Aquarium Lighting | Saltwater Aquarium Supplies | Reef Tank Skimmers

NP BioPellets are a unique carbon based polymer that work as both a substrate and food source for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. Also known as the “Solid Vodka Method”.

How It Works:
NP BioPellets are composed of biologically degradable carbon-based polymers that act as food source for bacteria and as these bacteria grow and multiply they consume waste products from the water, mainly nitrate and phosphate. During this process anaerobic layers will also develop resulting in additional de-nitrification. This process is called immobilization. The surplus of bacteria produced in this process are then consumed by filter and suspension feeding organisms such as sponges and corals or skimmed off by a protein skimmer.

Benefits:
1. Reduces Nitrate and Phosphate Levels and Permits Heavy Feeding: The bacteria growing on the NP BioPellets consume both nitrate and phosphate and when used in conjunction with a phosphate reactor and strong protein skimmer heavy bio-loads and heavy feeding are possible without negatively affecting water quality.
2. Simpler Solution than the Vodka or Sugar Method: Unlike liquid carbon sources such as Vodka or sugar, NP BioPellets concentrate the bacteria in a filter compartment or reactor, instead of all over in the aquarium where the bacteria may clog up pipes and/or hoses. Daily dosing is also not required.
3. Helps Prevent Cyanobacteria: The bacteria growing on the NP BioPellets competes with nuisance microbes, such as cyanobacteria, thereby limiting there growth and proliferation.

Usage Guidelines:
- NP BioPellets should be placed in a fluidized reactor, like the PhosBan Reactor, or a canister filter and this reactor or filter should be placed in the sump before the protein skimmer to limit the amount of bacteria entering the system. A fluidized reactor typically produces better results and prevents detritus buildup.
- NP BioPellets should never be used without sufficient aeration as this may lead to low oxygen and pH levels especially during nighttime hours. Aeration can be increased with the addition of an air pump and/or a more efficient protein skimmer.
- NP BioPellets should be used with a phosphate adsorbent media based on iron hydroxide like PhosBan or RowaPhos when heavy feeding is required. This is because most foods contain higher levels of phosphate than what is consumed by bacteria, fish and invertebrates in comparison to nitrogen.
- Sufficient water flow through the NP BioPellets is required to prevent production of hydrogen sulfide gas.
- The use of ozone and UV will negatively affect bacterial levels on the NP BioPellets and increase the length of time before nitrate and phosphate begin to drop.

Dosage Guidelines: 500-1000 mL of pellets for every 100 gallons of water. Heavier dosage may be required for heavily stocked tanks and/or heavily feed tanks. Dosage may be increased indefinitely provided the aquarium water is sufficiently aerated and filtered/skimmed. (A large, efficient protein skimmer is highly recommended.) It typically takes 2-4 weeks for nitrate and phosphate levels to start decreasing. If nitrate and phosphate are already very low prior to adding the NP BioPellets a decrease in these levels may not be detectable with standard aquarium test kits.

Replacement Guidelines: NP BioPellets typically need to be replenished every 3-6 months to replace the NP BioPellets that have been consumed by the bacteria. Regular measurements of both nitrate and phosphate levels are recommended to determine if the amount of NP BioPellets should be increased or decreased.

Disclaimer: With any organic carbon source, like NP BioPellets, there are risks and the use of these pellets is only advised for advanced aquarists. ReefGeek, Inc., NPBioPellets.com, coral publications and other reef interests will not be held responsible for any loss of livestock or damages to personal property which results from the misuse of NP BioPellets.

Results: The following list includes animals which have thrived in aquariums using NP BioPellets. Please note that although NP BioPellets may also serve as a bacterial food source, feeding with various types of plankton or artificial alternatives is required to keep these animals alive for prolonged periods of time.

- Fish: Pipefish and dragonets (Synchiropus and Corythoichthys schultzi), Anthias and all major Teleost species.
- Bivalves: Flame Scallops (Lima scabra) and Tridacna.
- Tunicates: Colonial sea squirts (Neptheis fascicularis), solitary species Zooxanthellate Scleractinian corals (Goniopora and Alveopora) and all major Scleractinian species.
- Azooxanthellate Scleractinian corals: Rhizotrochus typus and Tubastrea coccinea.
- Zooxanthellate Octocorals: All major Octocoral species.
- Azooxanthellate Octocorals: Menella, Swiftia exserta and Dendronephthya.
- Echinoderms: Comatula, Comanthina and Linckia laevigata.
- Sponges: Trikentrion flabelliforme and cryptic species as well as medium-sized macro sponges.

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