de-nitrate reactor?

[cchild]

Preparing a new 90g set-up and am wondering if a de-nitrate reactor would be a good investment...looking at the Korallin S-1502.

Would this replace the need for a refugium's role in nitrate control?

Thanks!

 

[bertoni]

[welcome]

It might replace a refugium for nitrate control, but you wouldn't get the other benefits. Can you post a link to this product? Many of the nitrate reactors are a bit touchy to keep going.

 

[cchild]

Thanks for the responose...here is the link

http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merc...uct_Code=M3-S-1502-BD&Category_Code=denitrate

It is the Korallin BioDenitrator S-1502 w/ Eheim 1048 Pump, listed at premiumaquatics.com

 

[Waxxiemann]

You can acheive 0 nitrates in other ways. Clams for instance are excellent nitrate sponges, a refguium is a big help as well.

I had a nitrate problem once and was considering a reactor but they eventually went to zero on their own and have been so for quite some time.

 

[Duce]

I do have a deNitrator.
However I still think one should try using a Fuge or Clams and identify the cause.
I would suggest a deNitrator is the last resort.

 

[wnecbubba74]

I’m by no means a expert at reef keeping; but my view is for that kid of money I would just build a refriugem and get a couple clams.

 

[cchild]

thanks....I think I will do just that...go for a 29g refuge....since this is a new setup, how long should I let the tank mature before adding a clam...just after cycling?

 

[Waxxiemann]

.... much longer than that my friend. I waited 6 months (over kill) after cycling to add a clam, they are sensitive.

 

[iflipsidei]

Sorry to jump in but clam? I have never heard that for nitrates. What kinda clams and condtions do they need to survive.

 

[serpentman]

The refugium will probably show the quickest improvement given the rate of growth for most macroalgae species. Furthermore, it will provide your tank with a breeding ground for small microfauna (aka pods, worms, etc.)

Here is an interesting article/study on nitrate uptake by clams.

http://www.spc.int/coastfish/News/Trochus/Trochus8/Trochus8-07.htm

However, I highly suggest that you wait until your system parameters stabilize and make sure you have sufficient lighting before adding clams.

 

[Waxxiemann]

I agree on both points.

 

[bertoni]

I would try growing and harvesting a macroalga first, and a refugium is a good way to do that. A refugium has other benefits as well. The denitrator will work, but it might not be needed.