Korallen-Zucht ZEOstart 3 Phosphate and Nitrate Reductor

Jump-start biological activity to maintain optimum water parameters. Korallen-Zucht ZEOstart 3 Phosphate and Nitrate Reductor is a liquid carbon food source that promotes the reproduction of all nitrifying bacteria in coral reef aquariums. Regular use supports effective and natural phosphate and nitrate reduction critical for healthy coral coloration and growth. Enhances the metallic colors on Acropora, Montipora, Poccilopora and Stylophora. Soft corals grow faster and display wider polyp extension.

Use ZEOstart 3 Phosphate and Nitrate Reductor with new aquariums for faster initial start up. Use with existing aquariums to experience enhanced skimmer activity where 100% more concentrated skimmate is removed. Also reestablishes biological balance where bacteria-dependent slime algae are unable to gain a foothold. Proper use supports a stable foundation for healthy, well-balanced and effective nutrient reduction essential to the ZEOvit low-nutrient reef aquarium system.

Goal for the ZEOvit low-nutrient reef aquarium system
The purpose of the ZEOvit system is to create a low nutrient, near natural levels, environment. The goal is to reduce measurable levels of nitrate (NO3) and phosphate (PO4) without lowering the levels of important minerals, like calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), Potassium (K+) and carbonate hardness (KH), such that addition of these trace elements is minimal.

Downloadable General Guide for the ZEOvit System PDF.
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Please click "More Information" for dosing directions.

• Amount to be used in newly established tanks with fresh water and live rock (non-stocked):
  • Dose 5 ml per 25 gallons net water volume daily for 2-3 days. Subsequently, dose 1 ml per 25 gallons net water volume over a period of 2 weeks. Subsequently, dose like in tanks that are nutrient poor and stable running with the ZEOvit system.
• Amount to be used in tanks with high-nutrient load and in tanks using ZEOvit Filter Media for the first time (already stocked):
  • Dose 2 ml per 250 gallons net water volume daily. Subsequently, dose like in tanks that are nutrient poor and stable running with the ZEOvit system.
• Amount to be used in tanks, which are nutrient poor and running stable with ZEOvit system (already stocked):
  • Dose continuously 1-2 ml per 250 gallons net water volume daily depending on nutrient conditions. Good results were achieved when dosing was done 2-4 times daily with the aid of a dosing pump. Please keep in mind that a high quality and reliable dosing pump should be used to assure proper dosing amount and error-free operation. Check the dosing amount on a regular basis when using a dosing pump.

The manufacturer generally recommends using the lower dosing and water flow amounts until you get comfortable with the system. As mentioned before, corals require a certain period of time to acclimate to the parameters of their environment. The more time you give your tank for these changes, the fewer problems will occur. Please don't treat this system with the "more is better" philosophy.

In case you are absent and you are unable to dose or "stir" the media on a daily basis, just pick up where you left off upon your return.

General Information
Korallen-Zucht ZEOstart 3 Phosphate and Nitrate Reductor is a liquid food source and promotes the reproduction of all nitrifying bacteria in the aquarium. It is therefore very effective in reducing phosphate (PO4) and nitrate (NO3). The manufacturer recommends continuous daily use of this product as a food source for nitrifying bacteria. For above-mentioned reasons, be careful and alert. With sustained overdosing, it is possible that a visible brown or light green bacterial film that looks like a diatom bloom to develop. This film usually builds when there is an over dosage. When this occurs, the manufacturer recommends the dosing of ZEOfood7 and ZEOstart 3 be ceased for a few days, until the film is gone. Adjust your dosing amount accordingly.

Daily dosing has shown to be necessary in practical tests in order to avoid large "variations" in bacteria population. Therefore, the manufacturer strongly recommends dosing smaller amounts throughout the day (if possible, split between the mornings and evening dosing) rather than infrequent larger amounts. Manufacturer observations have shown positive effects on coral coloration when the nutrient level can be kept very close to detectable levels. Excessive dosing can have a negative impact on PO4 and NO3 reduction. If these parameters are not dropping lower after a few weeks of dosing, it is recommended to reduce the dosing amounts.