Carbon or Sulfur Based Denitrator?

[fishnugget]

Randy. which is better? Can you give me some names of brands? This is not an area where I see big info lists. I think a tank with many fish needs some form of nitrate reduction. Macro algae does not seem to help alone.

Also, If a DSB is disturbed, what effect can it have on the tank. Should it never be stirred? My Tunzes have created a big empty area in the front of my tank

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I don't have any brand recommendations, and I've never used either type, preferring to grow macroalgae and skim.

From a chemistry standpoint, I prefer the carbon denitrators since they do not deplete alkalinity the same way as the sulfur denitrators, but the carbon denitrators can be tricky to operate long term.

Stirring up an established sand bed can release hydrogen sulfide, and it can disrupt denitrification.

 

[Tigger_sg]

Hi Randy,

1. Can u explain why "C base denitrator do not deplete alkalinity the same way S denitartor"

2. Why is C base denitrator "tricky to operate long term"

3. Is those S base Nitrogen bacteria "sensitive" to light source? I m asking becos i notice bacteria seems to colonise at the region w low light within the reactor.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I explain the chemistry reactions behind them in this article:

Nitrate in the Reef Aquarium
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/august2003/chem.htm

The carbon denitrators can be tricky due to the need to balance the flow rate properly. The sulfur ones need bacteria in them. What exactly do you see?