organic + 175 O2 --> 122 CO2 + 16 NO3- + 16 H+ + 138 H2O

[timrandlerv10]

in a dsb, or dsb in a bucket, where does all that O2 come from?

pretend i know what you're talking about, then stop, rewind, pretend i dont, and play it again...

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

That is the equation for breakdown of organics in an aerobic (O2-rich) environment.

I give the equations that might happen in a nitrate-rich but low O2 environment in this article:

Nitrate in the Reef Aquarium
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/august2003/chem.htm

from it:

organic + 124 NO3- + 124 H+ --> 122 CO2 + 70 N2 + 208 H2O

 

[timrandlerv10]

is the reef aquarium considered an aerobic environment? or does this reaction only take place in live sand and on live rock?

where does the oxygen come from--only the surface gas exchange and macro algae?

can increasing the oxygen reduce the ammonia/nitrites/nitrate cycle by increasing the 'metabolism' or rate of reaction?

thanks,

tim

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Yes, the bulk water is aerated and oxygenated O2 comes from the air and from photosynthesizing organisms. Inside of sand beds or inside of live rock, oxygen may become depleted.

I do not know what happens if you drive oxygen well above normal saturation levels, but I would not recommend trying it.

This article and ones earlier in the series have more:

The Need to Breathe, Part 3: Real Tanks and Real Importance (oxygen issues)
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-08/eb/index.php

 

[timrandlerv10]

um, wow. much smarter now. lets see how long it stays in there!

thanks Dr Randy!

tim

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

:lol:

You're welcome.

Happy Reefing.