Denitrators, Ozone, ORP controllers.

[hansnfrans]

I would like to know your opinions on whether it is worth the money to run ozone and a denitrator. Also, is it necessary to use an ORP controller when using ozone? From what I've read, it seems that one should NEVER run ozone without an ORP controller. Anyone know where I could pick up an inexpensive controller (the prices of these controllers are what is keepin' me from running ozone w/ my skimmer)?

 

[pondfrog]

Ozone, yes and I agree always use a controller. Really a controller should be used with anything you wouldn't just dump a whole bucketfull of in your tank! Red sea is the most economical/reliable combo out there, check out any of the sponsors.

Denitrator- I have no experience with them, and I am therefore biased, but don't really see the point. A well run aquarium with regular water changes shouldn't need something like this.
Steve

 

[mhurley]

I've never used a denitrator....that's why I have a refugium

Do you need ozone or a denitrator....No way.

But, I do use ozone to help break down organics and keep the water crystal clean. I've used ozone for 2+ years now and never used a controller. My position on this issue is that I inject ozone in small amounts 24x7, relative to my tank size. I think of it the same way I do kalk dosing. I dose small amounts of kalk 24/7. Should my dosing pump ever go insane and runaway, it will put no more than 10 gallons of kalk into my system in a day (I dose 4-5 gallons a day now).

What I'm saying is if you use them conservatively and think of the disaster situation ahead of time, you should be ok. Using small amounts of anything will have a small and gradual impact to the tank. Some of the horror stories I've heard are about people getting a new ozone generator and putting 200 mg/hr into a 120 gallon tank on day one.

I do monitor ORP, but do not control it. I don't like chasing numbers for anything. I put x amount of ozone in and whevever my ORP lands, is where it lands (unless it's over 420 of course). Not to mention, ozone probes are notoriously inaccurate. need frequent cleaning and take a long time (days to weeks) to settle down to an accurate number.

If you do want a controller, simply hang out in the Used Equipment forum and keep an eye for one...
Here's a good deal:

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=831200&highlight=controller