DIY Sulfur Denitrator

[reefplicate]

automate the bugger with a ORP controller that reads and control negative range and use a solenoid valve to regulate the flow with a given orp set point.... usually -180>-200 (myself)
u will not need to adjust effluent anymore.... regular servcing of the sulphur reactor's are still needed, perhaps once every 6mths.... u'll have more time to enjoy your tank....

 

[amashun]

Hi Guys, i have a question again. what would you do when your tank's nitrate reach to 0? will you be keep using it (reduce the drip rate back to 1drip per sec) or shut it down? i remember read it some where on this thread saying i should shut it down because the bacteria will starve to dead and cause problems? Cheers, Adrian

 

[melev]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12392733#post12392733 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by amashun
Hi Guys, i have a question again. what would you do when your tank's nitrate reach to 0? will you be keep using it (reduce the drip rate back to 1drip per sec) or shut it down? i remember read it some where on this thread saying i should shut it down because the bacteria will starve to dead and cause problems? Cheers, Adrian

Read this post by DJfrankie, as his tank is 0. He discusses some thoughts about that.
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=12388898#post12388898

 

[ReefingBuddha]

got a question for you guys. Any one have any idea what 5kg of media translates to in liters? I would check myself but its already in the reactor. Any problems with using to much sulfur media?

 

[rolyguy7]

Read this thread:

http://www.njreefers.org/joomla/index.php?option=com_smf&Itemid=26&topic=4537.15

This guy has been running denitrators for over 20 years and according to his experience with denitrators adding a whole lot of extra sulfur isn't a problem. Here's a clip of the thread where he talks about it. The guys name is Carlo.

"I took this an "extra" step by using 1/2 Seachem's Matrix as the "home" for the bacteria while using the other half for "fuel/home" in the way of sulfur. I've found over the years that when adding more sulfur to the reactor it is less disturbed when 1/2 the media doesn't get bothered (matrix). TIP: I've never read or found any problem with "over loading" the reactor with tons of sulfur. You really can't have too much sulfur in the reactor."

end quote...

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12394285#post12394285 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by thirschmann
got a question for you guys. Any one have any idea what 5kg of media translates to in liters? I would check myself but its already in the reactor. Any problems with using to much sulfur media?

 

[saltydog64]

Re: Re: SR Shutdown

Re: Re: SR Shutdown

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12388770#post12388770 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by djfrankie
Sounds great. Check the effluent 3 days from now and post results here. It may take a little longer to cycle due to the high nitrate levels we're starting with, but I have no doubt we'll get there.

Please don't touch the drip rate

Good luck!

djfrankie

dj.....................roger that...:lol: :lol: Will post as we go along. Oh a quick thought, as it's been 48 hours on restart, when do you think I will see gas @ the VV ...????

Thanks again.

Dick

 

[saltydog64]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12394460#post12394460 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rolyguy7
Read this thread:

http://www.njreefers.org/joomla/index.php?option=com_smf&Itemid=26&topic=4537.15

This guy has been running denitrators for over 20 years and according to his experience with denitrators adding a whole lot of extra sulfur isn't a problem. Here's a clip of the thread where he talks about it. The guys name is Carlo.

"I took this an "extra" step by using 1/2 Seachem's Matrix as the "home" for the bacteria while using the other half for "fuel/home" in the way of sulfur. I've found over the years that when adding more sulfur to the reactor it is less disturbed when 1/2 the media doesn't get bothered (matrix). TIP: I've never read or found any problem with "over loading" the reactor with tons of sulfur. You really can't have too much sulfur in the reactor."

end quote...

rolyguy.............This guy, if you read all the thread, ......well..... he thinks we're a bunch of dummies over here @ RC, I'm sure if he had a bad experence here @ RC or what, but I don't put to stock in what he says...why because while your quote is what he said he also said some where in there that you don't much sulfur at all.....so go figure. I was not going respond to your post, but had to because of his remark...for what it's worth.

