New sulfur denitrator working great!

[Jase4224]

This is a very high flow rate for such a small reactor. ( 12,5l/hour /litre S).

Taking this BADES system as an example:
A high flow rate is needed to remove the daily nitrogen overproduction daily at a low nitrate level. A lot of oxygen is entered (6mg/l x300l) and a lot of it must be consumed for making enough denitrification possible. Theoretically, the reactor removes +- 600 mg nitrate daily ( 2mg/l x 300l at 0 effluent) wich means +- 150mg nitrogen is removed daily or 0.2 ppm ( 0.8 ppm nitrate) + the nitrate produced within the reactor by simultaneous nitrification. If the level is kept stable at 2ppm this is the daily nitrate removal rate.

If you want to lower the nitrate level to 1ppm while keeping the same daily nitrate removal rate the flow must increase x2. I think the reactor will be too small to handle this.

At a very high nitrate level , 1 liter sulphur is able to remove +- 4grams nitrate daily. When the nitrate level descends the flow must increase to be able to keep the same daily nitrate removal rate. As more oxygen is entered the denitrification efficiency of the BADES reactor will decrease.

For example, when the nitrate overproduction in this system increases to 1ppm daily, which may be considered normal, the flow must increase x5 to be able to remove the daily nitrate overproduction, enough for to keep the nitrate level stable at 2ppm
That is why it is advised for an SBNMS to use a 1% BADES reactor. ( 1% of the total system volume) The BADES reactor must be big enough to handle the increasing oxygen quantity entered to be able to remove the same daily nitrogen overproduction
This makes it possible for the BADES reactor to follow the needs of a growing aquarium system.

To be honest I’m really confused by the BADES reactor you are talking about, I read the links you posted but I’m getting no visualisation as to what it is and how water moves through it. I’m interested in learning but need some kind of diagram with an explanation.

I’m confident my sulphur reactor can easily handle more water flow. However, it is only one component of my filtration along with a fuge that has barely got going, filter socks and a skimmer. Once I receive Caulerpa for my fuge it can use up any remaining nitrates, if nitrates rise more once my tank is fully stoked then I’ll just turn up the reactor.

I also do water changes but not for nitrate control.

 

[Belgian Anthias]

Managing an SBNMS using a BADES biofilm reactor O nitrate in the effluent of the reactor must NOT be a target.
Such a biofilm reactor removes ammonium and nitrate simultaneously. Simultaneous nitrification and mixotrophic denitrification. If the balance is found one has a biofilter that does not produce any nitrate. The carrying capacity can be increased and adjusted as desired. ( using a denitrator does not change a thing to the carrying capacity.) Such a system operates at a high flow rate in function of the desired nitrogen removal rate.
ref: http://www.baharini.eu/baharini/doku.php?id=en:badess:sbnms
The aim is to prevent high nitrogen imbalance normally created by the use of a skimmer or the active removal of phosphorus, a nutrient imbalance that is considered to be responsible for coral bleaching. Closing the nitrogen cycle by removing the daily nitrogen overproduction daily this way maintaining the nitrate level desired may help to keep the balance. A high nitrate level does not kill, the combination of high nitrogen availability with limited availability of other building materials ( phosphorus) and changing growth conditions ( temp?) may.
ref: http://www.baharini.eu/baharini/doku.php?id=nl:makazi:theorie:koraal_holoboint

The nitrogen removal rate can easily be adjusted as desired, nitrogen management should never be a problem.
Other often advised methods for correcting the nitrogen availability, an algae filter or scrubber and or dosing carbon, will not correct the created nutrient imbalance.

 

[Belgian Anthias]

To be honest I’m really confused by the BADES reactor you are talking about, I read the links you posted but I’m getting no visualisation as to what it is and how water moves through it. I’m interested in learning but need some kind of diagram with an explanation.

