Rockitmakr
New member
What happens if nitrites are reintroduced to a well established system, at a slow rate? Is it possible for a well established system to absorb it?
On a biological level please....
On a biological level please....
Nitrite question
- Thread starter Rockitmakr
- Start date
Rockitmakr
New member
Cycling a sulfur denitrator & the output is showing nitrites...
Your issue is that if you're installing a sulfur denitrator to lower your nitrates, and it's releasing nitrites, then be prepared for your tank to have increased nitrates, as they're the next step.
From my limited knowledge of denitrators, if you're getting anything but 0 nitrate/nitrite/ammonia water out the end of the reactor, you should slow down the flow rate, but again, I don't know much about reactors.
From my limited knowledge of denitrators, if you're getting anything but 0 nitrate/nitrite/ammonia water out the end of the reactor, you should slow down the flow rate, but again, I don't know much about reactors.
Rockitmakr
New member
If that is the case... The output is showing 0 nitrates so will this be a wash until the unit cycles??
Until the unit cycles you shouldn't see any development of anything, it should be just tank water, though it may go through the same type cycle of ammonia->nitrite->nitrate that a tank goes through as it becomes populated by bacteria. Maybe use some vodka to fuel it 
Sorry I don't know more, hope that helps though.
Sorry I don't know more, hope that helps though.
wooden_reefer
New member
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15244006#post15244006 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ReefWreak
Until the unit cycles you shouldn't see any development of anything, it should be just tank water, though it may go through the same type cycle of ammonia->nitrite->nitrate that a tank goes through as it becomes populated by bacteria. Maybe use some vodka to fuel it
Sorry I don't know more, hope that helps though.
Many freshwater sources have some nitrate so most tank water has some. Likely denitrification takes a long time to develop.
You need the right degree of anerobic condition and a carbon source for denitrification, in general.
Denitrification bacteria use nitrate as the oxidizing agent, just as fish use oxygen.
Rockitmakr
New member
I understand the cycle process, just not up on Sulfur denitrators is all... Weird readings that make no sense prompt me to ask these questions...
acrylic_300
New member
slow it down till it reads 0 nitrite 0 nitrate.
The bacteria with the sulfur source start out producing ammonia and nitrite. It's a cycle of sorts but a relatively quick one taking a few days at most befoe it's just nitrate and then another few days to zero it out in the effluent at a slow drip.
No carbon source like vodka is needed in a slufur denitrator as you probably know. I believe these bacteria are autotrophic and as such do not need an organic carbon source.
I found it easier to drip one drop per second of effluent until I had 0 ammonia,nitirte and nitrate and then sped it up, doubling each day untill I reached an effluent flow of about 5x sulfur volume. During the first week the denitrator was on line I dripped it into a bucket to avoid putting the extra nitrogen from ammonia and nitrite in the system. I also had to degas it daily.
Wether or not your system can absorb the extra nitrite without ill effect depends on your system in terms of nitrogen uptaking organisms like macroalgae, nitrifying and denitrifying bacteria ,etc. and of course current nutrient levels, other filtration etc. Have you checked nitrite and/or ammonia in your main system? Has either gone up?
No carbon source like vodka is needed in a slufur denitrator as you probably know. I believe these bacteria are autotrophic and as such do not need an organic carbon source.
I found it easier to drip one drop per second of effluent until I had 0 ammonia,nitirte and nitrate and then sped it up, doubling each day untill I reached an effluent flow of about 5x sulfur volume. During the first week the denitrator was on line I dripped it into a bucket to avoid putting the extra nitrogen from ammonia and nitrite in the system. I also had to degas it daily.
Wether or not your system can absorb the extra nitrite without ill effect depends on your system in terms of nitrogen uptaking organisms like macroalgae, nitrifying and denitrifying bacteria ,etc. and of course current nutrient levels, other filtration etc. Have you checked nitrite and/or ammonia in your main system? Has either gone up?
Rockitmakr
New member
Hello Tom,
Nothing has risen in my system at all. The Denitrator has already spiked with nitrates & come back down to 0. I increased the drip after both cycles and watch the nitrate spike again. The thing that is confusing is that even with 0 nitrates on the output I still see nitrites????
Nothing has risen in my system at all. The Denitrator has already spiked with nitrates & come back down to 0. I increased the drip after both cycles and watch the nitrate spike again. The thing that is confusing is that even with 0 nitrates on the output I still see nitrites????
To answer your first question. Yes a properly operating tank can handle a nitrite introduction to the tank. In saltwater nitrite is non toxic and low levels.
As long as the nitrite levels are considerably lower than the nitrate levels going in, you will still be getting some net de-nitrification.
Kim
As long as the nitrite levels are considerably lower than the nitrate levels going in, you will still be getting some net de-nitrification.
Kim
Hi Rockit,
Maybe as you increase the flow the bacteria(faculative autotrophs I believe) are using some of the extra O2 coming in . They will always use that first since it's easier.
Then when they turn to the NO3 for oxygen ,they may only get as far as NO2 until they proliferate more. How long has the unit been operating? I only saw nitrite during the first week.
Once mine was showing significant nitrate reduction compared to the tank water going in(about 2 weeks) I opened it up to 5x sulfur volume and settled for red /60ppm to 80ppm in and orange /,20ppm out(api test). the higher flow eliminated the need to degas and moved teh nitrogen bubbles right out with the effluent.Ultimately after 6 weeks it was all yellow(ie 0ppm).
What test kit are you using?
Maybe as you increase the flow the bacteria(faculative autotrophs I believe) are using some of the extra O2 coming in . They will always use that first since it's easier.
Then when they turn to the NO3 for oxygen ,they may only get as far as NO2 until they proliferate more. How long has the unit been operating? I only saw nitrite during the first week.
Once mine was showing significant nitrate reduction compared to the tank water going in(about 2 weeks) I opened it up to 5x sulfur volume and settled for red /60ppm to 80ppm in and orange /,20ppm out(api test). the higher flow eliminated the need to degas and moved teh nitrogen bubbles right out with the effluent.Ultimately after 6 weeks it was all yellow(ie 0ppm).
What test kit are you using?
Rockitmakr
New member
Thanks for the replies...
Tom,
Tried to PM you to no avail....
Can you PM me with a number I can reach you at?? Lots of things I am unsure of with this unit..
Tom,
Tried to PM you to no avail....
Can you PM me with a number I can reach you at?? Lots of things I am unsure of with this unit..
