Denitrification Reactor - does it work?

[Sailor_jon]

I found an inexpensive device ($50 -Aquatic Eco-systems)) that is essentially a coil of tubing that allows a drip every second or so to drip thru and I guess allows anerobic bacteria to grow in it which should help reduce the nitrates in a tank. Its approx 24" tall with a continuouos loop of tubing with a flow adjuster. Supposedly it works for up to 60 gallons. Has anyone had any experince with this type of nitrate reduction device? Thanks.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Folks have used denitrators of various sorts. I'm not sure what type that is, but it sounds like a carbon denitrator, and would require a carbon source to be added routinely.

They work, but can be tricky to get working optimally for long periods, and are not my favorite method (growing macroalgae ands skimming being preferred, IMO.

This article has more:

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