De-Nitrification Filter Media

[rms]

Not sure where else to post this.
 
Can anyone give any feedback on the following products:
 
Seachems Matrix
Eheim Substrat Pro
JBL MicroMec
Biohome Ultra/Ultimate
 
They all seem to be 'the best' so wanted ground level opinions. Specific info regarding notible changes in water parameters would be really appreciated.
 
Thanks

 

[b3cca]

All the bio media really does is give a good surface area for your A and N bacs to colonise and live on.
which has the most surface area I have no idea but as long as it's properly cycled and you're not stupidly overstocked then I'm Pretty sure they all do the same thing.
 
I have the Eheim substat pro in my ecco pro 300 filter and have never once had any hint of ammonia or nitrite 

 

[DrRob]

Too many variables. Different flow rates, filter tray set ups and water conditions.
 
As a rule of thumb I've found that simple sponge can contain plenty of biological filtration capability. The more expensive media can have advantages with clogging, and potentially with being able to use less space for the same filtration (although most filters contain plenty of media room for the tank sizes they serve).
 
The best biofilters generally provide low flow over a sensible surface area, giving excellent contact time. These generally make terrible mechanical filters and include things like undergravel filters and the slow sponge filters of various types.
 
Personally, clogging, from a maintenance point of view, can be far more important than overall surface area, and this is where many of the media you have listed there win out, they're not prone to blocking up and killing the flow in the filter.

 

[KirkyArcher]

I'm having great success with BioHome Mini Ultra, as I have mentioned in other threads if all mechanical filtration is done prior to ceramic biological media clogging is virtually eliminated, and also now that the media is appearing to process nitrates as well. Currently I'm testing water parameters every third day  and my nitrates are consistently at 20ppm without any water changes done for over 3 weeks, ammonia and nitrites are also returning a zero result every test. With my previous biomax/substrat pro set up this never happened and nitrates would rise to 40-60 ppm after a week.

 

[DrRob]

Indeed, eliminating blocking is the perfect answer, which then allows for ideal biofilter action.
 
I mentally have a plan for a sump with a loop of slow biofilter from the mechanically filtered sump water, but don't actually have the need to mess with my set up.

 

[malfunction]

I've been using Matrix in my canister filters for about 4 months months now. I bought it primarily to reduce my nitrate levels as my tap water tests at 30-40ppm, and my tank is heavily stocked. I'd say it's definitely effective at helping to reduce nitrates, but it takes ages to get any discernible effect. It took about 2 months before I observe any changes in my nitrate levels. I had ceramic rings prior to using Matrix and haven't had any noticeable ammonia or nitrite spikes since switching over, so I'd say Matrix is pretty good at harbouring the bacteria that feed on these too.

Essentially, I'd say Matrix is pretty effective. Hideously overpriced though.

 

[rms]

Thanks all for your input.
 
Nitrate reduction is the reason for the enquiry so Biohome it is, based on your feedback KirkyArcher. I have coarse, medium and fine sponges in my bottom tray. Fine sponge in the bottom of my second tray as well, which eliminates clogging. The bio media I have at the moment does nothing for anaerobic colonies. 
 
Thanks again

 

[KirkyArcher]

Even with BioHome the reduction to my nitrates readings took a good 4 months of use before they stopped rising to 40-60ppm I'm currently at exactly week 4 today without a water change and this mornings results finally showed an increase in nitrates but only up from 20ppm on Thursday to 40ppm today!

 

[rms]

Yeah I'm not expecting an overnight solution, but happy to go along with the maintenance for as long as it takes. That's quite a big leap though, 20 to 40 in 3 days, after only rising to 20 in almost 4 weeks. 

 

[KirkyArcher]

Yep was just conducting a test, I have no intention of leaving my tank this long without doing water changes in the future, but I will however do only 20% water changes every two weeks, instead of doing 35% water changes every week. edit   I must admit my tank is heavily stocked so to get to 4 weeks and only to have nitrates as low as 40ppm is even more impressive

 

[malfunction]

Have you considered synthetic resins such as nitrazorb or nitratex? They have a much swifter effect and can be recharged with table salt.

 

[rms]

Yep was just conducting a test, I have no intention of leaving my tank this long without doing water changes in the future, but I will however do only 20% water changes every two weeks, instead of doing 35% water changes every week. edit   I must admit my tank is heavily stocked so to get to 4 weeks and only to have nitrates as low as 40ppm is even more impressive

 
It's pretty interesting how it jumped so quickly in a few days, almost as if the anaerobics just couldn't maintain that level of consumption. Like they ate too much and decided they were full. My theory put in the most simplistic terms
 
 

Have you considered synthetic resins such as nitrazorb or nitratex? They have a much swifter effect and can be recharged with table salt.

 
I'd never heard of them until your post to be honest. Will browse the web for info. Thanks

 

[KirkyArcher]

Back down to 20ppm still no water change

I'm thinking that the jump may be linked to the large amount of frozen (thawed) bloodworm feed I gave them.

 

[rms]

Am looking forward to when my biohome kicks in.... How many trays have you filled with it? I was going to fill 2.

 

[KirkyArcher]

I've only got three trays in total in each of the 206 & 306 Fluval filters 1st is sponges coarse, medium and fine, 2nd & 3rd full of BioHome Mini Ultra, Going to do a water change tomorrow regardless, my nerve has given out regardless of test results, and it just tends to "brighten" the water