Thanks, again for all of this.
Years ago, when I started, everything I read said a cycle produced nitrates and you got rid of that with water changes. Further research showed the idea of denitrifying bacteria in anaerobic conditions. The best suggestions I found were a deep sand bed or something like SeaChem matrix in a filter because it allowed the anaerobic pockets deep inside. I tried both and haven’t had much success, other than duckweed.
Obviously, you’ve got it working, and I’m willing to try. I’d like some advice since I’m not ready to swap everything out.
When I upgraded Tobie to a 150 gallon tank, this was my setup: FX6 with pond matrix, 1” of pool sand in the 150, a 55 gallon tank converted into a refugium. The refugium has three sections. The input contains Seachem matrix (pond and regular), the middle section has a 4” pool filter sand bed and plants, and the pump return section is bare.
Here’s a google copy of an image I’d posted here years ago, where the original pic no longer exists:
https://images.app.goo.gl/xN14bVQgj58vsZ3x9Since that pic, the lighting and the plants have changed, and there’s more biomedia in the first chamber.
However, there’s one change in my setup. The motor on my FX6 croaked a while back. I decided to try with just the refugium. It seemed capable of taking the biolaod (with the understanding that I mean I still need water changes to remove nitrates). I ultimately moved it’s media to the refugium and it’s sitting there untouched.
So, here’s my question. I’m willing to try Biohome and willing to purchase a replacement FX6 pump. Will I get more bang for my buck going Biohome Maxi and FX6 or Biohome Biogravel in the 150 gallon? Because of the plants in the refugium, I don’t want to mess with that substrate.
If your answer is FX6, how many kg to fill it?