f you have not read my blog on Probiotics here it is:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showpost.php?p=17690651&postcount=321
I recently acquired a client with a 45 gal tank running the aqaripure filtation system. The rocks and tanks were covered with algae suggesting to me that the system was not doing what it was suppose to be doing-removing nitrates
However the system had little to no flow, no protein skimmer and was relying on a fluval cannister for filtration. I have added a k3 evolution for flow, a remora hob protein skimmer and taken the fluval out of the system for now.
The following is the commercial blurb for the unit from their web site. I do know you have to add vodka via a special portal to the unit and it creates a biofilm in the unit. The unit is setup on a drip return to the tank
What I am trying to find out if this unit is worth the money as compared to running biopellets in a phosban reactor.
"The Next Generation in Aquarium Filtration TM
Save Time and Money, Eliminate Nitrates, Control Algae, and Reduce Maintenance all at once!
An Aquaripure Nitrate Filter will greatly reduce the need for water changes in your fish tanks, saving you time, money, and reducing the stress on your aquarium fish.
What is an Aquaripure Filter?
The Aquaripure filter is a comprehensive biological filter which will completely remove all organic matter and nitrates in an Aquarium. This type of filter is also known as a denitrator, denitrifier, biodenitrator, anaerobic biological filter, or simply a nitrate filter. Other biological filters only convert organic matter into nitrates which then accumulate in the aquarium, physical filters only remove larger particulate matter, and skimmers do not remove any nitrates. The Aquaripure uses beneficial bacteria to break down invisible organic matter and nitrates completely into Nitrogen gas which then escapes into the atmosphere. This same process is even used by some water treatment plants to make wastewater safe for human consumption and to clean polluted water. The Aquaripure does this in an extremely safe and controlled environment and after the water from the Aquaripure is aerated there is nothing left but pure, clean, crystal clear water. Don't just take our word for it, read some of our customers actual testimonials.
How can an Aquaripure save me money?
The Aquaripure will greatly reduce water changes. As an example lets use a 29 gallon freshwater planted tank and a 180 gallon saltwater reef tank. For the freshwater planted tank, if your tap water is hard or alkaline then it shouldn't be used for water changes and you would have to buy distilled water (that has pH of 7) for about $1 a gallon. It would take at least 30 minutes a week for a 35% water change on the FW tank if weekly water changes were kept up. On the saltwater reef tank you would have to use salt which costs at least $0.35 a gallon and that's just using plain old tap water. If you use R/O water the costs go up a lot more. The saltwater tank would take at least 2 hours total to mix drain and refill and get everything back where it was with a 35% water change.
So ... If you did a 35% weekly water change on both tanks it would take 120+ hours per year. Even at minimum wage that would be at least worth $800+. The freshwater tank would cost (29 x .35 x 52 x $1) = $528 in distilled water and the saltwater tank would cost (180 x .35 x 52 x $0.35) = $1147 in salt. So the total cost would be at least $2475 a year. With Aquaripure nitrate filters you could only do water change about once every 3 months so that's a savings of well over $2150 every year!
What makes Aquaripure the best?
Don't be fooled by the cheap nitrate removal products. These are simply a tiny band-aid on a large and permanent problem. You will need to buy them over and over again and they are not a good value. Only a specialized nitrate filter like Aquaripure can provide permanent and complete nitrate reduction. And unlike other similar nitrate filters, Aquaripure filters use proprietary and patent pending technology to maximize it's efficiency and effectiveness. Aquaripure filters all have a tremendous internal surface area for denitrifying bacteria to grow and thrive, much more than any "coil" denitrator or the other competition. For example, it would take more than ten "coil" type nitrate filters to equal the nitrate removing power of an X-Large Aquaripure. Moreover, many other nitrate filters are vastly overrated in terms of their capacity.
In "sulfur" nitrate filters the effluent contains large amounts of H2SO4, sulfuric acid, and SO4, sulfate. You must have a separate reactor with carbonate to neutralize the acid. The resulting effluent is still very high in sulfates and they will accumulate in the tank. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, high sulfates in drinking water can cause laxative effects. It is possible that it may also have adverse effects in the aquarium, especially on sensitive fish. Also, the costly sulfur and carbonate media must periodically be replaced. None of this is an issue with Aquaripure filters. With Aquaripure, no sulfuric acid or sulfates are produced and nothing will ever need to be replaced.
The chemical reaction in the Aquaripure produces 10 CO2 + 6 N2 + 26 H2O
Water and Carbon Dioxide versus Sulfuric Acid and Sulfates. Which would you prefer in your aquarium?
Aquaripure filters utilize the only highest quality tubing, valves, and connections. You will not find any cheap parts on an Aquaripure filter. Aquaripure filters are also "pre-populated" with more beneficial bacteria than ever to start working fast. Unlike other nitrate removal products, the Aquaripure is designed to be safe, extremely easy to use, require little maintenance, and completely remove nitrates for many, many years."
) mature.
Just another point of view.
