Let’s Try Something New in My Reef Tank: $50 Worth of Dirt!

I don’t get a lot of time to tune in to live streams and recently in what little chance I have had to listen, the talk has been of Miracle Mud. This stuff has been around for a couple of decades and there must be something to it because it has inspired some knock-offs in recent years. EcoSystem Miracle Mud is the “real thing” and after hearing rave reviews recently, I decided to try some. I’m looking for polyp extension in my acros. They’re colourful, healthy, and growing.....but I’ve seen very little polyp extension, which means they can’t augment photosynthesis by actively feeding. So I figure if I can get those polyps out and waving, it’ll just be healthier for the corals. This stuff is expensive - $300+ to stock my system with the recommended amount! AND it’s recommended to swap out 50% of it annually! Yikes. So, let’s see how far I get with the small amount I bought to try it. This is one of those cases where you can’t find out how it will do in your tank unless you try it, but you have to spend the $$ to try it and what if it doesn’t work? 🤔 Product links: EcoSystem Miracle Mud: US: http://amzn.to/2lInzhR Canada: https://www.reefsupplies.ca/online-store/Miracle-Mud-Marine-5-pounds.html Thin filter pads: US: http://amzn.to/2A8kMUp Canada: http://amzn.to/2CIOguR Intro/outro music: “Surfacing” written and performed by Dave Lembo, used with permission. Check out his channel, Dave’s Nano Tanks, here: https://www.youtube.com/user/Davelembo. To hear the whole track, here’s Dave’s video that includes it in the second half: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3HYcFdc4-s&t=310s - enjoy! Hypnothis by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100634 Artist: http://incompetech.com/ I am a participant in the Amazon Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon and affiliated sites.

Let’s Try Something New in My Reef Tank: $50 Worth of Dirt! sentiment_very_dissatisfied 11

Reef tank 6 years ago 10,316 views

I don’t get a lot of time to tune in to live streams and recently in what little chance I have had to listen, the talk has been of Miracle Mud. This stuff has been around for a couple of decades and there must be something to it because it has inspired some knock-offs in recent years. EcoSystem Miracle Mud is the “real thing” and after hearing rave reviews recently, I decided to try some. I’m looking for polyp extension in my acros. They’re colourful, healthy, and growing.....but I’ve seen very little polyp extension, which means they can’t augment photosynthesis by actively feeding. So I figure if I can get those polyps out and waving, it’ll just be healthier for the corals. This stuff is expensive - $300+ to stock my system with the recommended amount! AND it’s recommended to swap out 50% of it annually! Yikes. So, let’s see how far I get with the small amount I bought to try it. This is one of those cases where you can’t find out how it will do in your tank unless you try it, but you have to spend the $$ to try it and what if it doesn’t work? 🤔 Product links: EcoSystem Miracle Mud: US: http://amzn.to/2lInzhR Canada: https://www.reefsupplies.ca/online-store/Miracle-Mud-Marine-5-pounds.html Thin filter pads: US: http://amzn.to/2A8kMUp Canada: http://amzn.to/2CIOguR Intro/outro music: “Surfacing” written and performed by Dave Lembo, used with permission. Check out his channel, Dave’s Nano Tanks, here: https://www.youtube.com/user/Davelembo. To hear the whole track, here’s Dave’s video that includes it in the second half: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3HYcFdc4-s&t=310s - enjoy! Hypnothis by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100634 Artist: http://incompetech.com/ I am a participant in the Amazon Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon and affiliated sites.

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Most popular comments
for Let’s Try Something New in My Reef Tank: $50 Worth of Dirt!

Kevin Hayes
Kevin Hayes - 6 years ago
Wow, Great info, thank you for the video. I had no idea this stuff was so great for coral. I'll be ordering some now for sure. Reef is looking amazing, congrats.
Reefgrrl
Reefgrrl - 6 years ago
Thanks so much for the kind words, and for watching!
Cruz Arias
Cruz Arias - 6 years ago
Well done and well documented! I'm glad you see the results first hand!

