Review of Nitrate Reducers

[Grimund]

I thought I would give an update on my tank status after using Matrix for over 4 months. My nitrate has been consistently at 0, even with the nitrate from my tap and using Flourish. It actually started to effect some plants (Hornwart is almost completely dead, lost a pothos, and my Java Ferns has lost several leaves). I'm adding Flourish daily right now and the plants have gotten dark green again. Flourish is gone in under 10 hours and my reading goes from 5ppm to 0. I'm trying to figure out how much Matrix to take out of the media box still.

Can you give us a recap on those numbers? I'm also curious, is that Flourish Nitrogen?

Tank size, Tap nitrates, stocking level (low/med/high), how much matrix is being used?

 

[Dragones5150918]

Can you give us a recap on those numbers? I'm also curious, is that Flourish Nitrogen?

Tank size, Tap nitrates, stocking level (low/med/high), how much matrix is being used?

29 gallon
Marineland 280 filter with bio wheel
Substrate is about 20 pounds pool sand with 5 pounds aragonite sand mixed.
Plants are 3 bacopa, very little hornwart, java fern, java moss, anubias nana, and 2 pothos (third rotted and died), and 5 moss balls. I also have 2 large pieces of drift wood, one medium and 1 small.
Sock is moderate with 5 cardinals, 4 Rummies, 2 Asian Rummies, a guppy, 8 shrimp, and lots and lots of snails (mts and Ramshorn) and limpets.
Even when I tossed in the 13 new fish (ended up loosing 9 to osmotic shock) my nitrate only went to like 2ppm for 48 hours then dropped back to 0. The hornwart was dieing long before that, and bought it 5 months ago (big bunch of it) and now only have like 4 stems that have some green on it. Rest as died off, even the ones that was floating. It was growing and doing great up to 2 months ago when it started dieing. All the plants have been slowly turning light green except the java moss and the moss balls, and lost about 6 leaves on my java fern. Since I started to use flourish daily, the leaves on all the plants have gotten darker and look healthier again.
Flourish I use 1/2 cap, test about an hour later and have about 2ppm nitrate, then next morning test and it's at 0
Matrix I'm guessing about a cup of it in my media box. Each slot has about 5 to 7 pieces of matrix, and there is like 8 slots in the media box. I'll take a picture of it later when husband is awake and lights are on.

 

[FranM]

This is a great thread because nitrates have been my nemesis for years--until Nitrazorb which was a life saver. Literally. I started using Nitrazorb in January, 2015. I have an overstocked 55 gallon fish tank and 50-60% water changes would reduce nitrates to maybe 40 ppm at its best then quickly rise again. I have two mechanical filters running: Aquaclear 350 and the Fluval C4. So I figured I have so much filtration getting to ammonia up front, how could I possible have nitrate issues? Well I did.

I actually use two #6 Nitrazorb pouches yet the nitrates will not go below 20 ppm. But that is far better than the alternative. I just began looking at other products and Purigen captured my interest. Unsure if would do what I need it to do I called Seachem. It was suggested by Seachem to use Matrix. So I just added it yesterday, 8/29/16. I should wait a few weeks to see an impact, the rep said. In the meantime the Nitrazorb will stay in place.

 

[CindiL]

I think you'll be happy with it. I have a pound in my little outdoor pond and a cup or so in my 33g which is heavily stocked. My pond never goes above 10ppm, I have 4 very fast growing common goldfish, each about 6 inches, I change 25% a week and my tap nitrates this time of year are around 5. My 33g never goes above 10 either though it is very heavily stocked at 92% (according to AQ Advisor) with 6 otos, 6 cories, 7 rummy nose tetras, 5 glow light tetras, 7 guppies, 3 platies and one female betta (and loads of MTS). I change out 40% a week in that one.

Put it in and give it a month to start working as the anaerobic bacteria have to grow. If you add in Seachem Stability it will help seed it faster though. You may need a combo of the two and hopefully over time will not need the nitrazorb any longer.

 

[FranM]

Love your pond. Wish I could do that one day. Thank you for the input, Cindi. Thankfully my tank is several years established so I'm hoping for a fast growing colony. I will post my findings after a few weeks time after it gets going. It's always helpful to hear what's tried and true among fish keepers.

 

[Grimund]

I have a new finding for NitraZorb regarding the size 30 insert.

It absorbs roughly 40-50 mg/L nitrates over a week.

Tap tested for 80 mg/L NO3 at the start. The tank it is in isn't cycled yet (just started showing nitrites) and read out 30 mg/L NO3.

I will test again in a few days to see if it's still absorbing, though I doubt it. Used API Nitrate test and readings are approximate due to possible color variations not listed with the test.

 

[Annie424]

Wow, that would explain why I've had such good luck with it! NitraZorb has been an amazing find for me (and my tanks!). Grimund, can you link to what you found about it? I'm curious as to how often it will need to be recharged if I left it in my tanks for longer periods than I do now, hopefully the source you found might provide that info. Thanks in advance!

