Denitrator / Nitrate Reducer

LCornelius

LCornelius

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Hi all,

I have done allot of reading on this topic, but still not convinced that this is needed at all!

If you run a successful DSB with micro algea you should get the same or even better results.

Please point me in the right dicection if I'm missing the point here!

I'm sure it has a use, but can backfire on you in a bad way.
So would it be worth it spending R2.5k to R3k on this?

I will be running a phos and carbon reactor and maybe a Calcium reactor.

You input will be greatly apreaciated.

_-L-_
 
I'm currently using a Sulphur reactor.

I use to run a DSB (approx 450x500mm) on my tank, and I could never get me No3 down, it was always 50-90ppm, no matter what I done I could not get it lower than 50ppm, after running a small sulphur reactor on my tank for about 2-3 months my NO3 was down to 20ppm, I will be testing again tomorrow (about 2 months later), and I will be surprised if it is above 10ppm. Nothing else has been changed, only the reactor has been added!
 
of late the DSB phase has sort of come of age, people are looking at other easier alternitives to controll nitrate and phos, namely bio pellets and denitrator.. denitrators are very effective if run properly and with an mv controller.. it is also more portable in the event of a move than a DSB..i personally like the denitrator idea owing to it being a confined enviroment and measurable as so how much nitrate is converted and this can be determined by testing the effluent.. a DSB still has alot of unproven areas where testing is concerned and is very directly influnced by the reefers ability to properly ensure it is serviced regularly. (also a variable as it is unique to each persons maintenance habits and trends) so a denitrator offers a little more user friendlyness and accurate effluent testing but at a cost.
 
lIghty said:
Let me know if u wanna sell it! Do you have both chambers? 1 sulphur and 1 Ca?
Click to expand...

Jip it has 2 chambers withe allot of pipes and holders for the chambers.
The truth is that I just don't know how to connect it :blush:

Would you be so kind to point me in the right direction?
What pump should I use, how should I set it up?

Would be apreciated! If I decide to sell, you will be the first person I PM.

Cheers,
Lean
 
leslie hempel said:
of late the DSB phase has sort of come of age, people are looking at other easier alternitives to controll nitrate and phos, namely bio pellets and denitrator.. denitrators are very effective if run properly and with an mv controller.. it is also more portable in the event of a move than a DSB..i personally like the denitrator idea owing to it being a confined enviroment and measurable as so how much nitrate is converted and this can be determined by testing the effluent.. a DSB still has alot of unproven areas where testing is concerned and is very directly influnced by the reefers ability to properly ensure it is serviced regularly. (also a variable as it is unique to each persons maintenance habits and trends) so a denitrator offers a little more user friendlyness and accurate effluent testing but at a cost.
Click to expand...

Thanks Leslie, apreciate the input!

Cheers,
Lean
 
Its amazing how this hobby goes round and round, i still run my DSB and after 8 yrs have had no issues. I see that NP pellets are now the new thing. Maybe do a bit of research in that area.
 
I also dirched my succesful DSB for a more controllable nitrate reductor. Best thing i could have done.
NO3 = 0 all the time.....
However, mine is a carbon source based reactor, not sulpher.
I dont see wht you cant have the best of both worlds, DSB and nitrate reductor or N/P pellets.
 
SchyffS said:
I also dirched my succesful DSB for a more controllable nitrate reductor. Best thing i could have done.
NO3 = 0 all the time.....
However, mine is a carbon source based reactor, not sulpher.
I dont see wht you cant have the best of both worlds, DSB and nitrate reductor or N/P pellets.
Click to expand...


Sounds good!

I like running a DSB and feel it will always have a purpose.
Seeing that I'm in the process of designing my dream tank I might just add one!

The wife gave me all the scope in need :thumbup:

Thanks for the input so far guys, really appreciate it!
 
Nitrate reductor - Marine Aquariums of South Africa

I have setup a new tank, 850 litres of water with the following filtration method:
1. Live rock - to kick start nitrogen cycle (aerobic)
2. Protein skimmer - removing phosphorous and other elements
3. Phosphate reactor - to remove phosphate
4. Nitrate reductor - denitrification (anaerobic), controlled with mV controller.

I will never go back to a DSB, but may add an algae scrubber just for the heck of it.
6374e2b314208b4d.jpg
 
Lol Alan, it true how we go around in circles! One thing I have learnt, what works for one doesn't always work for another ;)

Lean, if it's been standing for a while I would 1st remove the media and wash it out in RO, separately. The direction of the flow is in at the bottom of the sulphur chamber out at the top then its in the bottom of the calcium and out of the top. The flow rate should be 3 litres per hour.
 
Thanks for the link Schyffs, nice engine room!
Need to research the MV controller? Any sugestions?

lIghty, thanks for the info, but what pump delivers 3 liters per hour?
 
Wow, did some reading on MV controllers. Not an easy concept to understand.
Also another expensive toy, as they don't come cheap.

So would you say the rule of thumb would be not to run a denitrator without a MV controller?
 
I would suggest to follow lIghty advise as he has the same type of filter. My filter does not use sulpher....
Thanks for the comment on my sump.
 
There are reefers that run them without mV and dont have any problems with them. I personally do not recommend it without an mV controller. As i dont fully understand the sulpher method i cannot comment on an mV controller use on it.

I never have to fiddle with mine, i only do the occasional visual inspection on the mV controller to see what the readings are.
 
If i may try and explain mV in a simple way:
It measures via electrical current and converts this to a reading. If the the reading is between -49mV and higher then there is higher amount of oxygen available.
If the reading is between -50mV and lower(more negative) then there is a greater defficiency of oxygen.
Denitrification bacteria require oxygen deficient water.
The safe limit for denitrification conditions is -50mV to -300mV

A mV reading inside your tank water should typically be between -200 to -300mV, this is a sign of healthy oxygen rich water. Life requires oxygen....even denitrifying bacteria, the denitrifying bacteria extracts through enzyme activity oxygen from available NO3. Removes 1 oxygen molecule and then leaves N02 in a gas form(nitrogenous gas)....:)
 
Thanks Schyffs, will do some more reading on the web.
Your link was more than usefull, thanks!

So far I feel that running one side by side with a DSB could be good.
But using a MV controller with it is a must!
 
Cool, glad to help.
Its not a sticky because its a bit of a controversial issue...
 
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