I’m confident my sulphur reactor can easily handle more water flow. However, it is only one component of my filtration along with a fuge that has barely got going, filter socks and a skimmer. Once I receive Caulerpa for my fuge it can use up any remaining nitrates, if nitrates rise more once my tank is fully stoked then I’ll just turn up the reactor.

I also do water changes but not for nitrate control.

As you maintain a high flow rate you are using what we call a "BADES reactor", the reactor is not kept anoxic and performs nitrification and denitrification simultaneously.
A "sulphur denitrator" can be the same reactor but kept anoxic by limiting the flow and performs mainly denitrification only. It can be the same type of reactor, the way the reactor is managed makes the difference between a "sulphur reactor or denitrator" and a "BADES reactor". We make that name difference to demonstrate the difference between two different modes of use and where we cannot recommend the use of a "sulfur denitrator" for use in a live-support system such as an aquarium.
A " sulphur denitrator" has a long time been commercialized accompanied by instructions to keep the reactor anoxic and often the advice to use ORP reading, the same instructions often used for a carbon-based denitrator. We use "BADES reactor" to distance ourselves from this use.

I think in the case nitrogen production increases you will need a bigger reactor if you want to keep the nitrate level below 2 ppm. This to be able to handle the increased quantity of oxygen entered. Increasing the flow rate will enter more oxygen and the denitrification efficiency of the sulfur will decrease, more space is needed to remove more nitrate while using up a lot more oxygen. ( the water entered contains 2ppm nitrate and +- 6ppm oxygen)
One can only remove what is entered! If the water nitrate level is kept at 2ppm one can only remove 2ppm and if the daily nitrogen production doubles, twice as much nitrogen must be removed daily to keep the level below 2 ppm. For making this possible the flow must increase at least x2 to be able to remove the doubled daily nitrogen overproduction.
To avoid a higher flow rate, one may decide to operate the BADES reactor maintaining a higher nitrate level of 4ppm but as twice as much nitrogen must be removed daily the volume of the reactor is probably insufficient.

To be able to follow this up I would appreciate it if you will post what happens when the moment comes for adjustments.

 

[Belgian Anthias]

This is a very high flow rate for such a small reactor. ( 12,5l/hour /litre S).

Taking this BADES system as an example:
A high flow rate is needed to remove the daily nitrogen overproduction daily at a low nitrate level. A lot of oxygen is entered (6mg/l x300l) and a lot of it must be consumed for making enough denitrification possible. Theoretically, the reactor removes +- 600 mg nitrate daily ( 2mg/l x 300l at 0 effluent) wich means +- 150mg nitrogen is removed daily or 0.2 ppm ( 0.8 ppm nitrate) + the nitrate produced within the reactor by simultaneous nitrification. If the level is kept stable at 2ppm this is the daily nitrate removal rate.

If you want to lower the nitrate level to 1ppm while keeping the same daily nitrate removal rate the flow must increase x2. I think the reactor will be too small to handle this.

At a very high nitrate level , 1 liter sulphur is able to remove +- 4grams nitrate daily. When the nitrate level descends the flow must increase to be able to keep the same daily nitrate removal rate. As more oxygen is entered the denitrification efficiency of the BADES reactor will decrease.

For example, when the nitrate overproduction in this system increases to 1ppm daily, which may be considered normal, the flow must increase x5 to be able to remove the daily nitrate overproduction, enough for to keep the nitrate level stable at 2ppm
That is why it is advised for an SBNMS to use a 1% BADES reactor. ( 1% of the total system volume) The BADES reactor must be big enough to handle the increasing oxygen quantity entered to be able to remove the same daily nitrogen overproduction
This makes it possible for the BADES reactor to follow the needs of a growing aquarium system.

I made a mistake here, this must be "the nitrogen overproduction" .

