USING VERTEX PRO-BIO PELLETS FAQ
What is a probiotic method?
Probiotics (or Bacterial Driven Systems) describes the utilization of carbon sources to fuel marine
heterotrophic bacteria in order to increase denitrification and the growth of bacterial biomass. In doing
so, probiotics allow aquarists to maintain low nutrient levels regardless of dense stocking or heavy
feedings.
Some probiotic systems utilize zeolith medias within reactors to both localize the majority of these
bacteria and provide a source of agitation, dislodging the resulting “mulm” (bacterial microfilms) into
the water column. This “mulm” then becomes a source of nourishment for a large assortment of
(sessile) filter feeding animals including corals.
Typical examples of probiotic methods include popular systems such as Zeovit, Prodibio, NeoZeo, VSV,
etc.
While there are no guidelines to follow when adding a carbon source to a system
What are Vertex Pro-Bio Pellets?
Vertex Pro-Bio Pellets are composed of organic, biodegradable polymers. In essence, they fulfill the
traditional roles of media
and
carbon source. Placed in a fluidized reactor, they also functionally agitate
and release “mulm” into the water column.
Why use Pro-Bio Pellets?
As there are no test kits or concrete guidelines to follow when dosing a carbon source into a system, the
style has typically been left to only the most advanced and dedicated aquarists to explore. Pro-Bio
Pellets simplify probiotics by automating the daily processes. The polymers, being inert, take the
guesswork out of dosing as they only break down as bacteria consume them. Properly fluidized, the
media is self-agitating.
Things to be aware of
•
There is
no
replacement for regular maintenance and water changes.
•
Probiotics is not a band-aid to cover up problems. Yes it can help reduce nitrates and algae, but
without finding the root of these problems a carbon source will only mask the issue and
complicate it further.
•
Like any change to a delicate, closed system, Pro-Bio Pellets need to be introduced slowly to
mitigate any shock that the change in environmental factors may cause. This is especially true of
older tanks that have not yet been subject to any bacterial methods.