Leng would like to email you if you would like. :)
Reefgrrl
Reefgrrl - 6 years ago
Thanks Cruz! Sure, email from Leng would be great. My name is Cindy and the email to use is bootsie.ckc@rogers.com. I’m seeing gradual polyp expansion throughout, even just with the 2.5 lbs. Planning to put the other 2.5 in today after I do some algae harvesting. It’s interesting stuff. Thanks for watching!
Dave Yant
Dave Yant - 6 years ago
I'm gonna try some too!
Mark Derail
Mark Derail - 6 years ago
I put 5 pound bag in between baffles of my sump, below my chaeto.
Reefgrrl
Reefgrrl - 6 years ago
There’s a giant filter sponge between the baffles in my sump, came with the tank, but that sounds like a great place to put it.
Syed Hasan
Syed Hasan - 6 years ago
Neat..
EN Reefs
EN Reefs - 6 years ago
nice
Ash
Ash - 6 years ago
Great video reefgrrl i definetly look forward for an update down the road on MM...the only reason that has kept me from using it is replenishing it every 6 months or so but you never know....so definetly looking forward....
Reefgrrl
Reefgrrl - 6 years ago
It’ll be interesting to see what happens. I’m going to put the other 2.5 lbs in on the weekend. If the difference is visible, I may buy another 10 lbs and add it - that would total half of what’s recommended for my system size. I’m hoping to get a cell phone floater thingy so I can do a top-down view for the update. Thanks for stopping by!
Ellery Wong
Ellery Wong - 6 years ago
I started using the Fiji Mud since it was cheaper. I wanted a source of trace elements for my tank without dosing constantly and so far it looks ok in my Refugium. I still does Nitrates and Acropower though.
Reefgrrl
Reefgrrl - 6 years ago
Yeah, I’m going to continue with the RS colour program, and Fuel - I only dose about a third of the recommended amount, so I don’t expect problems with having too much. I may wean the tank off the colours if I continue to see improvement. Thanks for watching!
Cesca's Reef
Cesca's Reef - 6 years ago
Nice review will look forward to updates :)

10. comment for Let’s Try Something New in My Reef Tank: $50 Worth of Dirt!