 

[Grimund]

Wow, that would explain why I've had such good luck with it! NitraZorb has been an amazing find for me (and my tanks!). Grimund, can you link to what you found about it? I'm curious as to how often it will need to be recharged if I left it in my tanks for longer periods than I do now, hopefully the source you found might provide that info. Thanks in advance!

No link. Personal experience. I never realized it didn't come in anything but the size 6 pouch.

All depends on your stock.

I forgot to mention that it was in a 10 gallon, nothing larger

 

[Annie424]

That is the size tanks I have. Why do you think the NitraZorb isn't absorbing anymore after a week?

 

[Grimund]

That is the size tanks I have. Why do you think the NitraZorb isn't absorbing anymore after a week?

That's simple. The different size pouches and inserts have different amounts of the resins that absorb nitrates. Once the resin is exhausted, it must be recharged to absorb more nitrates. A size 30 has very little resin versus a size 6 that has a lot of it.

The real limitation of NitraZorb is the amount of resin in each pouch/insert, not really time, so sorry to mix that up. The amount of water passed through the package will also affect reduction. A package that's placed poorly with lots of water able to pass around it will take longer to absorb the same amount of nitrates than a better placed package that forces water through it.

Each situation is independent of the next, so there's lots of factors. Learning how much each size of NitraZorb absorbs actually helps people calculate when and to charge theirs.

 

[CindiL]

Annie424, not sure if any of this information helps but thought I'd post it.

 

[Annie424]

Thank you both for the info and the links. I am using I think a 6 (it's huge maybe 4x5 or something like that) in my 10's - it's the only size I've ever seen in the stores. I think maybe the larger size is why mine seems to have lasted so long this time. Normally I only have it in the tanks for a few days at most, but after I came back from vacation the nitrates were very high so even though I also did several water changes on an escalated schedule, I've left the pouches in for the last 3 weeks or so and my readings have stayed down. I think I will take them out and recharge them, as I might be pushing the high end of it's absorption capacity at this point.

 

[Grimund]

Thank you both for the info and the links. I am using I think a 6 (it's huge maybe 4x5 or something like that) in my 10's - it's the only size I've ever seen in the stores. I think maybe the larger size is why mine seems to have lasted so long this time. Normally I only have it in the tanks for a few days at most, but after I came back from vacation the nitrates were very high so even though I also did several water changes on an escalated schedule, I've left the pouches in for the last 3 weeks or so and my readings have stayed down. I think I will take them out and recharge them, as I might be pushing the high end of it's absorption capacity at this point.

The 30 looks like a filter insert made from cottony looking material, like 2.5×4 and a 1/4" thick (being approximate). The size 4 is discontinued from what I can tell and there's a 50 too.

I haven't looked very far into the matter, but there might be NitraZorb in a loose form you put into your own media bag, possibly discontinued.

 

[esdwa]

4. Instant Ocean - Natural Nitrate Reducer

Cons: Make sure to dose into the filter. If you dose straight into the water column it forms small "squiggly" like material that floats around. It settles eventually. If you dose into the filter it still creates white dust like particles temporarily but not as bad. It will not hurt your fish if they eat it.

Ok, found answer to my question above as I got this "snowing" effect in my tank just now when I added it. Not sure what you mean by "dosing directy into the filter". Can you comment on this, please? Thanks

 

[CindiL]

I just measure it out and and pour it directly into the hob. It still snows a little but it's greatly reduced.

 

[uncclewis]

I'm still using denitirfication primarily. If you have at least 55 gallons, I wouldn't use anything else. If you want tips let me know. If you use prolifera it will accelerate plant and bacteria utilization of nitrate, and I'd use that too if you still have nitrates. I don't use it in my 55 but I do in my 75. Bc otherwise id have too much nitrate. I have denitratification towers in both my 55 and 75

 

[esdwa]

I'm still using denitirfication primarily. If you have at least 55 gallons, I wouldn't use anything else. If you want tips let me know. If you use prolifera it will accelerate plant and bacteria utilization of nitrate, and I'd use that too if you still have nitrates. I don't use it in my 55 but I do in my 75. Bc otherwise id have too much nitrate. I have denitratification towers in both my 55 and 75

Thanks uncle lewis. Yes, I am very interested in where to start learning the equipment and process needed to support this. It sure may come handy when I setup another much larger tank in the future. Please let me know, thanks!

 

[uncclewis]

No problem. Purigen lasts me up to 3 weeks (using like 2-3 liters of it), which is longer than any resin; except continuums- but this is a very expensive resin and it works extremely well. Please do not use more than is requested if you need any nitrates (this is not only for nitrate, this targets a wider variety of organics and toxic gases). The stuff is very powerful. In contrast, my denitrification is indefinite. Therefore if you use big tanks, those things become not feasible, their efficiency becomes a problem. here it is and no I do not make money for it, I wish... Purigen is also highly recommended, but bleach regeneration is some what terrible, to say the least.

https://continuumaquatics.com/freshwater_fil/basis-powercleanse_xl.php

For bigger tanks, I would use this not for nitrate and I wouldn't want it to get full with nitrate. They would need constant recharging.

I decommissioned mine for abit during treatments. Here is what it looks like exhausted mostly.

