Seachem Denitrate 1 Liter Liquid High Porosity Marine or Freshwater Aquarium Filter

The Seachem Denitrate Liquid Aquarium Filter is an economical, natural, porous material with a pore distribution and geometry that promotes aerobic nitrification within the first few millimeters of depth and anaerobic denitrification at the core. The material has a high surface area and supports a high density of bacteria. Although the Denitrate can trap nitrate, this, as with other nitrate-retaining materials such as certain zeolites and synthetic resins, is quite limited, and the primary mechanism of nitrate removal is anaerobic.

Formulation

It is a porous inorganic solid about 4 mm in diameter. It does not require a special denitrifying filter or special culture feedings. It is also helpful in controlling nitrite and ammonia. The surface area characteristics of the denitrate are similar to those of the matrix, making it an effective support for the biological filter. Each liter treats up to 100 gallons and is suitable for marine or freshwater use.

Reef Rocks

Live rocks or reef rocks remove nitrate by anaerobic denitrification. Denitrate removes nitrate by the same process. Efficiency is magnified severalfold by forcing the water to filter through the porous denitrate. As with reef rock, anaerobic conditions are achieved by the porosity and the depletion of oxygen by the aerobic process at the surface. Excessive flow rates should, therefore, be avoided, as they may impede the development of an adequate anaerobic environment to support denitrifying bacteria.