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Before starting, the
Nitratereductor
is filled with aquarium water and controlled for
leaking. The internal recirculation 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 4 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 tank
If connected to a new aquarium, the bacteria don´t have to be fed in the first 4 weeks,
as the nitrte forming bacteria Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter need this time to
develope and to oxidise ammonia to nitrate.
Feeding
The feeding has to be adjusted to the nitrate loading of the aquarium. It can
be controled with a redox probe ( see options) In a normal loaded tank, one
tablet/day is suffucient. It is also possible to feed several ( up to 5) tablets at a time.
In this case the filter does not need to be fed for some 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.
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
suply
the surface area and the food for the bacteria at the same time. This means, that a
Nitratereducto
r 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 the standard
Bactoballs
. The
Deniballs
need –especially in a
seawater tank - a longer period to reach their full capacity.
Maintenance.
1. Control of the flow rate
The flow rate through the filter has to be checked regually. The optimum is between
2 - 4 l/h.
2. Recirculation pump. The recirculation pump has to be controlled regually for
clogging. The pump housing has to be opened and the magnet with the needle wheel
are 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.
