Sulphur Reactor Denitrification

[Jas139]

Hi all. I am relatively new to reef keeping (11 months) and have just invested in an aqua medic sulphur reactor in an attempt to reduce my rising nitrate levels (currently 50ppm). I have recently set the unit up at 1 drop per second flow rate while it matures.

I have, however, noted that the instructions state that you should also pump the water that leaves the filter through a bed of hydrogencarbonate to neutralise the by-product of the process, sulphuric acid. I assume that this has been suggested to avoid a reduction in PH levels?.

I have checked the instructions for other units and have not identified any similiar units which state this as a particular requirement, however, they do state that PH levels of the water leaving the unit will be reduced.

I would be grateful if anyone could advise on whether this is a requirement specific to the aquamedic unit or whether all units require some form of secondary filtering to increase PH.

My initial view was that I would compensate any effect on PH by buffering the water as well as ensuring that the return tube from the filter feeds into a high flow area of the tank.

In addition, does anyone have any idea what the maximum flow rate through the unit is once the reacor has started to work. I assume that you are not limited to 1 drop per second as maximum flow?

 

[taikonaut]

I feel that this thread should be moved to General Discussion Forum...

FWIW, I will only use such device on a FO setup when all attemp to lower the nitrate were not successful without high cost. For most people, regular water change usually suffice to keep the nitrate at bay if combine with reasonable feeding.

Unlike calcium reactor, in which the lower pH is due to CO2, which easily dissipated by high flow area of tank and appropriate ventilation, the acidifing agent in sulphur reactor may not be neutralized by flowing the output to high flow area.

 

[Jas139]

Thanks for the suggestion, wasnt sure whether or not this question was too basic for the general forum.

Have tried reducing by water changes/ reduced feeding etc, but no success so far as nitrate continues to build up between changes.

I have received feedback elsewhere which suggests that I should follow the advice of aquamedic and filter through a bed of hydrocarbonate afterwards to reduce strength of sulphuric acid.

Any other suggestions would be appreciated, especially re maximum flow rates when filter matures.

 

[darkwingduck]

Hi there, two specialists in germany developed last year what is now known as the MuKoWo-Method. Instead of all kinds of expensive and complicated technology, alcohol is added in small quantities to the system. Nitrate and Phosphate are then reduced in form of increased bacterial growth through the skimmer.
(Links are in german only, so perhaps look for online-translation, even if it looks a little silly then perhaps 8))
http://www.korallenriff.de/alkoholmethode.html
http://www.korallenriff.de/alkoholmethode3.html

 

[taikonaut]

No useful comment from me on the s rxtor, but I wonder what is the parameters of the water you use for water change? FWIW, I use RO/DI with IO salt.

 

[Jas139]

Thanks for the links, will brush up on the german and check them out! Always use RO water.

 

[Anonymous]

Do a search on the user Asfur, Jas. You'll find a bit more information in a recent thread he started.

 

[AshS]

Have you bought one that uses deniballs? If so the recommended flow rate when working properly is 1-4ltr per hour. You are looking to avoid the production of hydrogen sulphide (rotten egg smell) in the unit (this happens if the ORP drops too low caused by too low a flow). The process by which nitrate is converted into nitrogen gas occurs at slightly higher (although still negative) ORP values. Also test the nitrite level coming out of the reactor. Levels should not be much above ambient of that in the rest of the tank. You could always test the pH of the water coming out of the reactor and start using calcium reactor type media on the outlet if it drops too much.

Ash

 

[Jas139]

Thanks SeaMaiden, thread you referred to is perfect.

Thanks for the advice Ash, the unit I have purchased uses Sulphur Beads rather than Deniballs, apparently they are becoming an increasingly more popular alternative. After reading the thread recommended by SeaMaiden looks like the secondary filtering through hydrocarbobate is essential to maintain PH levels.