 

[Jase4224]

As you maintain a high flow rate you are using what we call a "BADES reactor", the reactor is not kept anoxic and performs nitrification and denitrification simultaneously.
A "sulphur denitrator" can be the same reactor but kept anoxic by limiting the flow and performs mainly denitrification only. It can be the same type of reactor, the way the reactor is managed makes the difference between a "sulphur reactor or denitrator" and a "BADES reactor". We make that name difference to demonstrate the difference between two different modes of use and where we cannot recommend the use of a "sulfur denitrator" for use in a live-support system such as an aquarium.
A " sulphur denitrator" has a long time been commercialized accompanied by instructions to keep the reactor anoxic and often the advice to use ORP reading, the same instructions often used for a carbon-based denitrator. We use "BADES reactor" to distance ourselves from this use.

I think in the case nitrogen production increases you will need a bigger reactor if you want to keep the nitrate level below 2 ppm. This to be able to handle the increased quantity of oxygen entered. Increasing the flow rate will enter more oxygen and the denitrification efficiency of the sulfur will decrease, more space is needed to remove more nitrate while using up a lot more oxygen. ( the water entered contains 2ppm nitrate and +- 6ppm oxygen)
One can only remove what is entered! If the water nitrate level is kept at 2ppm one can only remove 2ppm and if the daily nitrogen production doubles, twice as much nitrogen must be removed daily to keep the level below 2 ppm. For making this possible the flow must increase at least x2 to be able to remove the doubled daily nitrogen overproduction.
To avoid a higher flow rate, one may decide to operate the BADES reactor maintaining a higher nitrate level of 4ppm but as twice as much nitrogen must be removed daily the volume of the reactor is probably insufficient.

To be able to follow this up I would appreciate it if you will post what happens when the moment comes for adjustments.

Ok that makes more sense now, though I’m still not entirely sure whether I’m running BADES or a sulphur denitrator. At the end of the day I’m happy with a nitrate level of 2pp. I still have a substantial sized fuge that only has hair algae now but will be getting Caulerpa so once that takes off I should have no problems with nitrogen. I can keep you updated as the system matures.

 

[Dexter_SA]

Thanks @Randy Holmes-Farley

If anyone else would like to calculate the amount of Alk being consumed by the SD, below are the calculations I used. The reason this is important is because over time, an imbalance of Ca and Alk will develop, since the SD consumes more Alk than the Ca it generates (assuming one is using calcium carbonate in the top part of the reactor and the effect is minimal). I've noticed this in my own system and have add to adjust to add more Alk than Ca. For example,
- If using a Ca Rx, since equal proportions of Alk and Ca are added to the aquarium, one will need to dose additional Alk to maintain the correct balance. Otherwise, if mostly testing and controlling Alk, which most probably do, Ca will drift towards higher levels than desired.
- If using a 2 part method, instead of dosing the same amount of Alk and Ca, one will need to compensate for the SD Alk consumption and dose more Alk than Ca

Here are the calculations:
1) Calculate Alk consumed by SD:

5.3 ppm Alk / 10 ppm NO3 x [difference between inlet and outlet of SD] ppm NO3 = X ppm Alk consumed by SD

The first term is simply the Alk/NO3 relationship shared by Randy and to calculate the 2nd term, just test NO3 of our aquarium water (in) and the outlet of the SD.

2) Calculate the throughout of the SD

Since we calculated a concentration of Alk in Step 1, to determine how much Alk is being consumed per day in our system, we must understand the throughput (flow) through the SD reactor. Just use a graduated cylinder and calculate the throughput in ml/min and multiply by 1.44 to get liters/day --> Y liters/day

3) Calculate how much Sodium Bicarbonate to compensate for SD Alk consumption

Go to the BRS Alk calculator and simply calculate how many grams of Sodium Bicarbonate need to be added per day to compensate for the SD Alk consumption. In the calculator, use the following inputs:
Volume = throughput of SD [Y] liters
Current Alk level = 0 ppm
Desired Alk level = [X] ppm

Result = Z grams of Sodium Bicarbonate

The result will give you the grams of Sodium Bicarbonate that you need to add to your system to compensate for the SD consumption. You can then adjust your programing regimen to accurate keep your parameters in balance.

