What is the most effective way at removing NO3 or Nitrate

[Claeth]

What is the most effective way at removing NO3 or Nitrate from a system? I have heard some professional discussions with fellow Marine Curators at reputable Aquariums, and have heard arguments for Plenums, Reactors, Chemical filtration (additives), Biological filtration (fluidized bed filters), Deep Sand Beds, Large or frequent water changes, refugiums, and even the use of Sulphur tablets in the correct dosages. What I am looking for in this discussion is success stories in the way that you have created a nitrate level of 0.0 in small aquariums (up to 55 gal) and also discussion of why other methods have failed you. I will tally answers up at the end of the month and come out with the general opinion of which method is the best. I will post my findings at the end of the week following the end of the discussion. Hopefully, everyone will learn something from this, including me. I personally would prefer the use of combination of a plenum with a deep sand bed and calculated water changes when and if problems arise, but thats just my opinion, whats yours?

 

[Ben1]

What about a large skimmer to pull out stuff before it breaks down to N03, that is one of the best ways. Next I would go with water changes.

 

[Len]

I've seen all of the above work in reducing NO3 levels. "Best way" is subjective and we would have to define the criteria. I think the healthiest, most natural, most managable, and least intrusive method is to use as large a refugium as possible - one that contains a DSB.

I've never been able to maintain 0 ppm and I've always held the contention nitrate is not evil so long as it's not contributing to unmanagable algae problems. For certain, NO3 is not very toxic to either inverts or vertebrates.

 

[Claeth]

thanks guys, i will count these at the end of the month and tally them up. as far as my opinion They all work to some extent, except maybe the sulphur, but i could be wrong on even that.

 

[Claeth]

sorry, I said the end of the month, I started the poll on the 12th, so i will end it on the 12th of november. thanks