Hectorisking Hinojosa
Hectorisking Hinojosa - 6 years ago
Subbed! Great info! That stuff works I used years ago. Polyp extension goes crazy!
Reefgrrl
Reefgrrl - 6 years ago
Thanks for the sub, I really appreciate it! And yep, I’m after seeing the polyp extension....
Paul De La Mora
Paul De La Mora - 6 years ago
I’m using miracle mud with cheato lit 24/7 and running my skimmer 24/7 and using phosguard replaced every 4-5 days for phosphate removal.
Reefgrrl
Reefgrrl - 6 years ago
I do have about 250g of phosguard in right now, in a media bag in the return chamber. It needs replacing. I’m a big fan of slow process! Very reluctant to use GFO, but I will if I feel it’s necessary. I’ll give the MM some time first though, unless the phosphate gets above 0.3 - then I’ll have to slowly introduce the GFO. It certainly is a balancing act!
Paul De La Mora
Paul De La Mora - 6 years ago
Reefgrrl
I would recommend that you Test your po4 and see exactly where they are at. Use a small amount of phosguard at most for 4-5 days not to shock your system. Test to see if they lower from your first initial test. If you see a reduction add a little more then what you first did. Keep following this process till you get them low enough to then introduce gfo to stabilize the system. It’s a slow process but it works. Least for me
Reefgrrl
Reefgrrl - 6 years ago
My phosphate has been trending slowly upwards and I’m considering using a small amount of GFO to see if I can get it under control. But I’ll wait at least a month to see if the MM has any effect. Thanks for the comment!
pelphrey
pelphrey - 6 years ago
Awesome!! I may get some but with my little sump the challenge is getting any decent amount in it!
Reefgrrl
Reefgrrl - 6 years ago
You could run it in a reactor....Paul Williams in the UK (Reef Community Worldwide) does that.
Eldridge Henry, II
Eldridge Henry, II - 6 years ago
great video yet again. you are very encouraging. Check out this new video https://youtu.be/Rrv-GNcSEy4
please watch his video on reef roid feeding it may assist in the health and polyp extension of you corals.
Reefgrrl
Reefgrrl - 6 years ago
Thanks Henry, it’s in my queue and I’ve heard good things about the video. I’ll take a look. Thanks for stopping by!
jassimps
jassimps - 6 years ago
Nice update Reefgrrl! ... perhaps one of the hardest things about reefing is after a choice is made for a particular method...is seeing it all the way thru w/o too much tinkering.  Sometimes the tinkering is the best part!  The runner up.... describing the value obtained to someone outside of the hobby for how much a 2, 5 or 10lb bag of "miracle" mud cost.  lol
Reefgrrl
Reefgrrl - 6 years ago
You are SO right! The satisfaction of watching things grow because of choices you’ve made is indescribable. And the reverse is also hard to explain - how humbled and let down one feels, when one’s actions cause a problem. My husband is such a good listener when I’m wittering on about this stuff - but he really doesn’t take it in or understand it completely. That’s why we love YouTube, right?! Thanks for the entertaining comment, and for stopping by!
Micah Whalen
Micah Whalen - 6 years ago
I'm definitely getting some. Thanks for doing this video. Crazy about the polyp extension.
Reefgrrl
Reefgrrl - 6 years ago
Yeah, and so quickly too. It improves slightly every day - I have to find a way to get it on video, better closeups. Maybe top-down should be the next update....
Mark Booth
Mark Booth - 6 years ago
Been using Miracle Mud for years and if it's used correctly then it's one of the cheapest methods available as you no longer need to add trace elements and less water changes plus reactors & skimmer is not needed.im confident to say that you'd wish you used it years ago.
Mark Booth
Mark Booth - 6 years ago
Reefgrrl sounds like a good plan I've got no skimmer and just the mud i also use Caulerpa Taxifolia and Phosguard for nutrient removal and my N03 is <1ppm and P04 is <0.03ppm. And the micro fauna is crazy.
Reefgrrl
Reefgrrl - 6 years ago
It’ll be interesting to see how this goes. I’m not sure yet if I want to commit the $$ to stock my system fully, and it would be a tight fit in the space I have available in my sump. But if it shows positive results even at low levels, I might gradually transition over to it. Time will tell.....I might start saving up.
Robert Anziano
Robert Anziano - 6 years ago
Love ur videos. Very informative. Thx
Jon G.
Jon G. - 6 years ago
Great video! I would have just plopped that MM in the sump, lol...That's why I like your videos, you're so proactive which makes you a successful reefer. Using a second basket to cap the container...I wouldn't have thought of that :)
Reefgrrl
Reefgrrl - 6 years ago
Thanks Jon G! My husband often tells me I think too much.....he’s probably right. In the end it was a fail, but I learned something.
Brian's Aquariums
Brian's Aquariums - 6 years ago
I want to try this so bad but gosh it just seems so expensive!! I wish I can just use beach sand....from my local lake
Brian's Aquariums
Brian's Aquariums - 6 years ago
Reefgrrl yep! You just have to ask yourself do I really need it.. most of the time the answer is yes
Reefgrrl
Reefgrrl - 6 years ago
I think the next update will be top-down, so I can get better closeups. I’m waiting on an acrylic floater thingy to put my cell phone in. There’s always yet another accessory waiting around the corner to pounce on your wallet......
Brian's Aquariums
Brian's Aquariums - 6 years ago
Reefgrrl if I find the video again I will send it to you. I hope it works out for you. Now time needs to spped up, 8 can't wait for the update already
Reefgrrl
Reefgrrl - 6 years ago
I haven’t heard about Leng, will have to check that out! Thanks! Yeah, when I was putting it into the basket and getting it wet, I couldn’t shake the feeling it was just ordinary beach sand. But it has a silty component that seems more dense - and it’s very very clean. You’d never know what was in ordinary sand, who poured what, and where.

