Biological Denitrification Reactors(by NatuReef)(nitragone)

[ScubaMike]

Hi every one.
I would like to know if any one is using this sys.(NatuReef-Biological Denitrification sys.,which uses Nitragone)to keep nitrate under control.
I am going to set up a 270 gal tank this winter and I was thinking of buying the sys,but would like to here some feed back on the sys. first.

Thanks Mike.

 

[Carpentersreef]

Hi,

Haven't used it, haven't heard of it, the best system in my opinion is live rock.
Do you have any more info? ie. website?

Mitch

 

[danmhippo]

Go to Yahoo and search under "coil-denitrator"

 

[bigtank]

In my opinion, a deep sand bed, abbreviated DSB, is the best nitrate remover bar none. A mature DSB will outclass any gizmo and is much easier to use.

 

[ScubaMike]

Hi guys
The web sighit address is http://natureef.com/index.htm
Please take a look at it and let me know what you think.
Mike.

 

[MedicineMan1]

I don't know about the product but, if I remember correctly, they used some jargon that suggests that they have a "cure-all". Usually "cure-alls" cure nothing. I'd be skeptical at best.

 

[jdeets]

I've never used one, but based on the experiences of others and from reading the boards, I understand that these things are much more trouble than they're worth. The problem is keeping them adjusted. If flow is too high, they do nothing. If flow is too low, they produce H2S. Keeping them "dialed in" is almost impossible. At least that's the story I've heard many times. Basically, that they're more trouble than they're worth and an accident waiting to happen...

 

[Chucker]

Two thoughts here-

1. Live rock / sandbeds / refugia don't require an extra plug in the wall, and an extra leech in your wallet. They also supply more biodiversity than some tubes in a box.

2. If it sounds too good to be true..........

 

[Neal358]

the coil kind do need little adjustment all the time but if you want to sped $300.00 aquamedic makes one that will bring it to -0-
in just a week and keep it their even when using a big wet/dry. it needs to be seeded with bacteriea that come in little balls about 2 time a year but it WILL bring it to -0- even on a wet/dry but on the other hand i dont think 0 is what you really want because their are lots of soft corals and clams that actual absorb nitrates

 

[danmhippo]

I myself have used 2 units side by side. I connect the outflow of the first unit to the inlet of the second. The original intention is to keep the flow thru rate hight and still yield the same result with no H2S formation.

Well, just like James said, this unit needs constant adjustments. First problem with it is that detritus gets clogged up in its thin tubes easily. In the event the detritus made it throught the tubes, it ends up on the bottom of the water holding column and is impossible to flush out. Even if I make reverse flow through the unit, I still can't get rid of the detritus.

Second, You need to have a mechanism to maintain your water pressure (flow thru rate). Without it, you have nothing but problems with this unit.

When H2S formed, it formed a whitish gunk on top of the water surface near the outlet. The outlet would get clogged as well by it. And again, with its all-glued-down construction, there is no way to clean the inside up.

FWIW, you might as well just go with a DIY model with thicker diameter tubes, OR, simply go with DSB with Macro Algae.

 

[SteveP]

Neal,

Ditto what jdeets said. A DSB, live rock, or a plenum will outperform a denitrator. Go with one of those.

Chucker,

FYI, coil denitrators don't usually require any power. They work on a siphon from your tank and drip water back into your sump.

Steve
8{I

 

[ScubaMike]

Thanks for all the input on denitrate coils, but the machine I am looking at uses a batch tank which is filled with water from the sump and then meters a quantiy of this stuf called nitragone,into the tank and holds the water for a time then pumps it back to the sump.This nitragone is some sort of consentrated bacteria which feeds on nitrate.
I do not know if it works or not, so I am looking for some one who has used it.
Go to this web sight and tell me what you think. http://natureef.com/index.htm
Thanks Mike.

 

[danmhippo]

Oh......different spelling.

Coil-Denitrator = "Nitragon"
Bacterial/Chemical = "Nitragone"

Sorry, My mis-read......