Thoughts/Conclusion:
- We know that SDs aren't a very popular option in the hobby as most consider too complicated (ok, maybe they're a bit complicated). However, they work and by understanding them correctly, one can achieve good results and keep NO3 under control.
- If the Alk/Ca could be considered a "downside" to running a SD, I would personally consider it minimal. For example, I'm running an Aquamaxx TS-3, which is their largest unit on a 450 gal mixed reef. Using the calculations above, I'll need to add 1 gram of Sodium Bicarbonate per day to compensate for the SD Alk consumption. Using the BRS Sodium Bicarbonate ($22 for 7 lbs), that comes out to $0.20 per month, so basically negligible.

Hope this helps and just wanted to document for future reference. In case anyone finds any calc issues or has additional thoughts, please share

Hi guys....Please help me with this calculation. I'm a bit clueless. All i need to find out is how much Bicarb i need to dose. I normally use Randy's recipe with the baked bicarb.

some info on my tank

Not sure what you will need to do the calculation

750l
No3 before SD is 10ppm
NO3 after SD is 0ppm
water through reactor is 140ml a minute = 201.6Liters per day

tank alk is 7.0
calcium over 500
im using a carx

please let me know if you need any other info

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

That represents a 10 ppm decline in nitrate for 201.6 L.

That 10 ppm decline should be accompanied by about a 0.46 dKH decline in alk in that 201.76 L.

So using a calculator to determine how much alk is needed to offset that, we get about 17.5 mL of my Recipe #1 (baked bicarb) per day.

Check, of course, to see what that does after a week. The effect in a day from a single addition will be too small to see well (about 0.13 dKH).

 

[Belgian Anthias]

Hi guys....Please help me with this calculation. I'm a bit clueless. All i need to find out is how much Bicarb i need to dose. I normally use Randy's recipe with the baked bicarb.

some info on my tank

Not sure what you will need to do the calculation

750l
No3 before SD is 10ppm
NO3 after SD is 0ppm
water through reactor is 140ml a minute = 201.6Liters per day

tank alk is 7.0
calcium over 500
im using a carx

please let me know if you need any other info

Normally nothing! If enough calcium carbonate-based substrate is used for the BADES-biofilm.

If the BADES process takes place on a base of calcium carbonate the base is used as a substrate and the carbonate is used as a carbon source which means not much inorganic carbon is retrieved from the water column.
In a biofilm not only elemental sulfur is used but also HS. It is not correct only using calculations based on the autotrophic oxidation of elemental sulphur , one should also include other essential reactions.
Using calcium carbonate as a substrate for BADES: 55S + 44CaCO3 + 50NO3 - + 18H2 O + 4NH4 → 4C5 H7O2 N + 25N2 + 55SO4 2- +44Ca2 + 24HCO3 ( TC Zang 2004). According to the above Zhang formula, approximately 1.76 mg Ca is produced per 3.1 mg NO3. Alkalinity is not used, HCO3 is produced. But also this is not correct as in a biofilm a lot of NO3 is used and needed for to remove HS, by wich N2 is produced. 5S2 + 2NO3 + 12H2 ⇒ 5S + N2 + 6H2 O (Sher en co 2008) . If executed by Thiobacillus denitrificans: 0.422H2 S + 0.422HS + NO3 + 0.347CO2 + 0.0865HCO3 - + 0.0865NH4 ⇒ 0.844SO4 2- + 0.5N2 + 0.0865C5 H7 O2 N ( Getting ZHU 2012).

In practice, some NO3 also is reduced by heterotrophs which adds alkalinity.

A BADES reactor has a high flow, which means enough oxygen is entered for nitrification. Also, aerobic and anaerobic remineralization will take place. Ammonium-nitrogen entered and produced within the reactor may also be removed which means a calculation made based on NO3 entered is not correct.

