kevin
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Post by kevin on Oct 28, 2014 16:57:31 GMT -5
How do I create more denitrification? I have Matrix in two cartridges in my HOB, but have some left in the jar that wouldn't fit. Since Matrix doesn't get rinsed, can I throw the remainder in on top of the gravel in a "low flow" corner to give that much more media to help in this process? Are there other ways to accelerate the "nitrates to N2 gas" process besides Matrix?
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Post by Carl on Oct 28, 2014 19:02:39 GMT -5
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 28, 2014 19:13:04 GMT -5
Hi Kevin, Carl posted an article that has the best way to reduce nitrates - but it costs more....Read the updated article about using the Fluid Sand Filter and NPX Bio Plastics (designed for salt water but can be used in freshwater, too). Product Resource: www.americanaquariumproducts.com/TwoLittleFishies.htmlwww.americanaquariumproducts.com/FluidizedSandFilter.htmlI have to honest, I didn't have much success when I tried Matrix, nor did my son. I ordered a Kent product (Nitrogen Sponge) to try (got it basically for free -- so worth a shot). I will share here if it works. I use Algone in all of my freshwater aquariums (available through AAP). It is inexpensive and does a good job keeping the nitrates low (it removes organics). I also use API Nitra-Zorb in all aquariums (size 6 in the Rena filters and Aqua Clear 100 -- and I use a smaller size for my smaller aquariums (a size that has been discontinued). In addition, I use Purigen in two of my aquariums (in Rena filters - product was too dense for AquaClear filters). API Nitra-Zorb won't reduce nitrates to zero if you have a heavy bio load like I do... but it helps to keep the nitrates down below 40 ppm. Algone has to be replaced frequently (and can smell bad). I put a new pouch in every two weeks. API Nitra-zorb can be recharged using Aquarium salt. I toss the pouch out after I have used it close to two months (Recharged several times -- I always have two or three in recharging solution). I put a new one in my Rena filter every two weeks -- and use two recharged ones in the Aqua Clear 100. I have a Rena xP on my 20 gallon high, so use a size 6 in that filter, too (sometimes a recharged one). My other aquariums all have two Aqua Clear filters. The smaller Nitra-Zorb pouch works well in those, but one day, I will have to divide the size 6 pouch. I am going to look into the Fluid Sand Filter option, but don't really think I have a place to put it with easy access. There are Nitrate reducing pads available.... Don't waste you money on those.... Note sure if this answers your question..... Judy D.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 28, 2014 19:14:37 GMT -5
Chuckling now... I was writing my post when Carl posted (smile). Make sure you read Carl's advice before you read mine.
Judy D.
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Post by Carl on Oct 28, 2014 19:35:45 GMT -5
Keep in mind that both these products, along with Volcanic Rock and similar, are VERY SLOW nitrate removers that also get better with time. If immediate nitrate removed is desired, these products are not for you. But these are good for slowly building up of anaerobic/de-nitrifying bacteria and generally these media improve over time (& by over time I mean months, not weeks)
Carl
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Post by angelminx on Oct 28, 2014 23:17:33 GMT -5
Hi, All! I didn't notice anywhere where there was a thread particularly about Matrix, but since it also has to do with this thread, too, I'll ask here.
I know Matrix is good for denitrification once it gets going, but I was wondering about the product itself. I mentioned elsewhere about using Matrix in my XP2 filter. I had recently sorted through it and put the larger particles directly in the basket, and the smaller ones (that might fall through the basket's holes) into a filter bag; also, that I have a bunch of SMALLer pieces that I have held out. I'm pretty sure it's probably best to use all the different sizes, but since some of them are SO small, are they even effective at denitrification--especially when used by themselves? As I've said, I've saved these, because I don't want to just "give up" on them and throw them away if they are useful for anything. I am also assuming there is no effect on the product from staining by MB, etc.
Any scientific/practical insight from you, Carl?
Angelminx
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 29, 2014 0:17:50 GMT -5
Keep in mind that both these products, along with Volcanic Rock and similar, are VERY SLOW nitrate removers that also get better with time. If immediate nitrate removed is desired, these products are not for you. But these are good for slowly building up of anaerobic/de-nitrifying bacteria and generally these media improve over time (& by over time I mean months, not weeks) Carl Thanks Carl, I was just looking around on Seachem's web site.... I think the product I used was de-Nitrate... not Matrix. I will add some Matrix to my next AAP order and give it a try. I have some of those round balls in one of the baskets and those drive me nuts anyways. I will replace those with the Matrix.
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Post by sdboers on Oct 29, 2014 7:56:16 GMT -5
I've been considering Matrix for a while now for precisely the same reasons - nitrate reduction. Will be interested in feedback from others as they try it out more.
So far - my biggest bang for the buck on nitrate reduction has been adding free floating hornwort plants. They grow like crazy, eat nitrates, feed cichlids, add some nice green to the tank and are cheap. Not to mention they will make you look younger, improve your gas mileage and lower your mortgage payments. Honest!
Sean.
