DIY Coil De-nitrator
- Thread starter jtesdall
- Start date
jtesdall
Premium Member
t-Bone et all,
I haven't posted for a bit because I couldn't quite figure out what was happening as I was getting mixed results by speeding up or slowing down.
At this point in my cycle I am sure of one thing. Slowing the flow creates more nitrites. So TBone you were correct. It slowed down on its own today while I was at work so I tested and the nitrites were almost 20 and last night they were almost 0. I turned it up again so we will see. I think I am also seeing slightly less nitrates coming out than what is going in. I have noticed this on two separate nights tests. The jury is still out on this one though.
I haven't posted for a bit because I couldn't quite figure out what was happening as I was getting mixed results by speeding up or slowing down.
At this point in my cycle I am sure of one thing. Slowing the flow creates more nitrites. So TBone you were correct. It slowed down on its own today while I was at work so I tested and the nitrites were almost 20 and last night they were almost 0. I turned it up again so we will see. I think I am also seeing slightly less nitrates coming out than what is going in. I have noticed this on two separate nights tests. The jury is still out on this one though.
Covey
New member
Hate to say it but it the answer to nitrate reduction was $20 of PVC, tubing and bioballs we would have all done this long ago. There is a half a dozen different method to reduce nitrates and this method has all ways seem to be VERY finicky.
BB, pro-biotic, sand beds, algae based methods, most seem to be easier than this. I don't want to be a downer but the track record isn't very good.
jtesdall
Premium Member
Covey, I can't disagree because mine is not working yet. But there are many reports of this working very well. Some folks have been using them for years successfully. The main person in the thread to build these swears by them. I realize some people say Elvis is still alive and that they have seen him, but this is definitely worth a try. I know of one person that I know and trust in GIRS that has seen them in action and working very well. Only not on their own tank.
I will keep the updates coming. Like you say, it isn't expensive to try, but is a patience game. Covey, have you tried them? You are a DIY guy.
Also, you metnion BB, is that bare bottom or bio balls? I don't see how either are going to help nitrates in their traditional use. I am using the other methods and they have me down to about 5 but I can't seem to go lower. I want 0 darnit, like others claim to ave.
I will keep the updates coming. Like you say, it isn't expensive to try, but is a patience game. Covey, have you tried them? You are a DIY guy.
Also, you metnion BB, is that bare bottom or bio balls? I don't see how either are going to help nitrates in their traditional use. I am using the other methods and they have me down to about 5 but I can't seem to go lower. I want 0 darnit, like others claim to ave.
Coralfreak
Premium Member
You could always try doing Vodka
Coralfreak
Premium Member
Youre not "dosing" enough:lol:
leeweber85
New member
LOL
pangea
Member
I think the idea behind the bio balls is to be able to "bank" bacteria to eb and flow with the bio load changes. Then you will get a more consistent nitrate reduction. The key to this system is getting the right ratios so no O2 from 1/4 line to bio balls, and long contact time in the chamber for no3 reduction.
This is my understanding after researching and contemplating the build [18-20" x 4" X 50" .170 ID w/4-8 bio balls = zero NO3 on 125gl]
This is my understanding after researching and contemplating the build [18-20" x 4" X 50" .170 ID w/4-8 bio balls = zero NO3 on 125gl]
