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3. Set-Up
The Nitratereductor of Marin 1000 is an open system. It is set up in such a way that the water runs
off directly into the filter chamber.
Inflow by dosing pump:
The dosing pump SP 3000 is attached to the inlet of the reductor with its pressure side. The suction
side is either placed in the filter basin or in the aquarium. However, water should never be sucked
in the aquarium and be led through the reductor into the filter basin since in case the pump doesn’t
close completely, there is danger that the aquarium runs dry up to the suction hose. A check valve
should always be installed in the suction line. It is the easiest to control the pump by a timer.
Mechanic clocks are suitable. After one week testing without flow, one starts with intervals of 15
minutes running time and two hours break. If the outflowing water is almost free of nitrate and
nitrite, one reduces the running time to 15 minutes and 1.5 hours break. In this way, the
maximum flow rate will be reached within two to six weeks.
4. Starting
Before starting, the Nitratereductor is filled with aquarium water and checked for leaking. Please
take care that the sealing ring is placed correctly. A spare sealing ring is included in shipment. The
eight sealing clips must be firmly tightened. The internal recirculation pump can be switched on
after filling.
After the reductor has been attached to the aquarium and filled with water, the supply should be
turned off again. Bacteria growth becomes activated by adding 4 dosing spoons Denimar powder.
Subsequently, carry on feeding one dosing spoon daily. If there is no more nitrite in the reductor
after approx. 8 – 10 days or the redox potential has dropped below 250 mVs, the water flow can
be switched
on again.
Feeding: The feeding has to be adjusted to the nitrate loading of the aquarium. It can be controlled
via the redox potential. In a normal loaded tank, one spoonful of Denimar powder per day is
suffucient. It is also possible to feed several (up to 5) spoonfuls at a time. In this case, the filter
does not need to be fed for some days. But it is better to feed daily.
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.
5. 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 food for 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 (approx. 6 to 8 weeks) Denimar powder has to be added.
6. Maintenance
- Control the flow rate: The flow rate through the filter has to be checked regularly. The optimum is
between 1 – 1.5 l/h. From time to time, it needs adjusting.
- Recirculation pump: The recirculation pump has to be controlled regularly if it’s dirty. The pump
housing has to be opened and the magnet incl. needle wheel has to be removed. Clean both with
running water and mount it again.
- Cleaning: If the bacterial biomass has increased after some time, the Bactoballs can be removed,
cleaned with aquarium water and filled in again.
- Renewing/adding Deniballs: The Deniballs have to be refilled/replaced once per year.
