Poor Man's Nutrients Control - Donovan's Nitrate Destroyer

[Ponraj A]

I too believe on the same. Due to space constraints I have kept the reactor in my sump near my chiller coil. Does the coolness in there will affect the bacteria population ? if so so you have any suggestions on that ?

 

[Ponraj A]

I have seen your thread and its marvelous, dreaming to be like that one day !!!!

 

[Donovan Joannes]

I too believe on the same. Due to space constraints I have kept the reactor in my sump near my chiller coil. Does the coolness in there will affect the bacteria population ? if so so you have any suggestions on that ?

It might be a bit slower at lower temperature. I kept my tank at 27.5 C. As you know bacteria metabolisms is higher at warmer temperature, it should be the opposite at lower temperature.

 

[Donovan Joannes]

I have seen your thread and its marvelous, dreaming to be like that one day !!!!

There is no reason why you can't. Take your time, get that nutrients under control, maintain a good water parameters and it will take off when it's ready.

 

[Ponraj A]

Temperature in dispaly is showing 26.6 to 26.8 C and I have set the thermostat to the temperature of 24.9 C and will run the chiller on 1C variation. So the temperature in the sump will be between 24.9 C to 25.9 C. what do you think on this ?

 

[Donovan Joannes]

Temperature in dispaly is showing 26.6 to 26.8 C and I have set the thermostat to the temperature of 24.9 C and will run the chiller on 1C variation. So the temperature in the sump will be between 24.9 C to 25.9 C. what do you think on this ?

Double check your exact water temperature with a glass thermometer. You need to know your actual water temperature as your chiller/digital tank thermometer doesn't tally. As for denitrator, it should be good.

 

[Ponraj A]

Ok I will do it and what temperature do you suggest to have in the sump, shall i increase it to 25.5 C to 26.5 C ?

 

[Donovan Joannes]

Ok I will do it and what temperature do you suggest to have in the sump, shall i increase it to 25.5 C to 26.5 C ?

Leave it as it is. Even though coral will grow a bit faster at higher temperature, I don't think it will affect the denitrator that much. I prefer my current temperature as most of my SPS was collected at tidal line area where the temperature is higher. It all depends on where most of your coral comes from and if you choose to run a bit higher, do it slowly by adjusting your chiller setting. 1/2 degree increment every two days until the desired level is reached.

 

[Ponraj A]

Ok noted and Thanks for your time and suggetions DJ

 

[Donovan Joannes]

No problem. Do update how's your denitrator going.

 

[Ponraj A]

For sure.
Second day nitrate from the reactor output is at 50ppm (Salifert). Will check in another 5 days and keep you posted.

 

[Ponraj A]

For sure.
Second day nitrate from the reactor output is at 50ppm (Salifert). Will check in another 5 days and keep you posted.

 

[Donovan Joannes]

GREAT!

 

[Lasse]

Well done

Some for the book

Hydrogen sulfide production is connected with zero concentrations of NO3. A concentration around 1 – 2 ppm will block the production of Hydrogen sulfide in the chamber. That’s one of the reason why not let the NO3 go to zero

Using siporax in anaerobic environment tend to release silica to the water column. I know this of my own experiences. My tank runs at silicia levels close to 1100 ppm after 1 year with only 3 water changes (300 litres and 80 litres change three times). However – I have not seen any problems with this and my sponges and shrimps love it. I have Siporax at the bottom of my reversed flow DSB.



Sincerely Lasse

 

[Ponraj A]

@Lasse
I was looking forward for your feedback in this thread as its similar to your build at the overflow where you have made with Siporax,crushed coral media.
Thanks for your valuable input.

 

[Lasse]

Thank you

Sincerely Lasse

 

[Donovan Joannes]

Thanks @Lasse for the valuable input. Yes, when the water no longer contains nitrogen, bacteria will start consuming sulfate if I am not mistaken. Not aware of silica/silicate leaching as those ceramic bio rings are heat treated and become inert.

 

[Lasse]

No - you not mistaken - its however a little bit unclear if it is the same strain that changes its electron acceptor (as it is between oxygen and nitrate) or if it is another strain (or species) that use sulfate. My old knowledge says the first but younger people says the second . but - keep at least 2 ppm nitrate in the water and you will not have hyrdogen sulphide production and not any phosphorus release from anaerobic sediments or sand.

Both me and a public Aquarium here in Gothenburg has notice elevated levels of silicia according to use of Siporax in an anaerobic Environment. It took a while before it hit the 1000 ppm level but now its stable around that level.

Sincerely Lasse

 

[Donovan Joannes]

Haha. Yes, i don't know either. My design was an accident, too much reading I guest. Porous media, low flow, oxygen depletion, absent of light, bacteria introduction and carbon source when combined should do the trick. I was surprised it work on my first try.

 

[Matthias7]

Here is my version of your awesome idea. I had some extra marinepure cubes laying in my sump. Do you think I will have an issue using some of that in the reactor?