Korallin Sulfur-Based Biodenitrator

[invincible569]

Hmmm... sounds like a ZEOvit reactor but with sulfur media below it. This is the part thats gets me because how is Ca available by this reactor is no C02 is dissolving the reactor media? Anyhow, the focus of this reactor is to grow bacteria.

From Marine Depot:

As it includes reactor media, the pH is fully buffered and enriched with calcium before being returned to the tank.

[invincible569]

Another thing that gets to me is if bacteria grows.. what difference does it make if it grows in the reactor or on LR? The only think I can think of is by making it a safe haven from snails? But even then... its confusing! At least with ZEObak, you are releasing the cultured bacteria into the system as free floating forcing them to colonize somewhere or to become consumed by other animals who benefit from it.

And.. since its not made public as to how to get Ca out of the reactor, im assuming that the PH would need to be dropped at dissolving levels. This will defeat the purpose of the reactor and will kill bacteria as they are very sensitive to PH changes and survivability will be nonexistent at those levels.

[OUinLA]

You should ask Brian about these. H&S carries something similar and Brian has used it. I'm not sure if it's the same exact thing or not but it's very similar.

[Orion76]

These work like normal denitrators, the water comes through very slowly to create oxygen starved conditions. The bacteria feed on the sulfur so you don't have to add ethanol to the reactor.

The calcium is there for a reason, it is not meant to function as a calcium reactor. I forgot what it's there for but I would guess the PH is lowered in the reactor and the calcium brings it back up by buffering it. The calcium is not really necessry and most manufacturers (Schuran, Ratz, Aquacare etc.) of this type of device don't use it.

They are very effective at removing nitrates from the water.

[moonpod]

It's exactly the reason for the Calcium--bring the effluent pH back up. You get as an added bonus some CA back. However, Randy whatever his name is did a calculation and you don't get squat really in terms of CA input. It's just that the CA fixes the pH that would otherwise be really low.

[Fins Reef]

The reactors are a powerful way of removing Nitrates, IMHO best used on tanks with heavy fish loads. The sulfphur feeds the bacteria, without using another feed sources as Orion said. As far as the coral media, it is best to run it, otherwise it will drop your PH in your tank. It just buffers the water returning to your tank, there is not enough calcium being produced to even mention it. The Reactors are set-up just like a calcium reactor. Internal recirculating with a very slow return rate. You just do not add the CO2 into them. PS if you start one up and not watch the your tank closely they are so aggresive, that a byproduct can be Nitrite, therfore care should be used when adjusting and setting up a Sulphur Reactor.
HTH,
Brian

[invincible569]

Here's some things I learned about sulfur reactors:

1. Output is acidic. Alk will drop.
2. PH of main aquarium will drop to levels under 8 within a month and may cause PH swings.
3. No need for C02 as 02 will deplete in this enlcosed chamber.
4. The number of sulfur beads should depend on the present level of nitrates.
5. If flow is too slow, you will get a rotten egg smell.
6. If too high, detection of nitrites/nitrates will be present.
7. Effluent should be opened 100%. Inlet is where you regulate flow.
8 Its better to have separate chamber for different stages instead of all in one. Meaning sulfur in one and coral media in other. And if wanted, one where you can provide 02 by airstones.

[Baboo]

These things are really difficult to tune to the correct usage.

[Aged Salt]

Bob, it seems that this reactor would need close monitoring in order to operate efficiently. Fortunately, it is extraneous when using ZEOvit Bob

[Baboo]

Bob, it seems that this reactor would need close monitoring in order to operate efficiently. Fortunately, it is extraneous when using ZEOvit Bob

That's right! With Z power added to the tank, I never need to worry about the NO3 level.

[mesocosm]

Greetings All !

Ahhh ... Autotrophic Sulfur Denitrification ... interesting stuff.



Here's another Zeo-thread discussing some theoretical and operational aspects:

Sulfur Pearls
http://www.zeovit.com/forums/showthr...ghlight=sulfur


Edward posted a really good link regarding this topic ... as usual ...

A Kinetic Model for Autotrophic Denitrification using Sulphur:Limestone Reactors
Water Quality Research Journal of Canada, 38(1): 183-192 (2003)
http://www.cciw.ca/wqrjc/38-1/38-1-183.htm


Commentary on MAAO experience with operating these toys ... towards the end of the article there are some consumption ratios that might be useful to you:

Save Money and Water the Way Aquariums Do
by Jim Murphy
(HTML version):http://64.233.167.104/search?q=cache...&hl=en&start=9


FYI ... HTH