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Got an experiment.

PostPosted:11 Dec 2017 18:11
by Jonny5
Ok. So. I was big into saltwater reef systems. I ran bio pellets in a reactor. Long of the short is that it is a carbon source for bacteria to consume naitrate and phosphate and then produce bio film. Now in a reactor it is designed for the pellets to tumble in a fluidzed reactor and to scuff of old and weak bacteria. The outlet of it is directed to skimmer to remove bacteria.

My finding is most shrimp are belived to feed off bacteria. So if we were to throw a few bio pellets in bottom of tank and allow the shrimp to eat the film off the pellets. Now it wouldn't be a nutrient export like it is designed in reef system. But would be almost endless food supply that would be unable to pollute the water.

Re: Got an experiment.

PostPosted:11 Dec 2017 18:13
by odin
This sounds pretty interesting, I will have to do some research my self and look into it. Have you thought about trying it out?


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Re: Got an experiment.

PostPosted:11 Dec 2017 18:40
by Jonny5
I was thinking about trying it out. Can't find any info on it. Someone said about trying it on cherry shrimp but never updated. My problem is I don't have enough to do a control. Not to mention i dont really have enough experience with these guys yet.

Re: Got an experiment.

PostPosted:11 Dec 2017 18:57
by Jonny5
It's not as simple as just testing water parameters. We need someone who knows these guys. And knows their actions and activities. Since we won't really see water parameter changes it's not as simple as testing. But if they can feed as much as they want and we don't have to worry about polluting their water in theory they should grow bigger and faster and reproduce more. The all you can eat buffett but out the draw back of having to do water changes to keep parameters good. I know that you don't need to change water with these guys but I think that is because of very controlled feeding.

Re: Got an experiment.

PostPosted:15 Dec 2017 21:11
by odin
I agree about the feeding part, one of my tanks i feed fish flake and the water quality isn't as clear and gunk free compared to the tanks i feed with spirulina powder... this stuff doesn't seem to foul the water very easily.

Re: Got an experiment.

PostPosted:21 Jan 2018 18:52
by Jonny5
Well I decided to put 1 bio pellet in tank. It's been in tank for maybe 10 minutes and their is 3 shrimp fighting over it.

Re: Got an experiment.

PostPosted:22 Jan 2018 20:53
by odin
Sounds like they enjoyed it then. :lol:

Re: Got an experiment.

PostPosted:23 Jan 2018 00:45
by Jonny5
After about 2 hours they left it alone. At one point 15 to 20 were swarming it and chasing the others off. Grabbing on to each other and like flipping each other. But today have seen none of them on it. It should take several days for the bacteria to populate the pellet. It was odd that they attacked it like they did. It's not really food. It's pretty much a plastic. Just a carbon source for bacteria to eat. It is said that bacteria are limited because of a carbon source. That's why people dose vinegar or alcohol to their reef tanks. Bio pellets are mantaince free when tumbled in a reactor. But they are tumbled to scuff off old and weak bacteria and flow is directed to skimmer to remove bacteria. But their is romuor the our little shrimp may feed on bacteria. Will give it a week or 2. See what happens and maybe add a few more. Will keep you all updated on anything new that happens.

Re: Got an experiment.

PostPosted:23 Jan 2018 23:19
by opae ula related
Was the same exact pellet used in your previous tank or brand new one?

Re: Got an experiment.

PostPosted:24 Jan 2018 02:41
by Jonny5
New one. The other ones are still in use in a huge reactor I built. Had extra to add as they wear down. Did notice that they all seemed to kinda stop by the pellet today.