coil denitrator worth it?

Discussion in 'Filters, Pumps, etc..' started by jimmy_beaner, Jan 18, 2012.

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  1. jimmy_beaner

    jimmy_beaner Teardrop Maxima Clam

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    So I have all the things to put together a coil denitrator for my Biocube 29. My current readings show 0 for ammonia, nitrite and nitrate, but I have healthy algae growth (not just the bad algae) and am sure they're pulling out the nitrates. My question is really oriented around the fact that the chaeto in my fuge is insufficient to pull the nitrates that are in the tank, so I have some extra in the display to help keep down nuisance algae. I have a protein skimmer and decent filtration... I'm just wondering if I should go through the hassle of actually attaching this denitrator. If it would keep up with the nitrates, I feel like it would help starve out the algae in the tank. I'm not sure I care if the chaeto is around if the denitrator will pull it out, which would open up space for more filtering.

    Opinions??
     
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  3. jimmy_beaner

    jimmy_beaner Teardrop Maxima Clam

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  4. tinctorus

    tinctorus Feather Duster

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    I used to have one about 10 years ago on my reef tank and it worked fairly well, It was setup on a 20L reef.

    I used a 18" tall by 4" diameter piece of pvc and I used some 1/4" tubing that I worked in a tight spiral the entire length of the tube and used the venturi inlet of a powerhead to pull water through it and my NO3 always stayed right at about 0-.2 even with 5 fish and daily feedings
     
  5. jimmy_beaner

    jimmy_beaner Teardrop Maxima Clam

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    so is it worth the hassle and risk of hooking it up?