deltec NFP509 nitrate reactor

[millsn]

Does anyone have experience of nitrate reactors, particularly this one?

I'm planning a new tank and I'm down to the detail of "refugium" of nitrate reactor. Pondering the up and downsides.

Would anyone be able to advise?

[chefkeith]

Why do you need or want a nitrate reactor? Nitrates is one of the easiest to measure water parameters to help determine the water quality. 0 nitrates doesn't necessarily mean the water quality is better either. DOC's (Dissolved Organic Carbons) and Suspended Solids are the primary pollutants, but are much more difficult to measure.

[millsn]

Hi Chefkeith, thanks for the reponse.
No good reason. I was originally planning a refugium for a few reasons but I've alot of gear under the tank so space is getting tight. I've now binned both ideas. I'd never considered trying to measure DOCs or suspended solids. How would you go about measuring this?

[chefkeith]

Usually you can get a good general idea of where the DOC and Suspended Solids levels are by measuring the Nitrates. Most water pollutants migrate together at the same upward speed. So if you remove the nitrates, without removing those other pollutants, then you lose an easy way to make that estimate. Other measurable things can escalate along with the Nitrates also, such as the mineral levels. A TDS meter can help in estimating the water quality also, but only if you know what the initial TDS readings were and what the TDS is out of tap.

You'd need some special lab equipment to measure DOC's. Removing them isn't that hard though. Water changes, fast growing plants, or algae can help reduce DOC's. The plants and algae will consume nitrates also.

A turbidity meter (which isn't cheap either) can measure suspended solids. Suspended solids are fairly easy to remove. A good mechanical filter, with a micron sleeve or filter floss, along with a bag of activated carbon can make the water visibly crystal clear.

[millsn]

I'll keep doing what I'm doing then. I've all but automated water changes with plumbed water to the tank an a plumbed drain too planned.
I've never gone as far as a very fine filter with my clowns though so that might be worth a thought. Many thanks