Nitrate levels and reactors

[Delphinus]

I can't quite tell if I'm being poked fun at or not here?

My sulfur reactor hasn't cycled yet, so one could say it's not working yet. I'm trying the sulfur reactor out of exasperation at a problem that just otherwise won't correct itself. If it's not the right thing to do, then time will tell me that, but I thought it was a viable option to try, given that alternate but more conventional means of nitrate control were proving unviable for me. And I went DIY because a consumer version would have been about $500 to purchase which was simply unreasonable, whereas my costs for DIY are less than one-tenth that. I know some people really have a DIY bug and my hat's off to them, I mostly DIY out of economic reasons.

And FWIW I started the sulfur reactor before the surge of people wanting to try coil denitrators came (seems to me that's just the last two weeks or so). Hey if a person wants to try something, let them at it. If we can add to the collective body of experience I think that's a good thing. I've talked to people about denitrators before but those that I've talked, whom have tried it, don't seem to come on here and share their gems of wisdom and experience. So it's up to us instead.

I don't see anything wrong in trying new things. But like I said in the thread about complex tank setups, I don't think a person should do *anything* just because someone else is doing it ... a person needs to be convinced, by themselves, that doing something fits a particular and specific purpose.

[Reefer Rob]

OK, I'm guilty. I see something that some one's made and I can't seem to resist the urge to build it- even if I don't really need it. It's the the little thrill I get from having the damn thing actually work (sometimes). Maybe there's a support group for this. Watching your sulfur denitrator closely Tony

[Chaotic Cricket]

Originally Posted by Delphinus

I can't quite tell if I'm being poked fun at or not here?

My sulfur reactor hasn't cycled yet, so one could say it's not working yet. I'm trying the sulfur reactor out of exasperation at a problem that just otherwise won't correct itself. If it's not the right thing to do, then time will tell me that, but I thought it was a viable option to try, given that alternate but more conventional means of nitrate control were proving unviable for me. And I went DIY because a consumer version would have been about $500 to purchase which was simply unreasonable, whereas my costs for DIY are less than one-tenth that. I know some people really have a DIY bug and my hat's off to them, I mostly DIY out of economic reasons.

And FWIW I started the sulfur reactor before the surge of people wanting to try coil denitrators came (seems to me that's just the last two weeks or so). Hey if a person wants to try something, let them at it. If we can add to the collective body of experience I think that's a good thing. I've talked to people about denitrators before but those that I've talked, whom have tried it, don't seem to come on here and share their gems of wisdom and experience. So it's up to us instead.

I don't see anything wrong in trying new things. But like I said in the thread about complex tank setups, I don't think a person should do *anything* just because someone else is doing it ... a person needs to be convinced, by themselves, that doing something fits a particular and specific purpose.

I have a DIY Denitrator and it worked when I needed it, quite well in fact. Got the plans of RC awhile back and doubled the size I've never needed sulfur or might have tried it, but after working in a sulfur plant when i was younger even the sulfur smell on strike anywhere matches makes me sick Even the word itself makes me cringe a bit. Like i said as well if you need it thengo for it. But to many people see the very well experienced AND the very rich people who have an armada of equipment and think oh to do this i must have all of that to. I have seen many many many tanks that are decidedly "low tech" look much nicer than some of the "i have every gadget on earth" tanks. I also often wonder at some of the tanks with people who have a lot of money how much they "buy" their tank look as opposed to grow it. Anyone can have a nice LOOKING tank if you pour bucketfuls of money in it. Like the Japanese put a coral in till it looks bad then replace it type tank. Real husbandry takes knowledge and well..some gadgetry but mostly knowledge patience and time. I Built a calc reactor because I was lazy in wanting to do it manually, but know i monitor everything more than i used to. I have Carbon reactors, a zeo reactor that i got as a gift and will probably never use. My XP3 modded to the back of my sump works for carbon better than anything i have seen, along with some phosban or rowaphos etc. I too get the DIY bug but I only do it myself if i need to not just cause i want to