20. comment for Let’s Try Something New in My Reef Tank: $50 Worth of Dirt!

Nado
Nado - 6 years ago
Question, couldnt using a Balling Method / Triton work just as well as MM and be less maintenance? Basically two birds with one stone, adding your big three elements as well as the trace elements. Just wondering as for me, I just like using as little things as possible....mainly since I'm lazy haha!
Nado
Nado - 6 years ago
aaah, didn't know your consumption were are different rates. yeah it does sound like an easier lazier way to reef TBH! to give you an idea of how lazy i am....i took my ATS offline as I didn't even want to clean it once a week LOL. i'm currently trying to find a swabby for the lifereef skimmer so that it's one less thing to clean the neck out. once the trident thing comes out....wow....talk about next level lazy...wont even be testing anymore LOL. I'm gonna take a longer look at the MM now and see if i can get some while on sale to give it a try. thanks for the new vid!
Reefgrrl
Reefgrrl - 6 years ago
Hey Nado, I’m already using the Balling Light method for dosing, but the trace element supply is dependent on the amount dosed because the trace element supplements are added to the dosing containers directly. The problem arises when dosing levels change. In my case, I’ve had to constantly adjust Alk doses to match consumption - the uptake hasn’t stabilized yet. So that means the two different trace elements also vary in amount supplied. Calcium has been stable and Magnesium has crept up to over 1500 so I’ve taken that one offline until it gets manageable again (though it doesn’t have additional trace elements added).
MM makes sense as a stable alternative supply, since leaching is not affected by changes in dosing, and there’s almost no chance of overdosing. The only way to increase its impact, as far as I can see, would be to stir it up and even then I don’t think you’d get overdosing.
It’s interesting stuff. It’s been in for ten days now, and I’ve been seeing some growth on my digis, which had previously stalled. But is it good enough to spend a couple hundred dollars and then find space for it? Not sure yet....
laminar flow
laminar flow - 6 years ago
Just add another one to my list....
Looking forward to updates here
Reefgrrl
Reefgrrl - 6 years ago
Whew. I thought evil spam bots had hijacked your comments.
laminar flow
laminar flow - 6 years ago
Reefgrrl no, just fat fingers. Please dont report me for that
Reefgrrl
Reefgrrl - 6 years ago
Hey LF, this comment contains a spam link - I’m assuming it’s all part of the bot issue you’re having? And the comment didn’t come from you? I’d report it but don’t want to affect your channel....?
Dave's Nano Tanks
Dave's Nano Tanks - 6 years ago
I've seen great results since adding 2 lbs. I noticed a growth spurt and great polyp extension. Even woke up a few sleeping acros. I have another 10lbs coming. Great video
Reefgrrl
Reefgrrl - 6 years ago
Thanks Dave. I’ve been scrutinizing my acros for over a month waiting to see polyps but there have been very very few. Then 24 hrs after adding the MM, I’m seeing them popping out all over. They’re not plentiful yet, but I see a few more every day, so it must be something to do with the MM I figure. I’m going to add the other 2.5lbs on the weekend, on top of the first basket. That’ll still leave room for the chaeto corral, the water is deep enough. It’s interesting stuff.
K-reef Aquarium hobby
K-reef Aquarium hobby - 6 years ago
Verry interesting!!
The Glitch
The Glitch - 6 years ago
I used about £50 worth of Miracle mud when I set up the 120 over a year ago now and I've only just removed most of it. I say most of it, because I didnt use a basket, because I could only find one video online on how to use the stuff. Whoops!!

I'm not sure if it made a huge difference, but i'm tempted to buy a bit more (thanks to an xmas gift card for my LFS) and add it WITH a basket this time!!

Or I could just buy a very pretty tricolour hammer coral I've had my eye on for a few months. :p
The Glitch
The Glitch - 6 years ago
Aaaand my comment got eaten, doah!! 125 is amazing for store credit, I'm lucky to get offered a pouch of fishfood for anything, i'm really going off the store since my friend left, they're getting very shoddy and money grabbing.