Using BADES on a base of calcium carbonate has no negative effect on the alkalinity in the water colum. The practical use of BADES on a substrate of calcium carbonate shows no special effect on the alkalinity of the system , some calcium is added. This if enough calcium carbonate is used. ( min 1/1)
A BADES reactor is not kept anoxic!!!
Most of the available info about using elemental sulphur for removing nitrate from a marine aquarium is available in the Makazi Baharini wiki: in the section BADESS ref: http://www.baharini.eu/baharini/doku.php?id=en:badess:start http://www.baharini.eu/baharini/doku.php?id=nl:badess:start

Correcting alkalinity based on the difference between the influent and the effluent nitrate content of a BADES reactor, using autotrophic denitrification on elemental sulphur stoichiometries, seems to me not a good idea!

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Normally nothing! If enough calcium carbonate-based substrate is used for the BADES-biofilm.

If the BADES process takes place on a base of calcium carbonate the base is used as a substrate and the carbonate is used as a carbon source which means not much inorganic carbon is retrieved from the water column.
In a biofilm not only elemental sulfur is used but also HS. It is not correct only using calculations based on the autotrophic oxidation of elemental sulphur , one should also include other essential reactions.
Using calcium carbonate as a substrate for BADES: 55S + 44CaCO3 + 50NO3 - + 18H2 O + 4NH4 → 4C5 H7O2 N + 25N2 + 55SO4 2- +44Ca2 + 24HCO3 ( TC Zang 2004). According to the above Zhang formula, approximately 1.76 mg Ca is produced per 3.1 mg NO3. Alkalinity is not used, HCO3 is produced. But also this is not correct as in a biofilm a lot of NO3 is used and needed for to remove HS, by wich N2 is produced. 5S2 + 2NO3 + 12H2 ⇒ 5S + N2 + 6H2 O (Sher en co 2008) . If executed by Thiobacillus denitrificans: 0.422H2 S + 0.422HS + NO3 + 0.347CO2 + 0.0865HCO3 - + 0.0865NH4 ⇒ 0.844SO4 2- + 0.5N2 + 0.0865C5 H7 O2 N ( Getting ZHU 2012).

In practice, some NO3 also is reduced by heterotrophs which adds alkalinity.

A BADES reactor has a high flow, which means enough oxygen is entered for nitrification. Also, aerobic and anaerobic remineralization will take place. Ammonium-nitrogen entered and produced within the reactor may also be removed which means a calculation made based on NO3 entered is not correct.

Using BADES on a base of calcium carbonate has no negative effect on the alkalinity in the water colum. The practical use of BADES on a substrate of calcium carbonate shows no special effect on the alkalinity of the system , some calcium is added. This if enough calcium carbonate is used. ( min 1/1)
A BADES reactor is not kept anoxic!!!
Most of the available info about using elemental sulphur for removing nitrate from a marine aquarium is available in the Makazi Baharini wiki: in the section BADESS ref: http://www.baharini.eu/baharini/doku.php?id=en:badess:start http://www.baharini.eu/baharini/doku.php?id=nl:badess:start

Correcting alkalinity based on the difference between the influent and the effluent nitrate content of a BADES reactor, using autotrophic denitrification on elemental sulphur stoichiometries, seems to me not a good idea!

he already has high calcium (possibly from making his reactor offset the alkalinity loses).
I don’t think breakdown of even more calcium carbonate to supply the needed alkalinity is a good plan.

 

[Dexter_SA]

Thanks Randy for the help. I will start adding more alk tonight and test in a week and see what results I'm getting.

@Belgian Anthias sorry I don't understand a word what you saying.

 

[SeaDweller]

he already has high calcium (possibly from making his reactor offset the alkalinity loses).
I don’t think breakdown of even more calcium carbonate to supply the needed alkalinity is a good plan.

