denitrator

[Sweetie14334]

i was wondering if the bacteria that eats the nitrate in a denitrator needs to be oxygen starved and how would you do it?

 

[tcarswell]

What type of denitrator are we talking about ?

 

[Sweetie14334]

there was a diy yourself one i had seen made out of pvc but i want to put it in a sump and i wanted to know how it could be done

 

[Sweetie14334]

does anyone know how to incorperate a diy denitrator into a sump?

 

[houie925]

the aerobic bacteria that develop early in the denitrator use all the oxygen and anaerobic bacteria that remove nitrates develop beyond that point.

 

[Sweetie14334]

how long does this process take?

 

[HarleyK]

Howdy,

A denitrator is a very long-term, slow-flow set-up. It is not practical for most hobbyists. Water changes are much better, because they remove not only nitrates.

HarleyK

 

[sostoudt]

i was wondering if the bacteria that eats the nitrate in a denitrator needs to be oxygen starved and how would you do it?

yes. with a really long thin tube thats coated with aerobic bacteria.

in freshwater you also have to dose sugar i think.

 

[Sweetie14334]

what you mean dose sugar?

 

[sostoudt]

what you mean dose sugar?

well dose typically means add a specified amount.lol
and sugar is a product derived from sugar cane, its small white crystals most of the time lol

ok enough with the sarcasm. the sugar is supposed to boost the bacteria colonies and keep it working at its best. you add a sugar mixture once a week.

not everyone does this tho. but i have seen it recommend every once in a while. actually in saltwater you can dose sugar with out the denitrator to bring down nitrates since theres more anerobic areas.