EcoBio-Block Family Products FAQ

EcoBio-Block for
Environmental Applications

Clear Water - Healthy Fish!

Q: What is EcoBio-Block?
Q: Is EcoBio-Block safe?
Q: How do I use EcoBio-Block?
Q: How long does EcoBio-Block actually take to start working?
Q: How many EcoBio-Blocks (Rocks, Pebbles) do I need for my aquarium?
Q: Does EBB remove nitrates?
Q: What will EBB do when pH is reduced due to nitrate accumulation?
Q: What about pH levels?
Q: If we don’t do water changes, what should we do about phosphates or other by-product build-up?
Q: Without doing water changes, minerals and trace elements will gradually be reduced. How do we supplement them?
Q: Does the temperature of the water have any effect on EcoBio-Block?
Q: Can I use EcoBio-Block with very delicate fish?
Q: It has been 4 weeks and nothing has happened, what should I do?
Q: What is “new tank syndrome” and is that my problem?
Q: What are pilot fish?
Q: How do I know if I need to change the water?
Q: Is there any other maintenance necessary, once I have EcoBio-Block working in the tank?
Q: Is there a way to avoid algae problems?

Q: What is EcoBio-Block?
A: EcoBio-Block is a Block (or Rock or Pebbles) made of porous volcanic rock, cement, beneficial bacteria and nutrients that are released regularly upon immersion in water. The beneficial bacteria changes the ammonia from fish waste, left over feed etc. into nitrites and then into safer nitrates, thus clarifying aquarium water, and creating a healthy eco system. It was originally developed as a natural cleanup system for pesticides, fertilizers, waste water, household waste water and industrial waste water in the environment.

Q: Is EcoBio-Block safe?
A: Yes, EcoBio-Block is safe for all fish, even delicate ones. The safety and innocuity of EBB Bacteria has been certified according to international criteria.

Q: How do I use EcoBio-Block? Do I just put it in my aquarium?
A: Detailed instructions will come with the block, (rinsing the block in chlorine-free water, before immersing, is very important).

Q: How long does EcoBio-Block actually take to start working?
A: It normally takes 2 – 4 weeks for the beneficial bacteria colony to start impacting the water condition.

Q: How many EcoBio-Blocks (Rocks, Pebbles) do I need for my aquarium?
A: Generally you need one EcoBio-Block per 50 to 130 gallons of water; one EcoBio-Rock per 3 to 40 gallons of water and one bag of EcoBio- Pebbles for 3 to 20 gallons of water, but this will vary according to the condition of your tank, the water and the amount of fish you have in the tank. (maximum water volume applies to already well-established conditions. Initially, best results will be at low to medium water volume)

Q: Does EBB remove nitrates?
A: With the nitrification process, nitrates will begin to accumulate. If there are plants in the tank, nitrates will be used by the plants. Vegetation that grows due to light will also use nitrates. Anaerobic microbes in gravel in an established tank will convert nitrates to NO2, a gas, which will evaporate. If there are no plants or gravel and you want to reduce nitrates quickly, you will have to do a partial water change.

Q: What will EBB do when pH is reduced due to nitrate accumulation?
A: Nitrification is an oxidative process. It results in lower pH, and loss of alkalinity. However, EBB is contained in a cement block that neutralizes acidity, lessening the likelihood of lower pH. If, however, the pH becomes too low, you will need to do a partial water change. (NOTE: water change should be done cautiously as a sudden change in pH level can be very harmful to fish and may be deadly)
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Q: What about pH levels?
A: EcoBio-Block is viable from strong acidic to strong alkaline conditions (pH levels 3 – 11).

Q: If we don’t do water changes, what should we do about phosphates or other by-product build-up?
A: EBB is not a comprehensive product. It contains live (grass bacillus subtilis natto) bacteria (this bacteria is the same type as that which is used in production of the Japanese soybean product “natto”) that consume ammonia and nitrites, which are hazardous to fish. Without live plants, EBB has a limited capacity for absorbing phosphates and other substances. We therefore, recommend using EBB with filters. However, if the build-up is too much, you will have to do a partial water change.

Q: Without doing water changes, minerals and trace elements will gradually be reduced. How do we supplement them?
A: EBB uses mineral-rich porous volcanic stones. These minerals will gradually dissolve in the water. Mineral additives are also an option and are easy to use.

Q: Does the temperature of the water have any effect on EcoBio-Block?
A: Water temperature should not be lower than 50 degrees F or higher than 149 degrees. EcoBio-Block works best at 77 – 140 degrees.

Q: Can I use EcoBio-Block with very delicate fish?
A: Yes, EcoBio-Block is safe for even delicate fish. We saw a tank recently that had very delicate fish in it and they were thriving with EcoBio-Block (the water of course was very clear!).

Q: It has been 4 weeks and nothing has happened, what should I do?
A: Depending upon the condition of your tank, the temperature, the water, and the amount of fish, there is a variance in speed of results. It averages about 4 weeks before the bacteria colony really become effective, so please be patient. Once it starts "working", the results are amazing. You can try waiting another couple of weeks, add more EcoBio-Blocks or try changing 1/3 of the water.

Q: What is “new tank syndrome”?
A: Even if you don’t have a “new” tank you can have “new tank syndrome”. NTS basically refers to a necessary period of time where ammonia and then nitrites increase to very high levels until the beneficial bacteria convert the nitrites into the safer nitrates. This usually happens when you start a new tank, but can happen if you have some kind of dramatic change in water quality or temperature or sudden changes of gravel etc. You can speed up the nitrogen cycle process with EcoBio-Block. Testing the water with a test kit is important.

Q: What are pilot fish?
A: Pilot fish are fish that are hardy enough to take high levels of ammonia and nitrites, but are inexpensive enough to replace in case of problems with the cycling process.

Q: How do I know if I need to change the water?
A: Once EcoBio-Block starts working, you shouldn’t have to change the water under normal conditions for 1 � to 2 years. You will, however; need to add water due to the evaporation process. You also need to check ammonia, nitrite and nitrate levels as usual. Sudden changes in amount of fish or other abnormal conditions may cause high levels of ammonia, nitrites or nitrates and may then require a partial water change.

Q: Is there any other maintenance necessary, once I have EcoBio-Block working in the tank?
A: You will still have to scrape the sides of the tank occasionally and clean the mechanical filter pad. Also, although EcoBio-Block does not affect algae directly, it does reduce algae because it reduces phosphates and organic matter which contribute to algae formation.

Q: Is there a way to avoid algae problems?
A: The best way is to keep your aquarium out of direct sunlight. Also, do not overfeed your fish.