Fluidized Sand Filter and Nitrates

[sbash]

Hi Everybody!

I run a fluidized sand filter in my stock tank (fish only), so I need to watch my nitrates. Is there any risk to dosing vinegar?

Thanks!

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

The main drawback to vinegar in a FO is that it reduces O2 when the vinegar is metabolized.

 

[sbash]

The main drawback to vinegar in a FO is that it reduces O2 when the vinegar is metabolized.

Thanks for the quick response. I do run a skimmer, perhaps that would help?

It was my understand the reduction of O2 would be the same, regardless of the carbon source, is that actually the case?

Also, would a portable ($30) ORP meter work to monitor this?

 

[Dan_P]

Thanks for the quick response. I do run a skimmer, perhaps that would help?

It was my understand the reduction of O2 would be the same, regardless of the carbon source, is that actually the case?

You are right. When bacteria use carbon of any type, CO2 is produced. Maybe the point is to consider other ways to lower nitrate that don’t involve organic carbon consumption. You could also consider increasing aeration and measuring O2 concentration.

 

[sbash]

You are right. When bacteria use carbon of any type, CO2 is produced. Maybe the point is to consider other ways to lower nitrate that don’t involve organic carbon consumption. You could also consider increasing aeration and measuring O2 concentration.

Sorry, I updated my my post with a question about an ORP sensor. Is an ORP sensor the best tool to measure O2? (Aside from a disolved oxygen sensor)

Other than water changes, what other ways are there?

 

[Dan_P]

Sorry, I updated my my post with a question about an ORP sensor. Is an ORP sensor the best tool to measure O2? (Aside from a disolved oxygen sensor)

Other than water changes, what other ways are there?

You will need an oxygen sensor

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Thanks for the quick response. I do run a skimmer, perhaps that would help?

It was my understand the reduction of O2 would be the same, regardless of the carbon source, is that actually the case?

Also, would a portable ($30) ORP meter work to monitor this?

Yes, a skimmer will help maintain O2. It's a main reason to use one, IMO, even if it did nothing else.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I agree that ORP is not going to be useful in this context.

 

[sbash]

Yes, a skimmer will help maintain O2. It's a main reason to use one, IMO, even if it did nothing else.

That was my thinking too...

You will need an oxygen sensor

I found a Salifert test kit, we'll see how that works before I blow a few hundred dollars on a proper sensor.

I agree that ORP is not going to be useful in this context.

Thanks for confirming that!

Thanks all, I appreciate the input!