Thoughts on the Korallin S1502 Denitrator?

justonwo · Aug 12, 2016

I've been working on various methods to reduce nitrate in my 90 gallon reef tank for about a year now. I have a pretty heavily stocked tank, a clean up crew, very old and well-established live rock. I run a skimmer, which produces about 1/3 cup of skimmate per day. I've cut feeding back to levels that I worry will starve my fish. I use an auto-feeder to deliver about 4 teaspoons per day, along with 1 sheet of nori per day, and occasional mysis feeding. I also have macro algae growing in my sump. The auto feeder is a necessary evil, as my tank is located in my office and is not easily accessible on the weekends. I've also watched and can see that the fish consume most of the food.

I've tried Red Sea's NO3-PO4-x program with unfortunate results. I now run GFO to control phosphate but have never been able to get nitrate much below 15. The primary issue for this nitrate level, for me, is that I have a lot of SPS frags that are growing glacially - or simply not doing that well.

So I'd like to give a sulfur denitrator a try and I'm wondering what people's experiences have been with them? Most, if not all, of what I've seen is positive and I see no down side other than the expense. However, given the time and energy I've put into trying to get nitrates down - and the corals I've lost over time - it's more expensive NOT to do something.

As always, any input from those with experience would be much appreciated.

greg 45 · Aug 12, 2016

If you want quality look at aquarium engineering . I have been running one for well over a year no issues . Quality built and best war. out there. Yes it's pricy but you get what you pay for. His standard cannot be touched. Also recommended this to a few other's and they are happy with there purchase.

justonwo · Aug 12, 2016

greg 45 said:
If you want quality look at aquarium engineering . I have been running one for well over a year no issues . Quality built and best war. out there. Yes it's pricy but you get what you pay for. His standard cannot be touched. Also recommended this to a few other's and they are happy with there purchase.

What system size would be appropriate for a 90 gallon tank? I assume the 4" system works. Is it turnkey? What is thought to be the advantage over the Korallin system?

greg 45 · Aug 12, 2016

justontwo / you can contact Bill on what size reactor would be the best for your 90 gallon tank. How well stocked it is how high are you nitrates. I have used too many different company's products. When you cannot get them to work it's all our fault. I have switched all my equipment over to his company a few years ago. You may also tell him I recommended you . I like to let products work as designed no tinker with them daily . Hope this helps give him a ring you wont be disappointed .

justonwo · Aug 12, 2016

Hi Greg, I contacted him and he told me they are no longer making the 4" size. He didn't really answer any of my other questions. I'm not sure what sizes they ARE making, but I can't imagine spending more than $500 on a solution - which will be oversized anyway. It sounds like the Korallin is probably the right option.

justonwo · Aug 13, 2016

After mentioning Greg's name, Bill was kind enough to include me in his last batch of 4" denitrifiers. The quality and support seem excellent from what I hear, so I decided to make the extra expense. This is my number one issue with my aquarium so I figure it's worth the investment. I can't wait to see the results. Thanks, Bill!

justonwo · Sep 7, 2016

I received an installed the Aquarium Engineering denitrator last week and set it up today. We'll see what happens to nitrates! Bill tells me the reactor will also reduce phosphates. The recirculating pump is DEAD QUIET. Amazing.

greg 45 · Sep 7, 2016

Please keep us posted on your results.

wiszmaster · Sep 8, 2016

Bill makes excellent equipment. Nice choice.

jason412 · Sep 8, 2016

Looks top notch. Definitely update very interested to see results.

AustinChristopher · Apr 22, 2020

justonwo said:
I received an installed the Aquarium Engineering denitrator last week and set it up today. We'll see what happens to nitrates! Bill tells me the reactor will also reduce phosphates. The recirculating pump is DEAD QUIET. Amazing.

How did your denitrator work out?

timlyg · Aug 31, 2021

justonwo said:
I received an installed the Aquarium Engineering denitrator last week and set it up today. We'll see what happens to nitrates! Bill tells me the reactor will also reduce phosphates. The recirculating pump is DEAD QUIET. Amazing.

I think justonwo gave up, must be a failure, it's been 5 years of silence now