Sps tanks and M. MUD and Zeovit

Acronuts · May 11, 2010

I am considering adding a refugium to my exsisting 180g mostly sps. I have great color and growth and would be adding it for the other benefits like, nitrates and phosphate removal, live food source for corals and fish.
If any of you gals and guys out there using any MM or Zeovit, PLEASE chime in!

My questions are as follows:

1. Both systems seem to be basically the same. Has anyone changed from one to the other? If so why and did you like the change?

2. Did anyone experience a crash/ wipeout when they added the refugium?

3. Can either of these products be added to a sump that was not a purchased sump from the makers of the MM or ZV? If I can how much product do I use?

4. Does anyone run a powerhead for circulation inside the sump?

5. What kind of lights are you all running? Are you running it 24/7

6. Anyone having alk problems?

7. Anyone running a ca/reactor with the refugium and still having alk issues?

8. Is anyone still using additives like cyclopeeze, brightwells zoo-plankton, etc.?

Currently I am running Berlin style with ca/reactor and a phosphate reactor. I use carbon about three weeks after a WC, for 1 week (4th wk), then I do my 35g WC.

Churchboy · May 12, 2010

Used miracle mud on one tank & I did notice improved health & polyp extension on corals, but tried it on another & really didn't make much of a difference. I feel if you have a deep sand bed it works the same, but if not try it out. As to zeo, sorry no experience.

Acronuts · May 12, 2010

Thanks!

Troylee · May 13, 2010

I know from exp and reading numerous articles that miracle mud works for a short period of time and if not swapped out, it has a reverse effect.... Zeofit.... Never tried it because of the price... Myself I use the vodka and mb7 diet, seems to be the big thing rite now and it's cheap to run...

Acronuts · May 14, 2010

Yeah that seems to be the fad right now.
I am just afraid of doing something that will cause a crash.

troylee said:
I know from exp and reading numerous articles that miracle mud works for a short period of time and if not swapped out, it has a reverse effect.... Zeofit.... Never tried it because of the price... Myself I use the vodka and mb7 diet, seems to be the big thing rite now and it's cheap to run...

gilmour01 · May 14, 2010

miracle mud is waaaaaay over-priced IMO. i used it for awhile, then took it all out and run my fuge BB. i didnt notice any difference before or after. just using the vodka method now.

Acronuts · May 17, 2010

How r things coming along?

gilmour01 said:
miracle mud is waaaaaay over-priced IMO. i used it for awhile, then took it all out and run my fuge BB. i didnt notice any difference before or after. just using the vodka method now.

gilmour01 · May 17, 2010

things have never looked better. i just ordered some of warner marines EcoBak pellets to try in place of the vodka.

Acronuts · May 18, 2010

I am more inclined to try a dosing type of system. I am not comfortable dosing vodka. I am still looking into a product called Figi Gold Mud. Have you or anyone else heard of it?

gilmour01 said:
things have never looked better. i just ordered some of warner marines EcoBak pellets to try in place of the vodka.

reefsUP · May 29, 2010

It didn't do much for me accept cloud my tank for a day

aalvarado87 · May 29, 2010

i does a basic 2 part but i use the zeo vit food the polhs extra and he coral vitalizer and I am seeing a difference just in a couple weeks. Corals are getting better color and polyps staying out longer

seth&angelle · May 29, 2010

I have a tank maintenance business, and I have several tanks running on the Miracle Mud system. It is not expensive if you consider the cost of a good skimmer. You will save 200 buck with a fuge only system. The trick with miracle mud is surface area and flow. You don't need a deep mud bed like a traditional fuge. On there site they have a chart of surface area and flow per size tank. I normally build my own sumps and use their design. I like it a lot, also they have great customer service. Leng, the owner/creator will talk to anyone it you call, and explain his method. He is a dinosaur in this hobby, and knows his stuff.

Acronuts · May 31, 2010

Hey can you pm me the web address?
Are you currently using any algae cheato?

seth&angelle said:
I have a tank maintenance business, and I have several tanks running on the Miracle Mud system. It is not expensive if you consider the cost of a good skimmer. You will save 200 buck with a fuge only system. The trick with miracle mud is surface area and flow. You don't need a deep mud bed like a traditional fuge. On there site they have a chart of surface area and flow per size tank. I normally build my own sumps and use their design. I like it a lot, also they have great customer service. Leng, the owner/creator will talk to anyone it you call, and explain his method. He is a dinosaur in this hobby, and knows his stuff.

cmjreef · Jun 25, 2010

Why not try the new NP bio-pellets? They do claim to remove phos and nitrate, and by doing so they create a bacterioplankton slime/sludge which provides a unique food source for corals. Ive been hearing a lot of good feedback on this "solid vodka" dosing method.

Acronuts · Jun 25, 2010

Actually I will look into the pellets. I asked the TOTM on RC because I believe he uses them.

cmjreef said:
Why not try the new NP bio-pellets? They do claim to remove phos and nitrate, and by doing so they create a bacterioplankton slime/sludge which provides a unique food source for corals. Ive been hearing a lot of good feedback on this "solid vodka" dosing method.

Shadowramy · Jun 27, 2010

I use and like Zeovit but I know it can get confusing and costly. A good alternative would be to use a combination of Zeovit Start2 and Prodibio BP and TM. The NP Pellets are really looking promising right now, I would watch them as more and more vendors are bringing them out. I sure very soon BRS will start carring a version.

Weetabix7 · Jun 27, 2010

I am using Fiji Mud in a DIY Refugium on a Pico tank.
I like it enough that I am seriously considering setting up a larger tank with a refugium that utilizes it, but is otherwise set up according to the Ecosystem Method.