Dick

 

[captain7359]

Is the vent necessary if I am feeding my reactor from my return pump instead of an mj or small pump? I will have a domed lid to collect all the gas at the top of the reactor which will then go to the CA media chamber and then back to the tank. Any issues with my design before I build it? The recirc pump will be a mag 3 or 5.

Thanks,
Walter

 

[djfrankie]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12394460#post12394460 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rolyguy7
Read this thread:

http://www.njreefers.org/joomla/index.php?option=com_smf&Itemid=26&topic=4537.15

This guy has been running denitrators for over 20 years and according to his experience with denitrators adding a whole lot of extra sulfur isn't a problem.

Hmmm...interesting. The first historical and scientifical document of sulfur denitrification in a saltwater aquarium goes back to the early 90's with Marc Langouet.

Adding a bunch a sulfur to your denitrator becomes a problem once the incoming nitrate levels are insufficient to support the bacteria colonies originally created during cycling.

djfrankie

 

[djfrankie]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12396198#post12396198 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by captain7359
Is the vent necessary if I am feeding my reactor from my return pump instead of an mj or small pump? I will have a domed lid to collect all the gas at the top of the reactor which will then go to the CA media chamber and then back to the tank. Any issues with my design before I build it? The recirc pump will be a mag 3 or 5.

Thanks,
Walter

At the beginning I tried the same thing, but couldn't get a constant drip rate without being air locked.

FWIW,
djfrankie

 

[djfrankie]

Re: Re: Re: SR Shutdown

Re: Re: Re: SR Shutdown

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12395827#post12395827 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by saltydog64
when do you think I will see gas @ the VV ...????

Thanks again.

Dick

Soon my friend soon....let me look in my mirror ball

Be patient :rollface:

djfrankie

 

[skippyreef]

Great thread! I have been thinking about building one of these and am glad to have somethign to go on now. Was thinking of making it out of acrylic and ordering some of the parts from MRC since I am not very handy at cutting acrylic flanges and lids. I was thinking of one chamber that is 24" for the sulfur and matrix and one that is 12 inches full off large grain aragonite for the second pass.

 

[saltydog64]

Re: Re: Re: Re: SR Shutdown

Re: Re: Re: Re: SR Shutdown

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12396938#post12396938 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by djfrankie
Soon my friend soon....let me look in my mirror ball

Be patient :rollface:

djfrankie

dj---------------Ok ! I'll will be:mixed: :mixed: and yes we are friends, as I have been with you since the start of this great thread.....................so keep up the effort as I and all who read this much appreciate your time spent on it.

 

[Paul_PSU]

Question about tests.....

I have read this about the API kits that I use:

"This test kit measures nitrate as nitrate ion or “total nitrate.” Other nitrate test kits that measure “nitrate-nitrogen” (NO3-N) will give readings 4.4 times LESS than this test kit."

I have seen where people have said you need to divide your results by 4.4 to get an accurate reading. What is the more accurate method; to test for total nitrate or to test for nitrate-nitrogen? I am stuck at 20 right now, but if Iwould divide by 4.4, then I would be under 5?

Just a little confused..

 

[Steve 926]

Adding a bunch a sulfur to your denitrator becomes a problem once the incoming nitrate levels are insufficient to support the bacteria colonies originally created during cycling.

djfrankie [/B][/QUOTE]

Hi Dj
Things are going well with Jr.
I was thinking of making another one with matrix & sulfur, to a second with just the arag. media.
Since the matrix also act's as a bio bed, would you need to remove a portion of the matrix along with the sulfur, when you start to reduce the bio load in the reactor.
I understand that in the future its best to reduce the sulfur media, when there in an insufficient No3 input to the reactor.
what's your opinion.

As Always
Thank's

Steve

:smokin:

 

[djfrankie]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12398219#post12398219 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Paul_PSU
Question about tests.....

