DVH “The Original” BioPellets (also called NP-Reducing BioPellets or DVH Original BioPellets) are biologically degradable polymer pellets designed to serve as a solid carbon source for beneficial bacteria in aquariums. These pellets foster aerobic bacterial growth which consumes nitrates (NO₃) and phosphates (PO₄) from the water by converting them into bacterial biomass. They are part of the “immobilization” method: rather than dosing liquids (e.g. vodka), you provide a substrate that bacteria can colonize and use to reduce nutrients.

They work best in fluidised reactors or zones of high water flow in your filtration system, so that the pellets get good water contact and are kept moving (tumbling). Static beds or low flow reduce effectiveness and can lead to issues (e.g. detritus build up, oxygen deficits).

Key Details & Recommended Usage

• The Original BioPellets are made from 100% pure biodegradable polymers. They do not contain harmful fillers or antioxidant additives.

• Because they degrade / are consumed by bacteria, their volume in the reactor decreases over time—so replenishing is needed every 3-6 months depending on system load and consumption.

• Initial colonization and results (drop in nitrate / phosphate) typically take 2-4 weeks. In some systems with heavier load or lower flow it can take up to ~6 weeks.

• Dosage guideline: Generally about 50-200 ml of pellets per 100 litres of aquarium water. The exact amount depends on the nutrient load (feeding, bioload) and how active the system is. If nitrate levels are high (over ~20 ppm), it is better to introduce pellets gradually rather than all at once.

• Use a good protein skimmer or some way of removing excess bacterial biomass (“sludge”) to avoid water becoming cloudy or oxygen being depleted.

Features & Benefits of NP BIOPELLETS Original 

• Reduces nitrates and phosphates simultaneously without needing separate phosphate adsorbers or frequent chemical dosing.

• Stimulates bacterial growth locally in the filtration media/reactor, rather than throughout the entire aquarium, which helps avoid clogging of hoses, pipes, substrate, etc.

• No daily carbon dosing needed (unlike methods like vodka, sugar, etc.). Less operational overhead.

• Because they are made from high-quality purified polymer, and no harmful additives, they are safe for sensitive organisms (corals, inverts) when used correctly.

Things to Watch / Limitations

• Need sufficient water flow: if the reactor or media chamber doesn’t allow for tumbling / circulation, effectiveness drops significantly. Also risk of dead zones.

• If introduction is too fast (big dose in a nutrient-rich tank), bacterial growth can lead to oxygen demand, possible oxygen drops, or even cloudiness. So ramp up gradually.

• Over time pellets shrink / degrade; must monitor and top-up regularly, otherwise effectiveness will wane.

• Good aeration / gas exchange is important: protein skimmer, surface agitation so that oxygen is available for bacteria and CO₂ can off-gas. Poor aeration + static conditions might lead to undesirable byproducts (e.g. hydrogen sulfide) if anaerobic pockets develop.

Practical Tips

• Rinse or soak pellets briefly before first use to remove dust / fines.

• Put pellets in a fluidised reactor, or at least a filter chamber with strong flow so they are moving / tumbling rather than sitting.

• Start with modest dosing (lower end of 50 ml per 100 litres) when starting in a system with higher nutrient levels, then increase gradually as needed.

• Monitor nitrate and phosphate levels every few weeks to see how effective they are. Adjust pellet volume based on readings.

• Make sure your skimmer / filter media downstream is cleaning up the extra bacterial biomass. If water becomes cloudy, reduce dose or increase filtration.

Conclusion:

DVH NP BioPellets Original are a simple, proven and cost-effective way to lower nitrate and phosphate levels in aquariums without daily liquid carbon dosing. They provide a stable carbon source for beneficial bacteria, which convert excess nutrients into bacterial biomass that can be removed by filtration or skimming. When used correctly in a fluidised reactor with good flow and aeration, they deliver steady nutrient reduction and improved water quality for both marine and freshwater systems. Regular monitoring and gradual replenishment of the pellets are key to maintaining their effectiveness and avoiding sudden nutrient or oxygen swings.