Best nitrate solution

[Feet4Fish]

I would like to hear everyone's opinion. I'm on the verge of purchasing either a biopellet reactor or a sulfur denitrator. It is for fish only system with a heavy bioload and messy eaters. I have efficient aerobic biological filtration. To date I have been using passive filtration through some marine pure bricks as well as 55 gallon refugium with macroalgae. I'm looking to free up some space and convert the 55 gallon to another use. I would be using either the bio pellet reactor or denitrator to replace refugium. As far as a denitrator I've been considering Bill Wanns unit. I don't really have my mind set on the bio pellet reactor as of yet. I would love to hear everyone's feedback. If you think that pellets let me know what reactor and or pellets you think works best. If you think denitrator give me opinion on that unit as well. Thanks advance everyone!

 

[Diesel]

If this is fish only what is your No3 level?

 

[Armydogracing]

Algae scrubber would do a great job also from what I have read

 

[Feet4Fish]

If this is fish only what is your No3 level?

Typically not much more than 20 ppm. But I know the review gym helps with that and like I said I'm looking to remove that.

 

[mcarroll]

You want to remove the refugium in favor of something like a pellet reactor? Just trying to make sure I understand. :)

 

[Feet4Fish]

You want to remove the refugium in favor of something like a pellet reactor? Just trying to make sure I understand. :)

Yes that is correct. The space after work and is limited in the refugium just takes up too much space in makes it hard to work on other equipment.

 

[hart24601]

I would pull it and just use a BRS 1.1ml doser, vodka and a timer. That's what I did in the past. Worked great, cheap, and give a lot of space.

 

[buckroe07]

I have a sulfur denitrator and love it. It was pretty much set it and forget it. I am thinking about an algae scrubber next.

 

[mcarroll]

Having all those nutrients around seems like a great excuse to grow (more?) corals! Much more fun than a pellet reactor! Use up those nutrients for their intended purpose! :) :)

 

[Feet4Fish]

Having all those nutrients around seems like a great excuse to grow (more?) corals! Much more fun than a pellet reactor! Use up those nutrients for their intended purpose! :) :)

I think my angels will find the corals too tempting

 

[Diesel]

Typically not much more than 20 ppm. But I know the review gym helps with that and like I said I'm looking to remove that.

Either way is good but a fish only and 20ppm isn't going to hurt the fish.
A little algae growth will help the fish in on some fresh algae in your case.
Remove it but simple adding a refugium and adding some pods in there as constant food source for the fish and if the macro's grow crazy just feed that in turn back to the fish, $0.02

 

[mcarroll]

Hm....grow corals in the refugium!

 

[Feet4Fish]

I have a sulfur denitrator and love it. It was pretty much set it and forget it. I am thinking about an algae scrubber next.

What model of the denitrator do you use?

 

[gus6464]

Another option is to move the refugium to a reactor and grow other kinds of macro like dragon's breath.

 

[cromag27 Verified Sponsor]

Larger water changes. but as already mentioned, 20ppm ain't nothing for a fish only.

 

[Macdaddynick1]

Just to confirm... From the first post, I don't see you mentioning anything about having a skimmer. Do you have one? And vinegar + good sized skimmer is simple, cheap and easy solution IMO . Biopellets also work but again , you need a good sized skimmer.

 

[buckroe07]

What model of the denitrator do you use?

I use a Korallin S-1502 biodenitrator.

 

[Feet4Fish]

Just to confirm... From the first post, I don't see you mentioning anything about having a skimmer. Do you have one? And vinegar + good sized skimmer is simple, cheap and easy solution IMO . Biopellets also work but again , you need a good sized skimmer.

Skimmer is oversized and works well.

 

[Djveestylz]

I'm using a Brs 1.1 dosing pump with vinegar and it works..

 

[AndrewJ]

I use an Aquamaxx TS-2 sulfur denitrator and am very pleased with it. Once it's cycled and drip rate is dialed in, the maintenance is minimal. Every time I am under the tank, for example to change a filter sock, I just check it quickly for drip rate to make sure nothing has become clogged. The media replacement frequency is advertised as every 2 to 3 years.
I run mine outside of my sump, drawing water from the sump's second chamber (if you count the filter sock chamber as the first) and back out to the sump's return chamber.
If for someone reason you don't want to keep it as a denitrator, with an additional purchase, it can be converted to a calcium reactor - although you wouldn't need a calcium reactor in a fish only tank.
The water coming out of it consistently tests at 0 nitrates.
In order to be transparent, I think it's important to note that I have multiple direct and indirect nitrate interventions in place. I do use a protein skimmer. I daily dose ESV transition Elements plus. I have a Brightwell Aquatics Xport NO3 - Dimpled Brick in the sump. I run Chemipure Blue in a media reactor. My filter socks are left in the sump for two hours a day and then removed. On water change days, which occur every 10 to 14 days, I stir the sand and blast the live rock with a turkey baster , as soon as the water change is complete, I add fresh socks and let them go until the AM, about 12 hrs.
I "over feed" as many might think, feeding between 4 to 5 times a day with various frozen foods in small quantities each time which have been soaked in Selcon or the equivalent. I dose phytoplankton and amino acids. I target feed my corals two or three times a week. I believe good, varied nutrition provides healthy, robust fish and corals. I also believe it reduces fish to fish aggression.
My nitrates run between 2 to 3 when tested prior to a water change.