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Post by Carl on Oct 29, 2014 9:32:45 GMT -5
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kevin
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Post by kevin on Oct 29, 2014 11:49:02 GMT -5
Great ideas guys. Especially if it improves mileage, tastes great AND less filling! I remember the container picture Carl from discussion on Betta bowls. Will do. Love to redo all filters to better ones - but not there yet. This is all good to still work with what I got tho.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 29, 2014 12:32:09 GMT -5
Thanks all for this thread.... I have learned a lot.
I just read up on Hornwort....That would be a good plant for me to try, but my fish wouldn't like the lights on that long (as many hours the plant would need). The plant(s) would die and just leave me with a mess. I do have some plastic Hornwort - but it's not all that helpful (grin).
Carl, I saved my son's Matrix and will put more of that that back in his filter (removing the Nitra-Zorb). Now that I have stepped up his water changes (using RO water) the nitrate level has come down (still higher than where I would like to see it, though). I never checked his tap water for nitrates, but I assume the level is a bit high (probably the highest safe level for humans). He had been using conditioned tap water for the majority of water changes for his 90 gallon. I will take my Methylene Blue next time and will give some of his fish a bath. I am sure they will appreciate that.
I had to postpone the water change until next week....then will do another over Thanksgiving. If weather gets bad, he may be on his own during the winter months.
Cheers,
Judy D.
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Post by Carl on Oct 29, 2014 18:12:19 GMT -5
Yep! Carl
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kevin
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Posts: 121
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Post by kevin on Nov 26, 2014 1:33:14 GMT -5
Just to check in on the matrix piece; I know you said more in terms of "months" vs weeks- so in the mean time, do I do anything else with it? I'm guessing it doesn't need cleaned so it can keep growing denitifying bacteria. But having two cartridges and now the pill bottle in tank, just leave them alone? I think they're helping tho- nitrates are now around 80 vs 160 or higher. And keeping sponge rinsed, etc.
Kevin
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Post by Carl on Nov 26, 2014 10:34:27 GMT -5
Eventually some light rinsing with aquarium water may be needed (after 6 months to a year), but for now I would just leave the Matrix alone Carl
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Post by angelminx on Nov 27, 2014 1:22:47 GMT -5
Thanks for the info, Carl.
I never thought to ask how long to wait to rinse the Matrix (unless of course it gets compromised somehow). If I had been medicating the quarantine tank, I would just give it a quick swish in the bucket of old water whenever I did a water change between treatments. Also, since you say that it can be used in a medicine bottle in a Betta bowl, I am assuming it is "safe" to just let the media bag it is in (for use in regular-type filters) sit at the bottom of the tank while the Purigen and carbon are running? That's what I've been doing, anyway.
Angelminx
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Post by Carl on Nov 27, 2014 11:03:46 GMT -5
You can place Matrix in in container, bag, etc. that is in an area of good water exposure or flow. Obviously most bowls have no real current/flow, so water exposure is what you are going for
Carl
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Post by parker002 on Dec 1, 2014 10:53:37 GMT -5
I have one whole tray (the middle one) dedicated to Matrix in my Rena XP3. I don't use a bag but none of the particles are small enough to fall through anyway.
In addition, both of my tanks have internal filters - the 55G has a SunSun HJ-752 and the 14G has a Rio Mini 90. Both filters shipped with sponges but I have replaced them 100% with Matrix.
I've never tried running the 55G for an extended period of time but the 14G ran for 8-9 months on just the Rio Mini 90 and what would amout to about 1.5 cubic inches of Matrix.
For me, Matrix is an absolutely essential part of filtration. I won't use anything else.
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Post by Carl on Dec 1, 2014 11:00:20 GMT -5
I have done similar with canister filters on a few saltwater aquariums; with noting but Matrix, Volcanic Rock, & crushed coral crumbles, and some poly fiber for fine filtration. These aquariums had nitrates under 10 ppm, despite the naysayers in many reef keeping forums who looked at my use of a canister filter as a sin to reef keeping. Admittedly these tanks also had FSB Filters too (run after the canister filters).
Carl
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 1, 2014 15:52:41 GMT -5
Loving Matrix! I replaced the Marineland Bio Balls that were in my Rena xP3 (anyone want some free Bio Balls? - ha-ha). I will eventually replace more of the bio media. I also have ceramic rings and API Stars. The last water change I did was two weeks ago....Nitrates are now between 20 ppm and 40 ppm. Without the Matrix, nitrates would normally be approaching 60 ppm by now. I will be doing another water change Tuesday or Wednesday.
I have Nitrogen Sponge (by Kent) - but haven't started that yet. I kept forgetting to buy media bags - and haven't set my sewing machine up to make some -- yet. I have some media bags arriving soon, and will place the Nitrogen Sponge in the Aqua Clear. After a few weeks of using the Nitrogen Sponge, I will update/edit this post. Nitrogen Sponge is a very similar product to De-Nitrate by Seachem. I got a very good deal on the Nitrogen Sponge - so worth a try.
Judy
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Post by angelminx on Dec 2, 2014 0:40:49 GMT -5
I never used the Bio-Chem Stars that came with my XP2, either.
Angelminx
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