Nitrex??

[toxicfish]

Nitrex
Unique, effective, patented biological filtration! This granular material for fresh and saltwater aquariums has the ability to grow specific nitrifying bacteria to eliminate ammonia, ammonium, nitrite and nitrate within hours! Add fish to a new tank just as soon as the water is clear and properly dechlorinated. Fits easily into almost any filter or under an undergravel plate. Treats 50-75 gal. depending on biological load. 200 grams.

Nitrex Box
Allows you to use Nitrex to quickly grow the anaerobic bacteria which break down nitrates! Converts nitrates rapidly into nitrogen gas, which will harmlessly dissipate out of the tank and into the air. Self-contained and requires no air or electricity; it's a great idea for nitrate-sensitive invertebrates! Each Nitrex Box holds 100g of Nitrex and will control the nitrates in approximately 30 gallons of water.





Do you think this stuff is worth a shot?

 

[HarleyK]

Howdy,

I found this

"Nitrex's active medium is made of PVC, polyethylene, carbon, and phthalic acid ester"
"A synthetic polymer material with a very high surface area and a built in slow release carbon source."

with a google search.

Let's pick that apart:

phthalic acid esters are known environmental pollutants, they bioconcentrate in fish and even more so in invertebrates. They were found to be endocrine disruptors in daphnia. In high doses, they are carcinogens in rats and mice. Bottom line: Not something that I'd want in my tank if I keep fish with a life-expectancy >2 years or if I keep any snails or shrimp that I care about.

Carbon: I am not a huge carbon fan. It removes nutrients from the water, is known to stun plant growth, and I don't see any use for it beside removing meds. Furthermore, if the media contains carbon, its life span is limited by its capacity. I like biomedia that last!

That's two things that I don't care for and enough for me to stop my research here and say: not a good idea.

However, there are other biomedia from reputable manufacturers out there (Eheim substrat pro, Sera Siporax), which accomplish the same thing. Keep them in your canister and you'll never have high ammonia or nitrites, hook them up to a slow-flow denitrator, and you'll reduce nitrates. I'd say they're a much better choice to reach your goals...

HarleyK

 

[toxicfish]

Thanks harley... I was just curious about it as I have never heard of it before.

I also do not use carbon, but only Eheim substrat pro, seachem biomatrix or biomedia rings. My new love is my wet/dry and was ordering some biomedia to add to the sump when I stumbled across that nitrex product.