Only using a K1 media
- Thread starter WARCRAFT
- Start date
I don't see how K1 will remove nitrates since it is constantly exposed to oxygenated water in an open system. You would have to specifically make a denitrator (sp?) system to remove the nitrates with any media. As far as ammonia and nitrites, it will help remove it just like any other media through the growth of aerobic bacteria on its surface. So yes, like any media, it can be the only biological filtration in the tank.
Yes, I'm using K1 as moving bed and K1 as static for mechanical filtration.
Used as moving bed, the concept is primarily biofilm filtration - advanced bacteria cultures far beyond simple nitrification cycle which does reduce nitrate but not remove the need for water changes.
Used as static, it is very easy to flood, stir & dump to clean accumulated detritus. I prefer upflow so the static media level lifts when a clean is needed but downflow is common. Also easy to automate a clean cycle.
It's best to oversize the amount of media volume.
Used as moving bed, the concept is primarily biofilm filtration - advanced bacteria cultures far beyond simple nitrification cycle which does reduce nitrate but not remove the need for water changes.
Used as static, it is very easy to flood, stir & dump to clean accumulated detritus. I prefer upflow so the static media level lifts when a clean is needed but downflow is common. Also easy to automate a clean cycle.
It's best to oversize the amount of media volume.
Biofilm colonies will take at least 6 months, 12 months before establishing.
6months but, I have seen people say it takes only few weeks to fully cycle the media
Not with k1 as a moving bed. It takes much longer because the k1 tumbling around “knocks off” any of the weaker bacteria so only the strongest can survive inside the media. So once it is finally established it will do a much better job.
I have just experienced this recently. I bought brand new k1 media and it took almost a year to be at a good place where I wanted it to be. It was painfully slow. Even with adding seachem stability it still took a really long time. It was stable, but not fully established by any means.
Look up biofilm filtration concepts. Very specialised specific bacterial groups cohabiting as a single colony. Some are protective, some are transport, some are feeders, etc. Unable to exist alone.
Not nitrification bacteria.
Don't confuse moving bed with a fluidised bed even though they appear similar.
Not nitrification bacteria.
Don't confuse moving bed with a fluidised bed even though they appear similar.
Geeeh, thought this k1 thing will help to battle ammonia and nitrites soon. And again I'm left with just waiting age's. Should have used few sheets of sponges instead of this right.
Thanks guys.
Btw any pictures of overhead sumps you guys use.
Thanks guys.
Btw any pictures of overhead sumps you guys use.