Hi randy, I’m currently in the same situation. I was running my SD successfully for months, and then after treating for cyano, my NO3 shot up to 10 ppm from 0.5. Not an issue really. I’m using a CaRx too, and my ca is 520. Today I decided to stop CO2 injection and just add baking soda as needed, to let my calcium fall. during my whole time using the SD I didn’t have a real problem keeping Alk stable; but once I let ca fall back to 420, let’s say, and run my CaRx again, am I just going to be in this cycle where my Ca levels just elevate?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Hi randy, I’m currently in the same situation. I was running my SD successfully for months, and then after treating for cyano, my NO3 shot up to 10 ppm from 0.5. Not an issue really. I’m using a CaRx too, and my ca is 520. Today I decided to stop CO2 injection and just add baking soda as needed, to let my calcium fall. during my whole time using the SD I didn’t have a real problem keeping Alk stable; but once I let ca fall back to 420, let’s say, and run my CaRx again, am I just going to be in this cycle where my Ca levels just elevate?

Depending on the amount of nitrate it is consuming and the amount of water changes, yes.

I was in a similar situation using limewater/kalkwasser which also tends to slowly raise calcium.I used a low calcium salt mix (normal IO) for water changes for that reason.

 

[SeaDweller]

Depending on the amount of nitrate it is consuming and the amount of water changes, yes.

I was in a similar situation using limewater/kalkwasser which also tends to slowly raise calcium.I used a low calcium salt mix (normal IO) for water changes for that reason.

Thanks. Do you suggest I keep my CaRx running, but inject less co2 while still adding some ca, or is letting it fall over a few days ok? My tank is all Acropora colonies, do you foresee any issues dropping ca from 520 to 420 in about a weeks time being an issue?

 

[Dexter_SA]

So I have been dosing extra alk as per Randies suggestion. In two weeks it doesn't look like my ca dropped much. It might have dropped a bit but I can't tell for certain. To me on the salifert kit it looks like the color just starts to change color. Do I still stick it out for a bit with my current alk dose or do I maybe need to increase it a bit?

 

[Jase4224]

I’v been using my SD for about 6 months and I thinks it’s amazing.

I don’t like that the alk drops whilst the calc rises. So I’m considering removing the media which is about 1/3 calcium carbonate and 2/3 sulphur and swapping out for %100 sulphur.

If I’m correct that the reason the alk drops is due to C02 then I can have some of it gas off by letting it drip into my filter socks, and the remaining C02 can feed my Caulerpa growth.

On a side note I can report that when I first installed my SD I had the outlet dripping after my fuge and noticed I had lower PH of 8.0. After putting the outlet before my fuge the PH returned to 8.3. By belief is that the SD adds C02 and the algae utilises it.

Does anyone see this being a problem? I don’t mind dosing a bit more bicarb but want to avoid the rising calc.

 

[ReeferBud]

I’v been using my SD for about 6 months and I thinks it’s amazing.

I don’t like that the alk drops whilst the calc rises. So I’m considering removing the media which is about 1/3 calcium carbonate and 2/3 sulphur and swapping out for %100 sulphur.

If I’m correct that the reason the alk drops is due to C02 then I can have some of it gas off by letting it drip into my filter socks, and the remaining C02 can feed my Caulerpa growth.

On a side note I can report that when I first installed my SD I had the outlet dripping after my fuge and noticed I had lower PH of 8.0. After putting the outlet before my fuge the PH returned to 8.3. By belief is that the SD adds C02 and the algae utilises it.

Does anyone see this being a problem? I don’t mind dosing a bit more bicarb but want to avoid the rising calc.

glad you’re enjoying the SD.

The logic you shared is not correct. Suggest reading earlier in this thread, there’s some good information about how a SD works and the Alk consumption effect.

Alk drops because of the formation of H+, not CO2... removing the calcium carbonate won’t have the effect you’re thinking of. Don’t think of it as Ca rising, but rather Alk dropping, and since you most likely add Alk/Ca in equal proportions, via a CaRx or dosing, an imbalance will develop over time. Easy to compensate with the methodology I posted earlier in the thread.

