I will post more about this as I go. I have some interesting things I am going to try using my Apex gear.Wow that Aquamaxx denitrator is very cool! So unique in the plumbing on the top. Did it come with that probe port on the top of the lid or did you do that? I ask bc I'm very interested in the use of a ORP probe to control or be a safety check for the denitrator reactor.
Right now I am using their included pinch valve which I think will be better than using a JG valve. That said, it is likely that, like my calcium reactor, I may use my DOS to push the water through the reactor. That way, I can regulate exactly how much I want to send through and even change the dosing (effluent rate) based on the ORP itself. Using the DOS would mean no clogging potential too.I've used a Korallin BioDenitrator 1305 reactor on a few tanks now with great success. They are an awesome tool. I'm curious what the instructions say about what drip rate to start at and at what point to increase the drip rate and by how much? Like has been said, you will definitely smell it (kind of like rotten egg smell) when you need to increase the drip rate.
One issue I've had is, despite adjusting the drip rate with a 1/4" John Guest ball valve, the drip rate will eventually slow down, making you check and adjust it every day or so. I recently bought a higher end valve (1/4" Vertex needle gate valve) and hope that will solve the problem. We'll see as I haven't installed it yet. What ball valve are you using?
I will have to ask Joseph at @MarineDepot on the replacement interval for the media. I have high hopes for this SD. They have received a bad rap in the past, but with the addition of the Apex, I think I really can make something that can be easily dialed in, maintained, and ultimately have safety stops built into it.Also if you don't mind, how often does AquaMaxx say to change out the sulfer beads and how often to clean them? And do they explain how they advise you clean them? I love my Korallin unit but the directions they gave with the reactor were crap.
I used to use an AquaMaxx biopellet reactor and was impressed with the performance and build quality so if I ever have an issue with my Korallin Im happy that I can turn to a AquaMaxx as a replacement. Thanks!