denitrator filter how do they work?

i have heard about them and i know what they do but how do they work and whats inside them?

 

I guess they would have to really work in order to explain them

You are better off with a refugium with macroalgae such a chaetomorpha. This method is cheaper, and won't crash your tank if flow if cut off for more than a few minutes like a denitrator can.

 

They basically work by "producing" a bacteria that doesn't need O2 but does consume No3. For the life of me I cant remember the specific name of the bacteria, but am sure someone here can chime in. The purpose of the "down flow" in the coil tubing is to eliminate O2 and the media(bio balls, ceramic rings) is to cultivate or house that specific bacteria. I tried using one of those things once, but it didn't work out for me. There are some here that are using it and they say it works for them, I didn't have such luck. I installed a refugium and that was "my" magic bullet.




luna

 

I effectively turned my external filter into one with out the need for coiling, Tangster gave me the idea. I just filled it up with Seachems denitrate and slowed the flow down.
2 months later i had no nitrates and i still dont!

Its all about slow flow and the right media.

 

i get the anarobi.c bacteria thing but what is storing them and how does it keep them from getting into the main tank?im not sure i want 1 yet but im very curious as to wats inside them to make them tick

 

The bacteria doesnt get to your DT b/c the "living" conditions in the Coil denitrator(CD) isnt the same as in your DT. Remember that specific bacteria doesnt like O2 and your DT is filled with O2. Unless you mimic the same conditions that is the CD, the bacteria wont find its way anywhere else.



luna

 

ic ic so low flow through a long tube basicly wich allows the bacteria colinise in the coil?

 

No, the bacteria doesnt colonize in the tubing, it colonizes in the media(bio balls, ceramic rings and such).

luna

 

I was looking into making one of these, and I hadn't heard anyone say anything about them crashing the tank. How's that possible? Just curious.. Thanks!

 

He makes them too as I have one running on my system and it works great.
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