The material has a high surface area and supports a high density of bacteria and although it has capacity to trap nitrate, de-nitrate 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.

“Live” rocks or reef rocks remove nitrate by anaerobic denitrification. de-nitrate removes nitrate by the same process. Efficiency is magnified several folds by forcing the water to filter through the porous de-nitrate™. 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 development of an adequate anaerobic environment to support denitrifying bacteria.

de-nitrate is also an excellent media for aerobic nitrification and it makes an ideal biological filter in drip trays, canister filters, sumps, or even box filters. At high flow rates (greater than 100 US gallons per hour), it will function solely as an aerobic filter. At slow flow rates (less than 50 US gallons per hour), it will function as both an aerobic filter and an anaerobic denitrifying filter.

Features:

• Removes nitrates, nitrites, ammonia, and organics
• High porosity biological media
• Pore size well suited for anaerobic bacteria
• No danger of hydrogen sulfide production as with sulfur based media

Directions:

For best results, de-nitrate should be placed to assure the flow of water through it, such as in a canister filter, chemical filtration module, or box filter. Flow rate should not exceed 200L (50 US gallons) per hour.