From Randy’s article and earlier in this thread:

Sulfur Denitrators

In these systems, bacteria use elemental sulfur and produce N2 from the sulfur and nitrate according the following equation (or something similar):

2 H2O + 5 S + 6 NO3– → 3 N2 + 5 SO42- + 4 H+

The production of acid (H+) in this reactor can tend to reduce the aquarium alkalinity. It has also been suggested to pass the effluent of such a reactor through a bed of aragonite to use the acid (H+) produced to dissolve the calcium carbonate, and thereby provide calcium and alkalinity to the aquarium. While that is a fine idea, it doesn’t add much calcium and alkalinity to most aquaria.

 

[Jase4224]

glad you’re enjoying the SD.

The logic you shared is not correct. Suggest reading earlier in this thread, there’s some good information about how a SD works and the Alk consumption effect.

Alk drops because of the formation of H+, not CO2... removing the calcium carbonate won’t have the effect you’re thinking of. Don’t think of it as Ca rising, but rather Alk dropping, and since you most likely add Alk/Ca in equal proportions, via a CaRx or dosing, an imbalance will develop over time. Easy to compensate with the methodology I posted earlier in the thread.

From Randy’s article and earlier in this thread:

Sulfur Denitrators

In these systems, bacteria use elemental sulfur and produce N2 from the sulfur and nitrate according the following equation (or something similar):

2 H2O + 5 S + 6 NO3– → 3 N2 + 5 SO42- + 4 H+

The production of acid (H+) in this reactor can tend to reduce the aquarium alkalinity. It has also been suggested to pass the effluent of such a reactor through a bed of aragonite to use the acid (H+) produced to dissolve the calcium carbonate, and thereby provide calcium and alkalinity to the aquarium. While that is a fine idea, it doesn’t add much calcium and alkalinity to most aquaria.

Thanks for the info I didn’t realise H+ was the acid component.

I can say that the SD reactor does raise calcium as I’m not dosing anything other than bicarb to compensate SD lowering alk.

Before using the SD my calcium was stable as my system is a fish only system and I’m using primarily NSW for water changes. Within a week of adding the SD my calc has constantly risen and I do larger water changes to keep it closer to balanced.

 

[NO3]

Hello all,
I have a 90 gallon saltwater FOWLR tank. I’ve always, always did I say always had a problem with high nitrates. I’ve tried NO POX and followed all instructions but had no positive results. Obviously, water changes were done too but it would only put a small dent.

With reading this post and seeing amazing results and struggling for years with high nitrate levels, I’ve purchased a Korallin
C 3002 SD last week and I got it delivered today. The setup was not overly hard but the instructions given need to be better.

I wanted the smaller size SD but Marineland was out of stock so I got the next size up. My levels in the tank this morning was blood red. I only have a clown fish, kohl tang, pink tail trigger and large snowflake eel.

I’ve read to keep an eye on bubble production in the reactor and release the gas, but how do I do this? What valve do I have to open? Any pictures or videos on how to do this is greatly appreciated. Also, I am attaching a short video on my drip from my effluent, please advise me if this drip rate is correct. Thank you all for helping me and I will post results as well.

NO3

 

[Dr. Reef Verified Sponsor]

drip rate looks fine. after a month or so when the reactor is cycled then start to increase the flow. eventually you will get to a point where the flow is going to be steady stream. but that will take a while.
To de-gas there is a 2nd outlet on top of the reactor. that really needs to be slightly open where a drop drips every 3-6 sec. that will cause the reactor to not have any air/gas build up.

 

[NO3]

drip rate looks fine. after a month or so when the reactor is cycled then start to increase the flow. eventually you will get to a point where the flow is going to be steady stream. but that will take a while.
To de-gas there is a 2nd outlet on top of the reactor. that really needs to be slightly open where a drop drips every 3-6 sec. that will cause the reactor to not have any air/gas build up.

Thank you Dr Reef. I’m still uncertain of the 2nd outlet. Is it the one in the picture?