EcoSystem - something fishy?

[drkegel]

EcoSystem filtration system seems to be rather impressive - HLLE seems to reverse when fish are kept using that method. However, there is a lack of scientific evidence supporting the claims. The website is full of "testimonials" often with misspellings and really no scientific basis - just, "Oh WOW! This product is awesome! Buy one!" Which frankly, comes off to me as being a marketing ploy of sorts. There is really very little explaining of what is in the Miracle Mud, and there is very little postings on even numbers. Things like "nitrates were low" are common phrases on their site. What do they consider "low nitrates"?
I have posted on here before about the claims they have made - and I am really impressed with some of the pictures I have seen of before and after. I'm considering giving it a shot - but it is a spendy system.
Anyone out there know what exactly makes this system so great or, maybe (gasp) not as great as it seems?
Personal experience is great - but actual chemistry of the mud and the water in the tank is even better.

 

[10k]

According to FAMA Sept. 2002 issue, "Making Reefs with Mud" article by A. Colin Flood, the chemistry make-up is as follows
Item Mg per kg
Titanium 5390.00
Manganese 649.00
Silicic acid 262.58
Chlorine(chloride 232.00
Strontium 174.00
Aluminum 53.20
Iron 38.90
Calcium 24.30
Magnesium 11.00
Sodium 6.82
Potassium 4.83
Phosphate 4.62
This is copied directly out of the first, of four parts, of the above mentioned article.
*disclaimer* I am in no way affiliated with Ecosystem or FAMA *LOL*
As for the origin of the mud, I am still doing alot of research on this so called "Miracle Mud" and will keep all posted as to my findings.

 

[surfnturf]

I have no experience with "ecosystems filtration" but I can say that if you buy the filter system you would be cutting yourself short. The key to the system is the "miracle mud" not the filter itself, really it is a simple sump with the mud as a substrate. If you want to try this, skip the filter and use a sump with the "miracle mud" in it. I cannot say good or bad about the mud part of it, but buying a complete system seems a waste of funds, a refugium with a DSB would probably net you the same results. JMO

 

[new]

i agree with surf, i purchased a 60 hang-on before i found out the store i was dealing with was stuck in the 70's mode of set-up and running tanks, alot of wasted money there. they are just refrugiums with the mud as a substrate, i didnt run it lond enough to have an opinion because i went to a sump and dont have the room for it now but the mud is the key and the whole system other than that seems way over priced.

 

[krux]

hey new, im too unskilled to do a diy setup, and have been looking into getting an ecosystem myself. if yours is gathering co

ebs, drop me a line and maybe we can talk.
Krux@lanset.com

 

[stanford]

MY lfs has been using this system for a long time. I think about 10 years. The mud that he gets comes from somewhere in S. cal. I am using a regular sump w/ mud and Calp., I have not made a water change in 2 1/2 months. My ph is at 8.2, amn. 0 and my nitrates are great. You may want to also check out Aquarium mag., they are running a four part article about the eco system. The best thing about it is it has cut my tank mantance in half.

 

[kandr]

I use Marine Biosediment from Kent Marine. It costs $12.99 for 6 lb. When compared to $40 for 5 lb of Miricle mud, this is a steal. and my calpaura is growing nicely.
I copied this from Petsolutions.com...
Marine Biosediment
Biofiltration substrate for Refugiums, Mud Filters and marine aquariums. A blend of minerals typically found in and around tropical reefs that is completely free of organic matter, phosphates, nitrates and silicates. Provides ideal substrate for mangroves, macroalgaes (Caulerpa, Halimeda, Penicillis, etc.) and turtle grass. Slowly releases calcium, magnesium, strontium, potassium, carbonates and other minerals into the water. Use approximately 5 lbs. for every 25 gallons of water.