The food grade thing's a good point, i'm not sure how they grade things that contain live foods tbh. Worth looking into though.
Reefgrrl
Reefgrrl - 6 years ago
Yeah it seems like as soon as a new year starts, prices automatically go up for no reason. Maybe they marked it up so they can lower it to be “on offer” at some point. I took my gigantic neon green cabbage leather to the coral store and they gave me $125 in credit! I’d have been chuffed to get $40! I’m hoping to get an orange or gold torch to replace it in that spot. He has an Indo order coming in tonight so I’ll call him tomorrow and see if he got anything.
Those containers would work, if they don’t deflect under the weight and shifting of the sand. They’d have to be decent quality and thickness I think. And you’d have to make sure they’re food grade for long-term sitting in salt water loaded with organics.
The Glitch
The Glitch - 6 years ago
Haha, cheers missus, may 2018 be amazing for you and may health issues vanish. :)

I think a good way would be the containers you get crickets etc in, then just rack those into the sump, holes for flow and easy to get out?

I left the shop with nothing, not even any feeder shrimp as the shop appears to be run by an idiot. (And the other pretty coral has gone up in price by 20 quid!!)
Reefgrrl
Reefgrrl - 6 years ago
Hahaha, I can identify with your dilemma. I’d say go for the foundation, knowing it will contribute to the health of your entire tank and it’s inhabitants. Then when you get the lovely tri-colour, or anything else for that matter, it’ll thrive.
And yeah, I guess you’re supposed to put the stuff in right at the beginning but honestly, if I did that I’d still use baskets of some type to manage the annual 50% replacement so as to minimize the shit storm when the stuff is disturbed. I’m planning to put the other 2.5lbs in this weekend, so I’ll see what that does. Thanks for watching, and I wish you a healthy and prosperous new year. Not just saying that, I hope 2018 is a good one for you.
DC Reefer
DC Reefer - 6 years ago
Great video I like the idea of the cheato cage made out of egg crate. I'm looking to add this to my home tank.
Reefgrrl
Reefgrrl - 6 years ago
The chaeto snags on the egg crate, so it stays put. Before I had that it was all over the sump and ended up clogging the skimmer intake. Works great like this. There’s a rock in the bottom though, so it doesn’t float around.
I’m planning on adding the other 2.5lbs of the MM this weekend, see what that does. Beyond that though, space is very limited, though I could probably fit more on the bottom, under the algae scrubber.
Bob's Reef Tank
Bob's Reef Tank - 6 years ago
I’ve got 10 pounds of dirt that I’m gonna put in my tank, I think miracle mud is making a comeback. I wish I had used it in the beginning.
Reefgrrl
Reefgrrl - 6 years ago
I’ve seen it have an immediate positive effect, but I’m still waiting to see if it holds up over a longer term. It’s expensive, so has to justify itself. I’m also very limited on space, so it has to pay its way in that regard as well. If i start seeing a drop in phosphate, and end up taking other nutrient exports offline, then that’ll show me its doing a good job. It’s really interesting to observe all of this happening. Good luck with yours!
EDK ReefMeister
EDK ReefMeister - 6 years ago
The water looks very clear at the end. I was going to try the 10lbs jar too.
jerry ebner
jerry ebner - 6 years ago
Your tank is so awesome. I wish I had the room to dump my nano tanks and get that tank lol.
Reefgrrl
Reefgrrl - 6 years ago
Thanks Jerry! I love this tank, and I took down two nanos and replaced them with it. It feels really good to have only one tank to look after. Thanks for watching!
Murphy's Reefing
Murphy's Reefing - 6 years ago
Interesting. That's pretty cool how you have gotten polyp ext so fast. You have my ears perked up now
Murphy's Reefing
Murphy's Reefing - 6 years ago
Nice I will stay tuned...lol
Reefgrrl
Reefgrrl - 6 years ago
I have to say, I wasn’t expecting such a quick and obvious reaction. It’s been over a week now, and I’m still seeing new improvements daily, so I’m going to put the other 2.5 lbs in on the weekend, see what that does. I only have space to add another 15-20 lbs - if I decide to spend that much $$! - so I’ll see what happens. Thanks for watching!

