Eco Bio Blocks.... test begins
- Thread starter DrNo
- Start date
As The V mentioned in his post, the bacteria *advertised* as "coming with" the EBB does not convert Nitrate into Nitrogen gas. There are bacteria which do this, yes, but the EBB doesn't claim to have anything to do with them.
OP hasn't seen a change in Nitrate levels either, right?
Saltwater Liverock houses different species of bacteria than freshwater systems. That's not to say there aren't bacteria in freshwater which accomplish the same thing, but as I've observed it's harder to get them established than in a saltwater system.
I have observed no change in nitrate levels measured at any timepoint. However, I have not changed my twice weekly (~40-50% each w/ substrate vac) water changes since the addditon of the blocks. My primary intent was to gain collateral benefits of the product vs. the ability to extend time between water changes. In that sense (and as I've mentioned before) both tanks have really matured relative to fish health and specifically coloration during the test period.
Interesting product and great thread DrVader!
But I have to be honest though, I'm very skeptical of this product. Most of the claims by the website do not have any definitive proof or reason behind them and anything that claims to reduce the need for water changes is a quack in my opinion...
But I have to be honest though, I'm very skeptical of this product. Most of the claims by the website do not have any definitive proof or reason behind them and anything that claims to reduce the need for water changes is a quack in my opinion...
jpappy your skepticism is well founded 
The idea of any product that is designed to reduce/eliminate the fundamental cornerstone of fish care (i.e. water changes) should be scrutinized heavily.
I would never surrender my twice weekly water change schedule... therapeutic both for me and for the fish.
The idea of any product that is designed to reduce/eliminate the fundamental cornerstone of fish care (i.e. water changes) should be scrutinized heavily.I would never surrender my twice weekly water change schedule... therapeutic both for me and for the fish.
We are essentially at the 6 week mark (added 9/13), thus concluding the 4-6 week period for observable effects per product instructions.
Summary of observations to date:
1) The product has not resulted in any observable untoward effects for the specimens or plants in either tank. I would declare it's effect as benign on the tank itself. The blocks themselves take up some room in the filter, but with placement in the prefilter tray, this user considers it as low impact.
2) The product's claims for nitrate reversal via action of grass bacillus can not be evaluated. Regular twice weekly water changes (50% each) were performed as usual, as I was/am skeptical about any such product claim. As an incidental finding, my 2-3 weekly testing of water parameters did not reveal either a reduction or increase in measurable nitrate levels. Levels have consistently measured at 5 ppm at each and every single test. Naturally, both ammonia and nitrite levels were measured at 0 ppm for the entire test period. I can not estimate that the product had any effect on nitrate conversion in either direction.
3) Specimens in both tanks experienced a significant change in coloration (intensification) during the test period. In addition, scale sheen/appearance was noticeably healthier. I can not offer any other explanation for this spontaneous increase in coloration in an otherwise mature tank. The association is casual, as no direct link can be extablished. Nevertheless, I suspect that the product is indeed responsible.
I will continue to post progressions and updates.
Summary of observations to date:
1) The product has not resulted in any observable untoward effects for the specimens or plants in either tank. I would declare it's effect as benign on the tank itself. The blocks themselves take up some room in the filter, but with placement in the prefilter tray, this user considers it as low impact.
2) The product's claims for nitrate reversal via action of grass bacillus can not be evaluated. Regular twice weekly water changes (50% each) were performed as usual, as I was/am skeptical about any such product claim. As an incidental finding, my 2-3 weekly testing of water parameters did not reveal either a reduction or increase in measurable nitrate levels. Levels have consistently measured at 5 ppm at each and every single test. Naturally, both ammonia and nitrite levels were measured at 0 ppm for the entire test period. I can not estimate that the product had any effect on nitrate conversion in either direction.
3) Specimens in both tanks experienced a significant change in coloration (intensification) during the test period. In addition, scale sheen/appearance was noticeably healthier. I can not offer any other explanation for this spontaneous increase in coloration in an otherwise mature tank. The association is casual, as no direct link can be extablished. Nevertheless, I suspect that the product is indeed responsible.
I will continue to post progressions and updates.
1oooop
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DrVadar, What is the difference between this product and the Complete Cycle filter? I think the complete cycle filter contains the same stuff but is an actual filter... http://hiq-usa.com/complete_cycle_aquarium_filter_system.asp
