nitrate reactor output >100 nitrates!!

bgcook · #1 12/15/2007, 11:38 AM

i recently set up a nitrate reactor using refillable di containers (1- sulfur, 2 - argonite). with a drip rate of around 40 drops per minute the nitrates of the effluent are increasing and now are >100.

the nitrates of the tank measure 20. i am concerned that eventually my tank nitrates will be 100 killing all of my sps.

is this normal for the output of the nitrate reactor to increase for a period of time? the nitrate reactor has been set up for 5 days.

second, is it possible that i need more sulfur media - i have thought about adding another unit to give more time for nitrate conversion. (too early though in my opinion)

i would appreciate any help with this. i posted a similar thread a few days ago when my output nitrates were 50 and got no responses. now i am starting to panic.

bgcook · #2 12/15/2007, 11:39 AM

just to clarify - i used one container for sulfur the other for argonite (not two argonite containers).

thanks

jman77 · #3 12/15/2007, 04:08 PM

your flow rate seems way too high ... i would take that thing offline until you figure out the problem

bgcook · #4 12/15/2007, 04:21 PM

i thought a starting flow rate was around 60 drops per minute.

corals b 4 bills · #5 12/15/2007, 05:14 PM

Is this a DIY unit?

bgcook · #6 12/15/2007, 05:19 PM

yes, i got the ideal from a recent thread where some members had success with this unit.

i used a maxi jet 400 into two di units with refillable canisters. the first canister is filled with sulfur (LGM from marine depot) and the second with argonite (same brand).

i started the drip rate at 60/min. currently i have turned off the unit - my thought is to let the reactions in the sulfur chamber turn anaerobic since there is no flow. i was going to turn it back on soon with a slow flow rate of about 30 drops/min.

does anyone think this is a good idea?