on the drop size produced by the pipette that is provided with all the products, except for the 10 ml bottle of zeobak. Instead, it has that funky insert that seems to be intended to facilitate shaking out drops. The problem is that it is too easy to shake out more drops than you intended.

Like others, I removed the insert and used a syringe from a salifert test kit. Later, I purchased a glass eyedropper. However I recently compared the drops from a pipette in another zeo bottle to the eyedropper. The eyedropper produces bigger drops than the salifert syringe, but they are both quite a bit smaller than the drops from the zeo pipette.

It appears that I have been under dosing zeobak all along. I am now adjusting my dosing with the eyedropper, to compensate for the drop size.

I really think that Thomas needs to provide a pipette with the 10 ml bottle, even if it necessitates a small price increase.

Tom

[invincible569]

Tom, Gary was in the process of adding droppers to the 10ml bottles.

Also, the reason for the white plastic insert is most likely for the liquid solution to stay sealed and not leak from the bottle. Even if it doesnt leak, the benefit of a longer product shelf life is provided by a better seal without the liquid drying out expiring the content of it faster than the 3 mo. expiration span.

[Tom Berry]

Tom, Gary was in the process of adding droppers to the 10ml bottles.

I remember that discussion. I recently got a new bottle that, obviously, didn't have a pipette/dropper. Hopefully it will be implemented soon.

In the meantime, 10 ml users, especially newbies, should be made aware of this issue.

Tom

[SCARYBO]

Tom,

If you are using the salifert syringe without the tip would you need to adjust the drop size and by how much? Thanks

[Tom Berry]

SCARYBO,

I estimate the zeodropper drops are at least twice the size of the Salifert (the 1ml reagent syringe, not the 5 ml one for tank water), without the tip. Since mild overdosing of bak doesn't seem to have serious consequences, I would err on that side.

Edit: I just rechecked, and the Salifert drops, without the tip, are probably more than 1/2 the size of zeodropper drops. Maybe 2/3 or 3/4?

It'd probably be best for each user to check for themselves.

Tom

[gqjeff]

Tom, on the 1ml salifert syringe without the long insert the drops seem VERY similiar sized. With the long thing on it they are MUCH smaller though.. Are you talking with or without the long attachment on the 1ml?

[Tom Berry]

Jeff,

to me the Salifert drops, without the attachment, are still significantly smaller than the zeodropper drops. As I said, I would err on the side of slightly overdosing.

Since the bacteria are so vital, you need to make sure you are dosing enough to get the full benefit of the system.

Tom

[Tom Berry]

It's interesting that people have accidentally dosed large amounts of bak without any ill effects.

I have a theory that there is a threshhold dose that needs to be reached in order to fully "activate" the system, and more beyond that doesn't have much effect, for ill or good.

Tom

[Ger]

I have the droppers for the small ZEObak bottles now available. I ordered them from Germany to fit the bottles we currently use, that way we can be sure that they seal properly. I will make them available to you guys at my cost of $1.00.

[Tom Berry]

Thanks Gary

How should I order one (or 2)?

Tom

[Ger]

Just shoot me an e-mail or make a note with your next order. I will also distribute them to the dealers, that way you can just get it from them. I'll try to get it done by next week.

[Znut Reefer]

I also would like to get 1 or 2. can you mail them if we order from you?

[OUinLA]

I've been using these that Gary mentioned for a while and they seem fine. no complaints from me.

[North Bay 101]

Thanks Tom for bringing this to all of our attentions. I never felt that I was dosing the right amount of 'Bac, so now I have the correct scoop. Funny thing is I just received my 3 month order today and will wait a couple of months to get the dropper.

Thanks

Gordon

[slojmn]

Hi Gary,
I could use a dropper...I just put in my first drops of bak/food/start2 today and was a little stumped by the bak. I think about 3-4 drops went in but it was hard to tell. I won't be needing anything for a while but if you are down in Napa let me know and I'll come find you to get a dropper. Hope you are doing well.