Congratulations on your purchase! Your denitrator will provide many years of reliable service when used properly. Please read this instructions guide before installing.
Contents:
1. Denitrator blue canister(s) with plastic insert filled with media
2. “IN” tubing (white)
3. “OUT” tubing (blue) with regulator (blue) valve attached
4. Pump with clear tubing adapter pieces inserted
5. The X2 & X3 models include opening wrench tool. The X1 model can be tightened / loosened by hand
Instructions:
ATTACH TUBING
• Attach white and blue hoses to denitrator by inserting the tubing into the corresponding elbow. Top of canister is marked with “IN” (for white tubing) and “OUT” (for blue tubing).
ATTACH PUMP
• Attach the pump with the white tubing by inserting the other end of the white tubing into clear adapter tubing on pump.
• Set pump to maximum flow and submerge in sump. Please verify pump is completely under water. Make sure pump does not pick up sediment residue that sometimes accumulates at the bottom of sump areas. Sediment will enter the media chamber and clog some of the media prohibiting the aenerobic denitrification process. Clean sump debris prior to installation of pump.
PLACEMENT
• SUMP / WET DRY
Denitrator canister(s) may be placed either inside or outside of the sump. The pump sits in the sump, feeding water into the DeNitrator. Water exits back into the sump, preferably away from the pump.
• NO SUMP / WET DRY
For those who do not have a sump, the pump may be placed inside the aquarium and the canister(s) must be mounted or placed beside, above, or behind the tank. Place the pump on one side of the aquarium and the blue return line at the other end of the aquarium.
PROCEDURE
• Turn on the pump until canister(s) is/are filled with your aquarium water and the water begins to trickle out of the blue line. Then shut the pump off, leaving water inside canister(s). Turn regulator valve to OFF position so that water does not flow out from the blue tubing. Aquarium water should remain in canister(s) for 24 hours in order to build up anaerobic bacteria. This only needs to be done once when setting up the unit when the media is new.
RUN THE FILTER
• After a period of 24 hours, turn on pump and open regulator valve to produce a very slow and steady trickle coming out from the blue tubing (not to exceed 50 gallons per hour). Continued use will filter nitrates from the water. After 1-2 weeks of use, nitrate concentration should start to fall. As long as nitrate concentration levels remain in control, the media does not have to be replaced.
The Denitrator should maintain LOW to NO Nitrate levels for many months (average of 7-12months) before it needs replacement. For systems with initial nitrate concentrations in excess of 100+ ppm, the denitrator may take up to one month to notice any significant change in nitrate reduction. Aquariums with initial nitrate concentrations in excess of 100+ ppm should conduct water exchanges prior to installing the DeNitrator. Bring the concentration level to about 50 ppm or less, before hooking up the DeNitrator.
TIPS AND TRICKS
The X-Series DeNitrators do not require any feedings to the media. After prolonged use, the Denitification Media should be replaced only when the nitrates begin to fluctuate at higher than normal readings. Ethanol feedings to the media will boost anaerobic bacterial growth and replenishment, allowing a much prolonged life of the media. The additional bacterial bloom caused by the feedings will enhance the denitification process, reducing nitrate levels at a faster rate.
Vodka (plain and cheap) feedings of 1ml / 2weeks can be made by simply adding 1ml with a syringe (sold separately) at the intake of the pump. The pump will draw the ethanol (vodka) into the canister(s) allowing the bacterial bloom to occur. Please check the pH levels of your tank after ethanol feedings. If the pH levels drop, adjust accordingly using the proper buffers.
Replacement media and many other supplies and products can be conveniently purchased at:
www.poseidonwarehouse.com
