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flowing into the inlet of the protein skimmer or trickling filter. In the protein skimmer, the water is
saturated with oxygen before it flows back into the aquarium.
Inflow:
The inflow into the reductor can be realized as a bypass from the main circulation pump
with the included T-pieces (10). The flow rate is adjusted with valve (8) and drop counter (14).
6. Starting
Before starting, the
Nitratereductor
is filled with aquarium water and controlled for leaking and
the right position of the sealing. Take care for exact positioning of the O ring. Close the 8 clamps
tightly. The internal circulation pump can be switched on.
Connection to an existing aquarium
If the
Nitratereductor
is connected to an existing aquarium with a rather high nitrate level, the
inflow of aquarium water should not immediately be started. Bacterial growth is enhanced by
adding 4 dosing spoons
Denimar-Powder.
If, after 8 - 10 days, the nitrite has disappeared from
the reductor - a residual concentration of nitrate is harmless - the water flow can be switched on.
Connection to a new aquarium
If connected to a new aquarium, the bacteria does not have to be fed within the first 4 weeks, as
the nitrate forming bacteria Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter need this time to develop and oxydize
the whole amount of ammonia and nitrite into nitrate.
Feeding
The feeding has to be adjusted according to the nitrate loading of the aquarium. It can be
controlled with a redox probe (see options). In a normal loaded tank, one dosing spoon
Denimar-
Powder
per day is sufficient. It is possible to feed several dosing spoons (up to 5) at one time.
Then the filter needs no feeding for several days.
After some time, a slimy bacterial biomass is formed in the
Nitratereductor.
This is a normal
process. A high bacteria population ensures a high removal rate of nitrate.
7. Feeding with
Deniballs
AB Aqua Medic
Deniballs
are made of a biodegradable plastic material. This plastic material is also
produced biologically - the raw material is produced by bacteria. This new plastic material is
completely biodegradable. It can be used by denitrifying bacteria in the
Nitratereductor
to
remove nitrate. The
Deniballs
supply the surface area and food for the bacteria at the same time.
This means that a
Nitratereductor
filled with
Deniballs
has not to be fed for a longer period - up
to one year. The quantity of
Deniballs
which are necessary for a
Nitratereductor
depends on the
loading of the tank. For a normal loading, 1,5 - 2 l are enough. The rest of the filter is filled with
standard
Bactoballs
.
Deniballs
need - especially in a seawater tank - a longer period to reach
their full capacity. During this time (6 - 8 weeks) the Nitratereductor has to be fed with Denimar-
Powder.
8. Maintenance
1. Controlling the flow rate: The flow rate through the filter has to be checked regularly. The
optimum is at approx. 1 to 1,5 l/h. This has to be readjusted from time to time.
2. Recirculation pump: The recirculation pump has to be controlled regularly on clogging. The
pump housing has to be opened and the magnet with needle wheel removed. Both is cleaned
under fresh water and mounted again.
3. Cleaning: If the bacterial biomass has increased after some years, the
Bactoballs
can be
removed, cleaned with aquarium water and filled in again.
4. Renewal of
Deniballs:
The
Deniballs
have to be refilled/replaced once per year.
5. Feeding with
Denimar:
Without
Deniballs
: 1 dosing spoon/day.
