Denitrification idea.

[likwidglostix]

I had an epiphany the other day and was wondering if anyone has tried this or has a thought.

We all know that a DSB provides denitrification, but how many tanks have room for this? My thought is that almost every reef ready tank has one. My tank is a 55 gal corner tank. The overflow goes all the way to the bottom, but the standpipe keeps 1-1.5 ft of water in there at all times. I haven't measured exactly how tall it is, but I'm assuming most of you know what I'm talking about.

What if I were to fill this area with sand or crushed coral to create a low flow zone? It's an area that is highly unlikely to ever be disturbed, but I'm not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing. Thoughts?

 

[Basketstar]

My understanding for deep sand beds was that you needed gentle flow over the top of the sand in order to dissipate the water and prevent detritus from building up. Also, you have a tremendous advantage with remote DSB, if something goes foul you can turn it off.

 

[plantastic]

Do some research on denitrification.

Denitrification is dependent on specific redox conditions. These conditions will only be created with specific grain size, relative to depth, relative to overlying water flow. There are other factors that come into play, but these will be the biggest ones in our aquariums.

Also, what if you have to change a bulkhead?

Hope this helps,

Scott

 

[Uncle Salty 05]

There are more efficient ways these days:

http://www.aquacave.com/vertex-pro-bio-pellets-3058.html

 

[likwidglostix]

Uncle salty, I remember reading about those a few months back. There was a company in europe that was going to be making them, but they weren't for sale over here yet. Are these the ones that look like big yogurt covered raisins? Stick 'em in a phosban reactor, set it and forget it?

 

[Uncle Salty 05]

Uncle salty, I remember reading about those a few months back. There was a company in europe that was going to be making them, but they weren't for sale over here yet. Are these the ones that look like big yogurt covered raisins? Stick 'em in a phosban reactor, set it and forget it?

I do not have personal experience with this stuff but I have read good things.
I don't think the pellets are quite that big, more like the size of a pencil eraser.
I plan to give them a try as soon as possible. There are several threads on RC about them or you can just google biopellets.
From what I understand yes, you just put them in a reactor gently tumbling and that is it. Supposedly gives the same result as vodka (carbon) dosing without the hassle/hazards.

 

[likwidglostix]

I just started doing tank maintenance for the local pet store I get my SW stuff from. I'm an hour and a half from the nearest real LFS, so I'm gonna turn their SW dept into someplace I'd want to shop at. I'll talk to the vendors and see if I can get ahold of some to try out. I'll definetly be posting any results up here since it seems there's quite a few people wondering.

 

[Uncle Salty 05]

Lucky you!!!
Please let us know how things go.

By the way I think the Little Mermaid's bra was shells.

 

[seapug]

Bulk Reef Supply, Two Little Fishies, KZ, and many other well known manufacturers have bio pellet products available nowadays.

 

[Uncle Salty 05]

Bulk Reef Supply, Two Little Fishies, KZ, and many other well known manufacturers have bio pellet products available nowadays.

Have you used them?
Would you reccommend them?