Do deep sand beds really help remove nitrates?

[Wiz]

All methods are atleast somewhat viable. Done right they might all be just as affective. The question really is what method you prefer. I am a natural man. The idea of pouring "stump remover" freaks me out. Lol but to each there own. Can't argu e with results. Pic a method you prefer and research. Do it right. That's the key. Imo

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

so you have one reefer with a DSB. to reduce nitrates and another dosing with stump remover. KNO 3. I'm confused

There are many ways that nitrate (nitrogen) gets exported in reef tanks. Since the goal of many reefers is a low but nonzero level of nitrate (say, 1 ppm), it is always a balancing act between the inputs from foods and exports. Some export methods are not particularly easy to control. Denitrification by live rock or uptake by growing organisms, for example.

Consequently, many reef tanks run an excess of nitrate, and some a deficit. For those with a deficit, it may be easiest to add nitrate than to try to adjust the export methods. :)