6
Inflow.
The inflow into the reductor, can be realised as a bypass from the main circulation
pump with the included T-pieces. The flow rate is adjusted with the valve and the drop
counter.
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. The
circulation pump can be switched on.
Connection to an existing aquarium
If a
Nitratereductor
is connected to an existing aquarium with a rather high nitrate level, the
inflow of aquarium water should not immediately be started. The bacterial growth is enhanced
by the addition of 10 tablets of
Denimar.
If, after 8 - 14 days, the nitrite has dissapeared
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 do not have to be fed within the first 4 weeks, as
the nitrate forming bacteria Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter need this time to develope and to
oxidise 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 tablet per day is
sufficient. It is possible to feed several tablets (up to 15 pcs.) at a time.. The filter needs then
no feeding for several days.
After some time, a slimy bacterial biomass is formed in the
Nitratereductor.
This a normal
process. A high bacteria population ensures a high removal rate of nitrate.
7. Feeding with Deniballs
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 the 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, 5 l are enough.
The rest of the filter is filled with the standard
Bactoballs
. The
Deniballs
need - especially
in a seawater tank - a longer period to reach their full capacity.
8. Maintenance
1. Control of the flow rate. The flow rate through the filter has to be checked regularly. The
optimum is at app 10 l/hr. 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 the needle wheel removed. Both is
