Sponge Filter and Nitrates
- Thread starter kurt
- Start date
Using a sponge to lower nitrates is kind-of an old school method that can work. THis method does not use the traditional sponge filter many people use today hooked up to a powerhead or air pump. This method would have a thick (several inches thick) foam pad laying in the sump of a filtration system. THe theory is the in the core of the sponge, low oxygen levels will develope and allow chemiautiforic species of bacteria to develope and feed off nitrates. It does work but it also can quickly become a major dirt trap. Some people (myself included) these days employ a similar method with thick cellpore slabs to achieve the same outcome and it does work. It does not eleiminate the need for water changes however.
THe denitrator filters are a time bomb. THey need a very precise water flow moving thru them. If the water flow is to quick they can release nitrite into the water, if the water flow is to slow, hydrogensupphide can be released into the aquarium water. A grain of sand getting lodges in the flow controll valve is enough to cause a problem. A well designed denitrator in the right hands can be a usefull tool but many are poorly designed and many people who own them don't have a good understanding of how they work.
On a 30 gallon, do more and larger water changes. Simple, safe and cheap solution.....
Joel
THe denitrator filters are a time bomb. THey need a very precise water flow moving thru them. If the water flow is to quick they can release nitrite into the water, if the water flow is to slow, hydrogensupphide can be released into the aquarium water. A grain of sand getting lodges in the flow controll valve is enough to cause a problem. A well designed denitrator in the right hands can be a usefull tool but many are poorly designed and many people who own them don't have a good understanding of how they work.
On a 30 gallon, do more and larger water changes. Simple, safe and cheap solution.....
Joel
