DSB in a bucket for nitrate control

[KEstep]

Here are some pics of how I rigged up mine. Used a Kent Marine Bucket, Bulkhead input and Uniseal output. I used 1" on the output to insure the flow going in could easliy get back out without overflowing. I siliconed the Uniseal because I always worry about leaks.

 

[KEstep]

Correction.... Used 3/4 inch for the output.

 

[AnnArborBuck]

Zenman, how did you get your hand inside the container for the one bulkhead. I tried that on my container that I have and no way was going to fit in that hole.

 

[prezioso73]

Spuds.... don't you feel guilty being a seafood chef?

All our setups seem pretty similar, I can't wait till we start seeing some results!

 

[Spuds725]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6416252#post6416252 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by AnnArborBuck
Zenman, how did you get your hand inside the container for the one bulkhead. I tried that on my container that I have and no way was going to fit in that hole.

I'm guessing he drilled the hole-- then just dropped the bulkhead in through the screw on lid-- rattled it arounduntil he got the threaded part through the hole or close enough to get with a finger...pulled it through-- put the nut on while holding it with his finger--- the seal on the inside holds the bulkhead in place fairly well so after it was snugged a little he probably didn't have to even hold it.

Spuds.... don't you feel guilty being a seafood chef?

That is a joke--- I really work in a animal testing center... we very rarely test stuff on fish...

 

[JPA]

Thanks for this thread after reading it I'm going to set one of these up on my tank. For next to nothing cost it can't hurt.

Joe

 

[AnnArborBuck]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6420908#post6420908 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Spuds725
I'm guessing he drilled the hole-- then just dropped the bulkhead in through the screw on lid-- rattled it arounduntil he got the threaded part through the hole or close enough to get with a finger...pulled it through-- put the nut on while holding it with his finger--- the seal on the inside holds the bulkhead in place fairly well so after it was snugged a little he probably didn't have to even hold it.

Why didn't I think of that :rolleye1:

 

[nyvp]

Can you set one up on a brand new tank before they cycle? Or do you need the tank to be around awhile?

 

[dastratt]

There doesn't seem to be any reason to do this on a new tank.

 

[Glimmerman911]

Is there a reason not to do it?

I would incorporate it into a new tank, so that you make sure you can plan the space and plumbing required up-front.

 

[KEstep]

If you use aragonite it will help with the buffering on a new tank.

 

[Glimmerman911]

For those who used a dremel to cut their buckets, what bit did you use?

 

[captbunzo]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6428599#post6428599 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by dastratt
There doesn't seem to be any reason to do this on a new tank.

I have to completely disagree. Like any method of natural nitrate reduction, setup of a remote deep sand bed can be done to prevent problems. There is NO reason to have to wait and add one later once there is a problem.

Rather, there are many benefits to setting it up at the beginning. For myself, since I am setting up a 55G tank right now, by installing a RDSB now, it is much easier to plan it into the whole works, space in my stand, etc.

Also, the sooner you get it started, the sooner your anaerobic bacteria populations will be established.

Personally, I think that the setup of a RDSB from the beginning is extremely practical for any tank that has a sump and just a little extra room somewhere nearby.

Just my two cents!

 

[dastratt]

thanks !

 

[Marcelog]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6429202#post6429202 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Glimmerman911
For those who used a dremel to cut their buckets, what bit did you use?

I used a drywall cutting bit. The plastic is thin and cuts very easily.

Marcelo -

 

[Bill Shultz]

I couldn't agree more with Capt.

I only wish I started my RDSB sooner (if not on my brand new tank.)

I can't even think of a drawback.

 

[kysmith]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6433327#post6433327 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Bill Shultz
I couldn't agree more with Capt.

I only wish I started my RDSB sooner (if not on my brand new tank.)

I can't even think of a drawback.

The only drawback I can think of (besides cost of electricity to run it) would be destabilization of your tank when the sand bed is old and needs to be replaced. Granted if you had a rotation of these it would eliminate this problem.

Kyle

 

[capt. insano]

since we are all talking about nitrate reduction here, I will keep you guys updated of my little experiment. I am playing around with Caribseas new medias: LSM - a granulated sulphur media and No-No3, and sulphur/aragonite mixed media

I am going to run them in a fluidized bed filter to create an anoxic environment for nitrate-feeding bacteria cultures to develop. These systems are popular in Europe, but are only starting to show up here. The Korallin denitrator is crazy expensive ($600+) so I decided to try the DIY route. My nitrates run about 80 ppm, even with bi-weekly 25% water changes and a huge refugium

Sulphur based denitrator - DIY

 

[Spuds725]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6429826#post6429826 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Marcelog
I used a drywall cutting bit. The plastic is thin and cuts very easily.

Marcelo -

I used the exact same bit-- its a good cutting bit-- just make sure you keep the cutting part of the bit in the plastic as you are cutting... I wasn't paying attention and moved mine too close and the shank of the bit started cutting--- made the dremmel jump/rattle around so part of my circle was just a hair too big.

 

[akhanf]

I read through the thread sometime ago but I don't recall reading what to do if/when the rdsb crashes (ie becomes full of nutrients). Will this even happen if detritus is not allowed to settle? i"m a little confused about this part..

Nevertheless, is simply taking out all the sand and rinsing it with freshwater good enough, basically starting out like new again?