I have read this about the API kits that I use:

"This test kit measures nitrate as nitrate ion or “total nitrate.” Other nitrate test kits that measure “nitrate-nitrogen” (NO3-N) will give readings 4.4 times LESS than this test kit."

I have seen where people have said you need to divide your results by 4.4 to get an accurate reading. What is the more accurate method; to test for total nitrate or to test for nitrate-nitrogen? I am stuck at 20 right now, but if Iwould divide by 4.4, then I would be under 5?

Just a little confused..

Paul, the standard here in RC is to measure nitrate ion in ppm and our goal is to reach zero.

I used a reference point when I started using API, was using Salifert before. My reference was NSW.

FWIW, both methods are accurate.

HTH,
djfrankie

 

[djfrankie]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12398738#post12398738 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Steve 926
Adding a bunch a sulfur to your denitrator becomes a problem once the incoming nitrate levels are insufficient to support the bacteria colonies originally created during cycling.

djfrankie

Hi Dj
Things are going well with Jr.
I was thinking of making another one with matrix & sulfur, to a second with just the arag. media.
Since the matrix also act's as a bio bed, would you need to remove a portion of the matrix along with the sulfur, when you start to reduce the bio load in the reactor.
I understand that in the future its best to reduce the sulfur media, when there in an insufficient No3 input to the reactor.
what's your opinion.

As Always
Thank's

Steve

:smokin: [/B][/QUOTE]

Either one you remove will create an immediate redution of bacteria. My preference would be to remove Matrix instead of sulfur.

For those of you that are interested here is a good read on Sulfur Biogeochemistry. Page 68 is of particular interest here.

http://books.google.com/books?id=xH...ig=WQS2c3M0p4-ClzTCCt_-DcmqWck&hl=en#PPA73,M1

Have fun

djfrankie

 

[reefplicate]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12396198#post12396198 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by captain7359
Is the vent necessary if I am feeding my reactor from my return pump instead of an mj or small pump? I will have a domed lid to collect all the gas at the top of the reactor which will then go to the CA media chamber and then back to the tank. Any issues with my design before I build it? The recirc pump will be a mag 3 or 5.

Thanks,
Walter

why not just have the effluent drip into the 2nd stage via the top....u can design the 2nd stage to have an open top with a standpipe design for the 2nd stage water output. in doing so, theres better degassing from the 1st stage as it drips into the 2nd chamber and u will still have water from the fist stage which is high in CO2 to flow through the aragonite to buff the final effluent water. make sure to use coarse arogonite to prevent clogs..

another info for all to note..
u will not be able to run the sulphur beads for more then 1yr without having to open the unit up for servicing, thats wishful thinking guys..... at best 8mths. the whole sulphur column with the arogonite will get pushed toward the pumps flow direction. also don't bother separting the mix cuz when u pour the unit out for servicing, u're just mess up everything cuz u're need to break up all the clumps and they smell bad....:eek1:

more info:
supply water to the reactor from your main pumps via a T off. pls do not use separate pump for above job.(u'll kill the pumps) add a check valve and tap valve inline from the supply line to prevent back flow when power trips or during servicing. also pls do not use those aqualifter or dosing pumps, they will not be able to keep up with the flow rates after time.... u'll be running a flow and no longer drips later on.

cheers

 

[Black71gp]

man.. this isnt working the flow is at 72ml per min. nitrates are going up in the effulent.. up to 20 now.. gas is still building like crazy.. no smells... should i slow it back down??????? it doesnt seem to work if its over anything other than 1dps should i add more sulfur?

 

[djfrankie]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12405781#post12405781 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Black71gp
should i add more sulfur?

Yes sir.

Oh boy!...I just researched back and saw the pic where there's only a little bit of sulfur in the reactor at the very top and I don't think that's enough if you're trying to process over 1000 gallons through it.

Check out page 14 for guidelines on this.

1.5 liters up to a 250 gallon tank.

You can bring the flow down, but it will take an eternity to process all your system's water.

djfrankie