Thanks uncle lewis. Yes, I am very interested in where to start learning the equipment and process needed to support this. It sure may come handy when I setup another much larger tank in the future. Please let me know, thanks!

 

[Swampgorilla]

Too much win to quote it all

I never thought it'd happen until it happened to me. I have 72 gallon tank with 4 goldfish. It has one cascade 1000 filter with the typical stuff, plus some POND MATRIX - but not a lot. It also has an AquaClear 110 HOB ... with a big sock of POND MATRIX. But I also have an EHEIM 2217 with a sponge in the bottom - a little floss - and the rest FILLED with nothing but POND MATRIX. Flow through this canister is pretty much slowed to a crawl ... and the output also goes through a 25 watt UV.

I have four large goldfish in this tank and 0 nitrates ... 0 everything ... even after a week without a water change.

I have been able to duplicate this in my 36 gallon cory tank ... though with a different filter setup ... but still lots of POND MATRIX.

Every week ... for like the last two months ... zero nitrates. Blows my mind.

 

[grantm91]

I never thought it'd happen until it happened to me. I have 72 gallon tank with 4 goldfish. It has one cascade 1000 filter with the typical stuff, plus some POND MATRIX - but not a lot. It also has an AquaClear 110 HOB ... with a big sock of POND MATRIX. But I also have an EHEIM 2217 with a sponge in the bottom - a little floss - and the rest FILLED with nothing but POND MATRIX. Flow through this canister is pretty much slowed to a crawl ... and the output also goes through a 25 watt UV.

I have four large goldfish in this tank and 0 nitrates ... 0 everything ... even after a week without a water change.

I have been able to duplicate this in my 36 gallon cory tank ... though with a different filter setup ... but still lots of POND MATRIX.

Every week ... for like the last two months ... zero nitrates. Blows my mind.

Is your source water zero nitrates ? What the good stuff the pond matrix ?

 

[esdwa]

I have been using Matrix for months and tried Instant Ocean product few times,

both were totally ineffective.

Still, my NO3 are always below 5ppm for another reason and that is... well this is totally different subject.

 

[Daryl]

I just "installed" Matrix in my Canister filter. I understand it takes a while for the BB to inhabit the media. Also might work better with lower flow. Its supposed to have a massive amount of surface area for BB to inhabit. Also the nitrate BB are deep inside the media. So it will probably be awhile to get it cycled. I'm hopeful it will help. Seachem products usually preform well for me.

 

[esdwa]

I never thought it'd happen until it happened to me. I have 72 gallon tank with 4 goldfish. It has one cascade 1000 filter with the typical stuff, plus some POND MATRIX - but not a lot. It also has an AquaClear 110 HOB ... with a big sock of POND MATRIX.

I have four large goldfish in this tank and 0 nitrates ... 0 everything ... even after a week without a water change.

I have been able to duplicate this in my 36 gallon cory tank ... though with a different filter setup ... but still lots of POND MATRIX.

Every week ... for like the last two months ... zero nitrates. Blows my mind.

I think the key to your success is Pond matrix placement in the Aquaclear 110 hob. It guarantees matrix to be exposed to daylight, which obviously helps develop bacteria which removes nitrates.

That might also explain why in my case a full bucket of matrix in 306 fluval won't make any difference to my NO3. Because it's dark inside hence only ammonia and no2 feeding bacteria exists there.

I am moving my matrix load from canister filter to hob tomorrow, just like you did. Will see what happens.

Thanks for detailed description.

 

[H2O Concierge]

Any more thoughts on de-nitrate now that you've been using it for a while?
Pros? Cons? Effectiveness in a filter that's not slow?

It has probably been addressed but... DeNitrate is designed to work in low flow filters of 50gph or less. I believe the tidal 110 runs approx. 95gph on it's lowest setting. I modified an air driven corner filter and filled it with DeNitrate, and foam filter media of course.

 

[H2O Concierge]

I have Biohome, Matrix and other bio media in various canisters on various tanks. I thought that the only other solution was an RO unit (and still might be). But using the Nitra-Zorb in my holding tanks reduced my source water NO3 from 10ppm to 5ppm in just a few hours.

 

[ShinyMoose]

Hello, I realize this is an older thread but I’m curious if you can give me any opinions on the Microb-Lift special blend water care? This is what I’ve used, along with their Nite Out, to cycle and care for my tank since I started it in February this year.

Lately my Nitrates are creeping up, I tested yesterday and they were between 10-20ppm (the colors look pretty much the same to me so hard to tell, but possibly closer to 10?). I added some special blend to my tank yesterday and have not tested it yet today though. My Ammonia and Nitrites are 0. I made a mistake over a month ago and replaced my filter pads which caused an ammonia spike, and then a nitrite spike, but it’s been settled now for about 3 weeks, but now the Nitrates seem to be creeping up so I’ve just been researching on how to reduce them and did not see this product mentioned yet. Maybe I missed it though?

Also, I’m case it matters, I have a 45 gallon tank and use the Marineland Penguin Pro 375 power filter. I also have a planted tank with miscellaneous different types of basic starter plants
I got from Petco, along with a moss tree, moss ball and a plant inside of another moss ball.

Thanks in advance for any responses.