NemoFinder

Seem like this products has not be discussed here before for marine setup, so i hope by starting this thread to share this interesting new products which i discover month ago during aquarama. Recently, I was recommended by a friend whom is into discus to tried out this new product from Ocean free which make alot of big claim, and it also seem to start gaining popularity in the freshwater community. From the boxes and chart information on the booklet, It was said that the Hydra utilize the " Hydro-Pure Technology" which enable you to cycle your tank instantly and enhance your biological filtration and water condition greatly . Unfortunately not much detail information has been given on the box and booklet on exactly the science behind how it really works . Packaging of the Hydra stream when i unbox it However from my own research and understanding, the filter work by generating of hydroxyl radicals thru electricity in a anaerobic chamber which consist of a catalyst block which the packaging assure me that is is not carbon, despite looking, smelling and sounding like carbon when it touches water.Till date i am still puzzle exactly how it really work but after running in my sump for about 1 month now, Apart from checking at the parameter which all remain in check, i could see that the water is clearer, and algae growth on the live rock seem to be reduce as well my N03 seem to drop as well from 100ppm to 80 ppm but i am not 100% sure if it is due to this or my bio pallet working. There is two metal or zinc looking plate alike inside the chamber of the Hydra which i was told that it is completely safe to use even in marine without worry of rusting.. Another mystery about this product i like the fact that the Ocean free hydra " Biological filter" run almost instantly without the tradition way of cycling the tank and building up the bacteria inside the bio media which usually take weeks or months. I will be getting the smaller version of the Hydra for further use on temporary QT setup .

Yes, indeed the phosphate level in our tank is closely related to the nitrate level as well which i also found another interesting information of using Bio cube/ nitrate guard for nutrient level fixing on the instruction page to share here . " While running phosphates at very low levels is beneficial, having nitrate at non-measurable levels is sometimes undesired by some aquarists. To set of fix nitrate levels at a desired point, we need to turn Redfield's Ratio onto itself. 1 - Install Nitra guard / Bio cube as per directions. 2 - When desired nitrate levels are reached, simply remove the cubes and place them in a bucket with water from the aquarium. 3 - Add phosphate guard or any phosphate removal media ( GFO / Rowa ect ) to the aquarium until phosphate levels are undetectable. 4 - Place Nitrae / Bio cube back into the aquarium and leave both media to run for 24 hrs before removing the phosphate guard / media . If phosphate levels start to rise, switch phosphate reactor back on and reduce phosphate level until undetectable. For those who like to know what is Redfield ratio

Just to share some of the further information i found about his products. According to the instruction i found, the skimmer is suppose to help removing the nitrate and phosphate rich biomass faster . It is also advisable to soak the Bio cube in freshwater for 24hrs prior to use to prevent skimmers from being over-active. Personally, i did not soak it in freshwater prior to use and my skimmer did not turn over active.

In weighting between the Bio pallet and Bio Cube/ Sphere , i feel Bio pallets can last longer . However, the downside of using bio pallets include cloudy tank, and the need of running in a reactor ect make running cost higher. Whereas the Bio Cube /Sphere is a much more simple and easy to use solution.

Some update and observation i had with the Bio Sphere. After experiencing with Biosphere for quite some time, i find Bio sphere to be very effective in bringing down high nitrate level when using the " Bomb Methid" or placing it inside the skimmer with lots of air bubbling . However it also mean a faster dissolve rates of the media. So if you are facing a high nitrate level in your tank, you can use the "Bomb" method with air stone to bring the high nitrate down or if you only wish to maintain or slowly bring down the nitrate level in your tank and prolong the dissolve rate of the cube, you can leave it in an area of high flow . For a sensitive SPS setup, you might need to be careful as bringing the nitrate level down too fast might stress the corals. I also observe thicker and darker skimate being produce by my skimmer when i started to introduce the Bio Sphere Cube into the system, but not too much change in the amount of skimate produce.

The new Bio Sphere is placed in the sump now just letting water passing through it, the amount used is about the same but since it is bigger in size the bag is bigger. Will monitor and see if result is the same for N03 as well as consumption of the cube.

Below photo is the left over of the Bio cube using the " Bomb" method taken with my HP two week ago . The cube is almost dissolved. So i could say that 250 ml Bio cube will last 4 week with a low stock level of 4 fish and normal feeding.

I am now trying out another method of placing just the Bio sphere in a bag in sump without using air stone to see if it last longer. From what i read, Bio pallet is more of a carbon source dosing whereas no one really know yet how this new product works but i think this is suppose to be another products which ultize carbon dosing as well to reduce nitrate. i prefer Bio sphere than bio pallets since it is easier to work with without any use of any reactor and it doesn't get crumble up together unlike bio pallet . Just throw in , wait and see..

I feel it is important that the fish is still strong before the freshwater bath is being conducted, so that the fish is able to withstand the stress during the process.

Marine life...

My past experience with my first bottle of Nitra guard Bio cube last me about one month after using the " Bomb" method which bring down my nitrate level from 30ppm to 10ppm. However, i notice that it take about one week before i start to see reduction of N03 on my test kit. i was also told that the Polyp Lab Bio sphere will last longer due to it;s shape and size and cant wait and see.

Sharing my experience here with fellow reefers on my experience and comparison between the both products. Recently finish my first 250 ml of Nitra Guard Bio cube and bought a new bottle of Polyp Lab Bio sphere to tried it out since the price is much cheaper . After opening the bottle of the New Polyp Lab Bio sphere, i was surprise to find that the shape of the cube is different from Nitra guard which i used previously. The color of both product look rather similar though which is clear white. Opening up the bottle Above is the photo of the Polyp Lab Bio sphere. Comparison between the both in term of the shape.

I would go for hang on skimmer if there is limited space. If i have a sump, i like to opt for a oversize skimmer .