Essentially, reef aquarists all desire the same thing: beautifully vibrant colors and healthy growth.
The quest for reef tank brilliance has resulted in an ever-growing list of tips, products and asinine theories. How many blog posts or advertisements have you read filled with the absolute best way to achieve stronger development and more dynamic pigmentation? Probably more than you care to realize.
What many fail to realize, the Holy Grail of reef brilliance and health isn’t a mythical technique or closely guarded secret. In fact, it’s probably one of the easiest concepts to grasp.
So, what is this seemingly straightforward secret to a better reef tank?
Replication.
Author:
As a lifelong aquarist, Yuliya has an endless curiosity about our underwater universe. After graduating with a bachelor’s in Environmental Engineering, she transformed her passion into a successful career. While working at the Institute of Environmental Protection in Moscow, her passion for saltwater and reef aquariums only increased. Moving to the United States in 2013, Yuliya embarked on another impactful journey by sharing her unprecedented experience for all aquarium hobbyists ... Read More.
More specifically, replicating the natural environment coral require for optimum life. While the notion of recreating the watery world of coral isn’t a radical new concept, the level of accuracy is a rarely discussed topic.
This means not only achieving optimum lighting and flow rates, but achieving incredibly precise water parameters. If you have any experience in reefing, you’re familiar with water nutrient dosing. Even though nutrient monitoring is a fundamental element, traditional methodologies fail to reach a level of precision capable of truly mimicking natural seawater parameters.
For years, we simply didn’t understand the microscopic universe of seawater parameters as it relates to a home aquarium. However, as technologies grew stronger, so did our ability to achieve greater micro-nutrient accuracy.
The ZEOvit System - The Microscopic Method.
Refining reef tank brilliance and vitality through carefully engineered supplementation isn’t a completely new invention. In fact, the essence of reefing has always been founded in nutrient manipulation and dosing.
The difference between then and now is scientific understanding. As our collective knowledge grows regarding coral biology and its interaction with natural seawater composition, we’re capable of natural ecosystem replication on a greater scale than ever imagined.
Our ability to capture the microscopic essence of nature ushered in the era of supplementation. This, of course, was responded to by a myriad of new products and care programs. While it’s irresponsible to label one as the best solution, the Reef Hacks team has a shortlist of methods we’ve identified as useful.
The ZEOvit Method is among the few that top this list. What we really appreciate about this method is its relative simplicity and supplement quality.
Renowned throughout the reefing world, ZEOvit not only relies on the purity of its method, but also the recommendation of hobbyist and professional reefers. Located in Bavaria, ZEOvit is the popular program developed by Korallen Zucht.
This company is trusted throughout the reefing community for producing quality and beneficial tank care solutions. To supply focus to the American community, ZEOvit USA was founded in 2003 and is an established resource for novice and experienced reefers.
As you can imagine, when we were given the chance to explore and review the ZEOvit System, we were beyond delighted.
So, without further ado, let’s dive into the microscopic universe of reef tank care!
Exposing Reef Tank Beauty - ZEOvit Method Overview.
Think ZEOvit is just another tank supplement program? Well, think again!
Sure, ZEOvit interacts with your tank in a familiar modality, its equipment and supplements align with the guidelines of an ultra low nutrient system, also known as ULNS. To accomplish this nutrient method, primary water parameters undergo acute manipulation.
The fundamental concept of ULNS is to selectively lower nitrate and phosphate without lowering concentrations of other essential minerals, which include alkalinity, calcium, potassium and magnesium.
At this point, you may be wondering why ZEOvit is so special? Since exporting nutrients is done via a multitude of methods, what exactly separates ZEOvit from other techniques?
While we’ll dive into this in more detail in a moment, the foundation of this program is how its carried out. To effectively reduce nutrients, and tune parameters based on tank size and inhabitants, ZEOvit utilizes the following components:
- Zeolites Bacteria.
- Microorganisms.
- Specialized Food for Bacteria and Corals.
- Activated Carbon Filtration Element.
In simple terms, the ZEOvit Method works by synching four specific elements:
I appreciate this simplified setup, but what’s more impressive is how easy it is to implement into your reef tank. Whether installing in an established reef tank, or building an entirely new reef system, ZEOvit integrates seamlessly with a minimal learning curve.
Before moving into each component, let’s briefly discuss a topic you’ll frequently come across: ideal tank environment.
The ZEOvit Method isn’t a one-size-fits-all formula. Yes, the basic components of the system are universal, but how you implement each one varies based on your individual tank. Thankfully, it’s easy to identify the best approach by monitoring the following parameters:
- Appropriate lighting based on tank/inhabitant type.
- Efficient and powerful skimming setup.
- Frequent water changes (weekly).
- Appropriate water flow based on tank volume.
- Healthy biological activity, such as using live rocks.
- Stable water nutrient levels.
It’s worth mentioning that phosphate-removal resins aren’t recommended for the ZEOvit Method. On this prohibited list, UVs and refugiums should also be avoided. But sometimes you'll see the ZEOvit systems with a refugium or even with a UV, but it's very rare.
Now that we’ve got that covered, it’s time to investigate the best practices and potential of the ZEOvit Method primary components.
The Four Elements - ZEOvit Method for Nutrient Control.
This reef tank program is easiest understood as a two-part method. The first of these being the reduction of unwanted nutrients, which include phosphate and nitrate. Secondly, ZEOvit supplements your tank with a host of essential nutrients for optimized growth and development.
To safely and effectively reduce these tank pollutants, this method requires the use of five specific products. As mentioned earlier, how you implement each element depends on your unique tank. However, these five components must be used together as optimum results comes from the synergistic effect of individual elements working together.
Here’s a list, and brief breakdown, of the nutrient reduction products:
ZEOvit - Harnessing the Power of Zeolites.