30. comment for Let’s Try Something New in My Reef Tank: $50 Worth of Dirt!

Wayne Scott
Wayne Scott - 6 years ago
Thank you for the great instructional video. You have an amazing tank. Can’t wait for the update video on the MM and your tank as well. The before and after shots really tell the story. Good luck and as always Happy Reefing.
Reefgrrl
Reefgrrl - 6 years ago
Thanks Wayne! I’m still seeing improvement daily, so will see how things go. I wish I could get better closeup shots, but will have to wait until I can do a top-down video I think. That’ll show things much better. Thanks for watching!
Gb J
Gb J - 6 years ago
Thanks for sharing. I've just orderd some : )
FC'S Reefing
FC'S Reefing - 6 years ago
Thanks for sharing. Ive been wondering if i should buy this dirt in a jar
Reefgrrl
Reefgrrl - 6 years ago
Yeah, when I was putting it into the basket and getting it wet, I just couldn’t shake the feeling it was ordinary beach sand. But it has a silty component that seems quite dense. I figured it was worth a try.
9StickNate
9StickNate - 6 years ago
I really like the music track! It will be sweet tracking the MM progress.
Reefgrrl
Reefgrrl - 6 years ago
One week later and I’m seeing more polyps out, though not all. Overall, things look more wide open. The exceptions are the toadstool leather and the paly grandis colony - they’re closed up but I have a feeling they’re growing. I’m planning to put the second 2.5lbs in this weekend, see how that goes. Thanks for stopping by!
Lisa DiMercurio
Lisa DiMercurio - 6 years ago
I've been thinking of adding miracle mud to my system also. I don't have a sump so I'll do the same but just in the back of the tank. Miracle mud also comes in bricks so I might check it out. Where did you get the chaeto?
Reefgrrl
Reefgrrl - 6 years ago
You’d have to think it through and figure out how hard it will be to take it out and replace some in six months, as they recommend. So I wonder if it would work in a coarse media bag of some type? It’s not like water needs to flow through it, mostly it just needs to be saturated so it can leach. The only consideration might be how deep it is - you’d have to look into that. I only know the recommended minimum depth, not sure if there’s a maximum. Might be worth a try....
Reefgrrl
Reefgrrl - 6 years ago
Hey Lisa, here’s a link to an unlisted video (it’s one version of my intro-outro) that explains what’s behind the name. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ddWWTAhFAY
Should give you enough to google for more info, if you’re interested.
Lisa DiMercurio
Lisa DiMercurio - 6 years ago
Amathea?
Lisa DiMercurio
Lisa DiMercurio - 6 years ago
Reefgrrl do you think my idea will work? Also who is Almathea?
Reefgrrl
Reefgrrl - 6 years ago
I got a small handful of chaeto at a LFS about 5 years ago, and this is the descendant. Stuff grows like crazy.
5238jorge
5238jorge - 6 years ago
Very cool to see an actual before and after thanks for sharing.
Average Reef
Average Reef - 6 years ago
You don't mention it in your video but do you have a serious nitrate / phosphate issue? What is your nitrate and phosphate level? It looks like it is having a positive effect but you have so many different nitrate reducing things, algae scrubber, cheato, matrix, mud, maybe more. Are you not worried about stripping your water? I know miracle mud adds trace elements ect as well and I know it has a great reputation but it just seems like you have a lot going on in there. Not knocking the projects or your methods just wondering why you are running so many nutrient reduction methods and if there is a problem you are trying to correct.
Reefgrrl
Reefgrrl - 6 years ago
I felt like NoPox was a last resort and I’m still super careful using it. My main worry with chemical media like GFO is having it get out of control and work TOO well, too quickly. I have some on hand, as well as an alternative way to use it (no space for a reactor) so I’m ready if I feel the need. ReefSpy said his po4 sits at around .25ppm and he’s fine with it and things do well. Mine has slowly been trending upwards, lowest it’s ever been has been .112 and I don’t want it to get away from me - lately it’s defied any efforts on my part to reduce it, even though I’ve reduced feeding and added phosguard. I’m concerned about that slow upward creep.
On a basic level, I think it’s that I’m reluctant to put all my eggs in one basket - relying on one single solution could be a problem if that solution fails for some reason. I find it interesting how all these things work together, and I enjoy the challenge of finding the balance. If my algae scrubber pump dies and it’s out of commission for a few days, I’ve still got chaeto, NoPox, and MM to help handle the load, and I can temporarily reduce feeding. I guess it’s super-redundancy....
Average Reef
Average Reef - 6 years ago
Hi some follow up questions / comments
.22 isn't that bad if a little high, I think you can probably increase your nopox dosage. I dose 10ml in a system of comparable size 112g display 29g sump. This causes my nitrates to be a little too low, they are just barely detectable but phosphate is only 0.07 and I'm not really growing much algae (algae in fuge is just for creatures I barely light it or remove any).

