Chemicals: Nitrate Fluid (Do-It-Yourself) for the Deltec NFP509 Nitrate Filter
The Deltec NFP509 Nitrate Filter utilizes naturally occuring anaerobic bacteria to remove chemical toxins from the aquarium water column. However, as the bacterial colony matures the food source (Nitrate & Phosphates) within your aquarium can become depleted. So you will need to supplement their food in order to sustain the bacterial colony and prevent it from collapsing. So the question is, how do you supplement the bacterial colonies primary food source? Deltec manufactures a specifically designed Nitrate Fluid that is available in the United Kingdom. However, they are not allowed to import this to the united states due to declining the increased workload associated with the distribution of Alcohol. Alcohol? Well the bacterial colony requires a carbon based food source as a supplement to their primary food source. Just so happens that part of the food is Alcohol based, Vodka to be more precise. Lucky for us Deltec advises that you can create your own Nitrate Fluid using a 1 part Vodka, 3 part RO/DI Water solution which will suite us just fine.
I mixed a batch (64 oz) of my very own Nitrate Fuild constiting on 1 part Absolute Vodka and 3 parts RO/DI Water, which is stored in an repurposed Organic Juice containter from my son. There is some discussion concerned around what type of Vodka should be purchased to concoct this mixture. Some individuals believe that purchasing higher priced Vodka which is a good indiciation that their distilling and purification process of of much better quality is the way to go. However, the majority of individuals purchase the cheapest Vodka available which seems to do the job adequetly. There is one rule that is specified. Do not purchase any Vodka with flavored additives! Also their is much discussion over the Proof of the Vodka. This is unfortunately more a play it by ear scenario as every aquarium is different and dosing amounts can also effect the outcome.
I personally am proceeding with a bit of caution since my last experience which left me to believe that this device cannot and should not be used in small aquariums since the risk associated with its operation becomes extremely high. I have started off with a 2 ml dosage (1 ml in the morning & 1 ml in the evening). The Nitrate Fluid is measure using a syringe and then dosed into the Deltec NFP 509 Nitrate Filter Reactor Chamber through the Non-Return Valve. The Miniature Ball Valve is currently closed since this type of bacteria exist in low level Oxygen environments. today is day 2 out 3 of the seeding process before the Miniature Ball Valve can be opened to allow a drip flow into the aquarium. I will keep everyone posted on the progress.
Diagram - Sunday, March 01, 2009 - The Deltec NFP509 Nitrate Filter main components.
Photograph - Saturday, February 28, 2009 - My home made Nitrate Fluid (1 part Absolute Vodka & 3 parts RO/DI Water) stored in a 64 oz container.]
