Donovan's Nitrate Destroyer
- Thread starter djbon
- Start date
Have you measured NO3 at reactors outlet? I thing it is correct to speak for success, only if we have real evidence....and the only evidence is the lower values of NO3 at reactor outlet comparing it to DT NO3 values. Until now I only see real evidence from Don and nobody else. I am hoping I will see evidence in my construction real soon. After 3 weeks, nothing yet, but I didn't seed it with bacteria so I know that I will delay more than others to see some results.
djbon
New member
You have to measure effluent output for no3 after 5th day running. Unseeded chamber will not show any success, i have a friend converting his cannister filter to rubble reactor and after 3 weeks nothing happening. It might take way longer for unseeded reactor. I have build 3 reactors of different sizes and all had shown no3 reduction. Two of them are seeded with mb7, no3 difference are 20ppm compared to tank, and the water are super clear. He runs a coral display tank for sales, and lps color have improved. Less glass cleaning is an added advantage for him. 7 fishes in my tank 2 weeeks ago, tank no3 is 3ppm. All algae had died, but that was corrected with RODI, has been topping off with 0.5ppm po4 since started reefing 3 years ago.
djbon
New member
You should try seeding with bacteria daily and see how it is after 5th day.
jml1149
New member
Well full disclosure, I tested the output of the reactor and its HIGHER than what I measure in the tank. At least its a darker pink, the resolution of the Salifert kits at this level is terrible.
I probably have a bad test kit, it cant be possible that the tank looks "kinda pinkish" around 25 and the output is red at 100. I mean, can't REALLY screw up the Salifert test kit right? djbon what test kit do you use?
I probably have a bad test kit, it cant be possible that the tank looks "kinda pinkish" around 25 and the output is red at 100. I mean, can't REALLY screw up the Salifert test kit right? djbon what test kit do you use?
djbon
New member
Wow, that is very weird. I use API for weekly test, but for monthly test i use NYOS. Just tested with API, confirm <5ppm. Last NYOS test a few days ago between 3 & 5ppm
Donovan I would like to clarify, that your denitrator, IMO, is the best design to achieve control denitrification, comparing with the RDSB I had or with the use of matrix or siporax in baskets in the sump or in reactors, as also I had done.....
But why do you thing that with out seeding it, the results will delay so much? Anaerobic bacteria existing already in our systems, so why seeding is so critical? In my case 25% of the media I used, was already in my previous reactor.....
In your case , do you want NO3:3ppm? Or do you thing your reactor reached its maximum capabilities for denitrification? How is currently your PO4 levels and what your results with carbon dosing experimentation?
jml1149
New member
Ok. I redid the tests with an API test kit I had and the results are a little discouraging, perhaps I need to slow down the flow? Or I have bad Prodibio? The vial to the right is the effluent, and while it's a shade lighter, it doesn't appear to be significant. Something else wrong here?
djbon
New member
I used to have a basket of denitrator stones and it doesn't do anything after 2 months in my sump. When i built my tower, i reused these stones. I believe seeding the chamber for 5 days speed up colonisation. Furthermore, adding known bacteria will ensure the chamber contains the correct type of bacteria.
I'm keeping 1 - 3ppm simply for coral usage. When running fallow no3 is quickly used up causing faded color on LPS.
Last week I was away from home, so I stopped dose the 1ml daily diy NOPOX at reactor. By returning I noticed an increased rate of algae building at DT glass, so I guess that NOPOX has got a positive effect at Po4 level in my tank.
djbon
New member
That is the only drawback without auto doser. Do you want to try dosing a bit higher, 3ml to 5ml and observe how it reacts?. I still believe 1ml is quite low
justindinh24
New member
Will get it wet tonight, thanks for the help!
do you have document how to make it.. I am very interested it
jml1149
New member
No, I just followed djbon's guide and it worked well. I didn't end up using the flex pvc caps on the input though, I switched to a hard pvc cap that's glued in place.
I dropped the flow to half, and boom, massive bacterial bloom, and the reactor is clogged. Even full open, it just trickles out. Skimmer is running wet and I'm going to change my filter socks evryy 8 hours, hopefully it clears up. Will cut carbon dosing in half.
I dropped the flow to half, and boom, massive bacterial bloom, and the reactor is clogged. Even full open, it just trickles out. Skimmer is running wet and I'm going to change my filter socks evryy 8 hours, hopefully it clears up. Will cut carbon dosing in half.
jml1149
New member
https://vimeo.com/189817739
This is with the gate valve full open. Previously, at full open, the flow was much much faster. Assuming it's a bacteriological clog, what are the chances this breaks down naturally and I don't have to take the whole thing apart?
This is with the gate valve full open. Previously, at full open, the flow was much much faster. Assuming it's a bacteriological clog, what are the chances this breaks down naturally and I don't have to take the whole thing apart?
jml1149
New member
You were right. I changed filter socks every couple of hours and washed them in hydrogen peroxide in between. They were so disgusting when removed, but were clogging that fast. Flow returned to normal a couple hours later and today the tank is crystal clear. Will resume dosing at 50% volume tonight.
I'm curious how much bacteria weight wise I pulled out via filter sock, they were loaded.
I'm curious how much bacteria weight wise I pulled out via filter sock, they were loaded.
