Seachem De Nitrate 500ml Efficient natural porous filter medium
De nitrate is an efficient, natural porous filter medium in which the pore distribution and pore size are optimal for the bacteria that carry out the nitrification and denitrification processes. Aerobic microorganisms locate on the surface of the granules and shallowly within the pores, anaerobic microorganisms locate deep within the inner part. Due to its structure, the material has a large surface area, creating suitable conditions for a large number of bacteria.
Although De nitrate has the ability to bind nitrates, this is quite limited (as is the case with some types of zeolite and synthetic resins), and the main process of removing these compounds is anaerobic, similar to 'live rock'. The efficiency of this process can be increased by placing De nitrate in the filter so as to provide a flow of water that will 'push' through the pores. However, too much circulation should be avoided, as this can disturb the anaerobic conditions in which the denitrifying bacteria live.
When the water flow is high (more than 400 litres per hour), mainly aerobic processes take place in De nitrate, and when the flow is low (less than 200 litres per hour), both aerobic and anaerobic processes take place.
Method of use:
place the De nitrate in an area where water flow is provided, for example in a canister filter, chemical filtration module or internal filter
the flow rate should not exceed 200 l/h
if this is not possible, we recommend using Matrix or Pond Matrix
rinse before use
a few days after insertion, the nitrate level should start to decrease, up to a value of 4-5 mg/l
as long as it remains at this level, the product is functioning correctly
each 500 ml of De nitrate is capable of purifying 100 - 200 l of water, depending on the initial nitrate level and stocking density
It is best to select the amount of preparation so that it removes nitrate on an ongoing basis
In the case of high initial nitrate levels, an initial reduction to 20 mg/l should be achieved by water changes.
De nitrate is also an excellent medium for aerobic nitrification processes and can therefore be used as a cartridge in:
canister filters
aerated beds
sumps
internal filters