denitrator regeneration

ReeferBill · Jun 6, 2013

Ok, so I hooked up a koralin denitrator about 6 months ago to reduce my nitrates. Worked like a charm, but last night my eheim 1048 circulation pump went out on the unit(this is the pump that circulates the water inside the reactor.) Went downstairs to a rotten egg smell....wow. Anyway, my question is this. Once I get the new pump, can I just run 5-10 gallons of saltwater through the old media in the reactor to reconstitute it, or do I need to start all over with new media? I have heard that some people can just run water through it and it will start the bacterial process up again, but I dont want to sour my tank. Also, will the bacteria grow faster from the old media, or is it just safer to start with brand new stuff. I just want the denitrating to return as soon as possible.
Thanks,
Bill

harriszm · Jun 6, 2013

You can use the old stuff no problem, as long as you rinse it good. That smell is hydrogen sulfate not good to put back in the tank

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ReeferBill · Jun 6, 2013

Do I have to take it out of the reactor to rinse it, or just run the circulation pump and toss the first 5-10 gallons of water that comes out of it? Or do I wait to make sure the smell is gone?

ReeferBill · Jun 6, 2013

Also, will using the old stuff cause the bacteria to regrow faster and the denitrification to get going sooner, or does it not matter if I use new or old stuff for the bacterial growth?

harriszm · Jun 6, 2013

You can do either to clean, which every you want. Forgot the size of your tank, so that 10 gallon will be like a small water change. Old stuff should jump start if not resume where it was. You won't get all the bacteria off, by rinsing, just want to get the sulfur out

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ReeferBill · Jun 6, 2013

Ok, thanks. tank size is 180 with 75 sump, so 10 gallons will be a small water change. Thanks for the help. Sounds like its better to just rinse and get running again. Do you think 10 gallons running wide open should do it? Will I notice a difference in smell then too once its rinsed and clean? Just dont want to put poison in the tank.
Also, does it matter that I have it sitting outside in the sun for a couple days waiting for the replacement impeller? Cant stand it being inside, smells to bad.
Thanks