Why do you consider gfo a last resort? it seems to be easier and cheaper then some other methods you are using. Just curious about your system. Watching videos of complete systems are so much more in depth then looking at them on build threads on forums..
Reefgrrl
Reefgrrl - 6 years ago
I feed my corals and fish heavily, and Nitrates have been steady at 5ppm since I first started stocking this tank, but phosphate is 3 times what it should be, in the range of 0.22 ppm, consistently. I monitor both very closely, mainly because I’ve been dosing 3ml/day of NoPox and I know from experience the mechanism by which it works and how it can cause problems if not managed carefully.
If my algae scrubber is offline for more than a day, I start to get algae growing in the sand. The chaeto grows rampantly, and is a very deep green. My skimmer body grows algae to where I have to clean it once a month. So there’s plenty of export to go around yet still leave that 5ppm of nitrate circulating in the water.
The matrix is there to house bacteria for filtration - none of it is in low-flow areas where low enough oxygen levels could exist to allow any degree of denitrification to develop. I’ve added these components slowly, one at a time, and then monitored parameters closely until I’ve seen how things develop. And I’m still very much learning how all this stuff works together, while being ready to scale back if I see negative effects. If the phosphate levels don’t drop to .03-.07ppm over the next few months, I may consider using GFO, but that would be a last resort. I will never run biopellets.
It may be that the miracle mud will ultimately replace the NoPox, or I might reduce the light period in the algae scrubber, it’ll be interesting seeing how those things develop and balance out.
My main reason for trying the MM is to hopefully supply the minute amounts of trace elements that are really hard to provide accurately and consistently. Leaching is the best way to make them available to the corals on an ongoing basis - much less likely to make a dosing error. And now, I get to see whether it actually makes any appreciable difference.
Klemmetsmo Reefing
Klemmetsmo Reefing - 6 years ago
Weird space music
Reefgrrl
Reefgrrl - 6 years ago
I know eh? Borderline Mad Scientist in an upbeat, sunshine-y way....
John
John - 6 years ago
Thanks for another great video I will keep this in mind. PS took your advise on the media cups. Love them!! Really like your intro, What program did you make that with. I have to step up my videos lol...
Reefgrrl
Reefgrrl - 6 years ago
Hahaha, it’s called IntroMate, got it in the App Store. I’m still loving the filter cups, they are perfect for this application. Thanks for stopping by!
Peacock Queen
Peacock Queen - 6 years ago
I saw a funny video of a guy put a whole bag of dry Miracle mud in his tank it went everywhere and the water look like diarrhea https://youtu.be/Srk0UITN12M
Lisa DiMercurio
Lisa DiMercurio - 6 years ago
Peacock Queen oh man that would be horrible. I don't have the nerve to watch
Reefgrrl
Reefgrrl - 6 years ago
Yeah, that’s what I was afraid of but turned out it actually wasn’t a problem.
death mage
death mage - 6 years ago
im so happy someone has done real documentation that i can see instead of talking, good job, bravo
Reefgrrl
Reefgrrl - 6 years ago
Thanks Mage! I’m after seeing those polyps!!

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