The flagship element within this program is a specialized grouping of minerals known as zeolites. While you may be familiar with these minerals, ZEOvit utilizes a custom mixture of three zeolites based off of decades of optimization and refinement.
Essentially, these zeolites are porous rocks specifically designed to swiftly absorb harmful nutrients responsible for damaging reef tank systems. It’s believed zeolites work on the ionic scale via bacterial microorganisms. The bacteria colonize and cause a reduction in ammonia by transforming the molecular structure of nutrient toxins. Basically, the zeolite rocks work in a similar method as live rocks in terms of bacterial colonization.
Officially recognized as an absorption media, zeolites literally change the molecular structure of toxic nutrients, specifically nitrogen. Interestingly, zeolites appear to control toxic nutrients by absorbing ammonia and ammonium, which are the biochemical markers of nitrate and nitrite formation.
The biggest consideration for this product is water flow. It’s recommended to keep flow rates less than 100 gallons per hour (gph) per 1 liter of this media. Why is this important? With too much flow through the reactor, SPS coral tissue loss is possible. This is especially important during the first several weeks of starting the ZEOvit Method.
For optimum results, use 1 liter of ZEOvit media for every 100 gallons. During the introduction phase, pay close attention to SPS coral tissue health. If you notice rapid tissue necrosis, it’s a clear sign that water nutrient levels were too rapidly altered.
Prevent accidental shock by adhering to the following tips:
- If you have an excess amount of zooxanthellae (dark brown with dull tissue), use 60% of your total media requirement during the first interval.
- Subtract 20% from the gross water volume of your entire system to reveal your net water volume, which is the figure used to determine ZEOvit meida amount.
- Thoroughly clean ZEOvit rocks before placing in the reactor.
- Shake the media once or twice daily by pushing-and-pulling the PVC rod of the reactor up to 15 times. This keeps the zeolite surface from developing a bacterial film on its surface, which hinders its effectiveness.
- Change ZEOvit media based on nutrient load. Typically, you’ll change the media every 6 to 8 weeks.
- Keep water flow rates through the media around 50 to 100 gph per liter of ZEOvit.
ZEObac - Microorganism Solution.
This specially formulated bacterial strain solution is used to enhance the nutrients coral require for optimum growth and vitality.
What’s different about this product is how these bacterial strains function within your tank. Essentially, these strains link together to support harmful nutrient reduction.
Keep the following handy when dosing with ZEObac:
- For every 25 net gallons of water, dose with 2 to 4 drops daily for 14 days.
- After 2 weeks, reduce dosage to 1 to 2 drops up to two times per week.
- Dose 1 drop per 25 net gallons every-other-day after you change the ZEOvit media.
ZEOfood7 - Combo Coral & Bacteria Food.
Used in conjunction with ZEObac, ZEOfood7 performs two specific functions. First, it multiplies and feeds microorganisms dosed into your tank. Secondly, it acts as a direct coral food source.
Made out of a customized mixture of vitamins and amino acids, ZEOfood7 supports more efficient nutrient uptake within corals. Ultimately, this boosts the depth and clarity of coral pigmentation.
The following are considered best practices when dosing with ZEOfood7:
- 2-4 drops each day for every 25 net gallons of water for first 14 days.
- 1 -2 drops for every 25 net gallons one to two times per week.
After changing the ZEOvit media, use 1 drop per 25 net gallons every two days for a total of 14 days. Switch to 1 drop per 25 net gallons two to three times per week after the initial two week period following a ZEOvit replacement.
ZEOvit Dosing Schedule Example ( Drops and ml. ) for an established reef tank:
ZEOstart7 - Bacteria Food.
Used to reduce total concentrations of nitrate and phosphate, ZEOstart7 feeds nitrifying bacteria. The most important dosing tip is to monitor your tank. If a light green or brown bacteria film begins to form, you’re overdosing the tank. When this happens, stop dosing until the film disappears.
To prevent accidental overdosing, don’t add the daily dose amount in one setting. Instead, dose in smaller concentrations spread throughout the day, such as a morning and evening dose. If you notice nitrate and phosphate parameters aren’t reducing, you’re likely adding too much ZEOstart7. Simply reduce doing amounts and continuously monitor parameter progress.
For best results, review the dosing manual by ZEOvit USA, which identifies dosing requirements based on tank contents, age and nutrient loads or visit the Zeovit Forum for more information.
ZEOvit Method - Noteworthy Considerations.
Along with the aforementioned, ZEOvit recommends using high quality activated carbon filtration media. While there are many brands of activated carbon, ZEOvit states using other brands can result in instability. But many people are using the Seachem MATRIX Carbon with success.
The aforementioned products form the baseline of this care system. But, as all reefers understand, creating a healthy and vibrant ecosystem is a multileveled discipline. Knowing this, ZEOvit offers a variety of nutritional supplements designed to boost specific parameters.
Overall, ZEOvit offers a comprehensive solution for many of the nutrient problems commonly associated with reef tanks. While fully understanding the options and implementation tactics for the entire ZEOvit supplement product line is somewhat daunting, this company offers significant resources and guides to streamline as much of the learning curve as possible.
Is the ZEOvit Method Right for You? Final Thoughts.
Unfortunately, only you can answer this question. While the ZEOvit System offers a capable solution to establishing a healthy and balanced ecosystem, it may not be for everybody. However, when compared to similar reef nutrient management programs, ZEOvit truly stands out in terms of quality, reputation and implementation.
What are your thoughts about ZEOvit? Have you used it before or are you thinking about making the switch from another method? Head on over to the Reef Hacks Facebook page and send us a message with your thoughts, questions or ideas.
As always, Happy Reefing!
by Yuliya Ivanova for ReefHacks.