All for reef and Sulfur Denitrator?

[MuscleBobBuffPants]

After reading about how well Denitrators eliminate Nitrates in our aquariums, I very excitedly decided to purchase one for my tanks future needs as I anticipate I’m one of those “heavy in - heavy out” kind of guys.

Pretty early on I also was set on using All for reef for it’s ease of use and convenience.

After further reading and learning that denitrators have a thing for reducing alkalinity, I’m worried now that I’ll just be burning through my All for reef just to keep my alkalinity stable.

Any insight on what I could possibly expect if I did decide to use a denitrator and All for reef? Should I just put the denitrator up in the attic and wait for my future FOWLR tank haha?

I have also considered using Bacto-Balance (carbon dosing from Tropic Marin) - maybe that’s the better option for nitrate control in the tank?

@Randy Holmes-Farley I’d love your input.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

The denitrator complicates the dosing, and I think you'll need to monitor both calcium and alkalinity, and dose alkalinity with an alk supplement beyond the All For Reef used to maintain calcium.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Bacto Balance or other types of organic carbon dosing (vodka, vinegar,etc.) are a fine alternative that do not have the same alk issues.

 

[MuscleBobBuffPants]

I think I’ll use the bacto balance then and keep my denitrator as a back up plan. Only having 2 dosing pumps sounds better to me.