DIY Sulfur Denitrator
After so many people asking about pics and so forth on how to create one here it is.
Last night cubano2480 went by my place and we decided to make one for him and take pics at the same time. If this helps one person it would have been worthwhile. This is not a thread about the pros and cons of using one. There are plenty of threads here and elsewhere regarding the usage of these. Sulfur denitrator are also not new toys in the market. They were first used by Marc LANGOUET back in the early 90's. Like I said there is plenty of information around here on these. So to answer many questions from the get go: <b>Do they work?</b> Yes it does work. <b>How long before you see 0 nitrates coming out of the effluent?</b> 3 days in my tank. My nitrates are hovering in excess of 80 ppm as we speak. It will take about a month to process all my tanks water. <b> Where did you buy the media?</b> I bought it from premiumaquatics for $55. It is exactly the same media midwestaquatics uses in their reactors. The media fills about a 1/4 of reactor and I used a bunch of ARM on top since the low ph helps dissolve the aragonite into more Calcium and Alk. <b>How long does the media last?</b> About 3 years according to the manufacturer. <b>Is it hard to adjust?</b> Not harder than a calcium reactor. The only daily adjustment you have to make is bleed the system from the top valve. Abou t 5 seconds. <b>What is the effluent's PH?</b> Mine reads 7.5 slightly higher than my Calcium reactor. <b>How did you adjust it?</b> One drop per second during first 3 days. Then ramp it up to to 2-4 drops per second and let it catch up. After that every tank is different, but here are some guidelines: <b>If you smell sulfate (end product) your bacteria is not gettting enough food (nitrates). Ramp up the flow or remove and store half the media for later usage.</b> <b>Why not water changes?</b> I didn't feel like shocking my system with all the water changes. My fish (Tangs) hate water changes. They have all been with me for quite a while. The purple tang has been with me for a little over 10 years...so I know my fish. BTW, there are many ways to deal with nitrates as you'll hear from others in the reefkeeping community, but this is the method that I'm trying in this thread so please don't hijack this thread. I've been in the hobby long enough to know how to deal with nitrates and spent probably thousands of dollars in test kits and chemicals and probably millions of gallons of water :-( In essence, this thread is not about my tank; it's about a DIY Sulfur Denitrator. One last thing <b>DISCLAIMER</b> try this at your own risk and please be careful when using power tools. Furthermore, I'm not afiliated with any company whatsoever and have not intentions of doing so in the future. Ok so here we go: <b>Tools that I used</b> Router with flush trim bit Jigsaw 5/8' Forstner bit 1/2" Drill bit Drill Flat Screwdriver 3/8" Pipe tap Unibit 1/8" Drill bit PVC cutter Utility knife <b>Supplies</b> 2 feet 4" pvc (HD) 1 4" flange (base) (HD) 1 4" flange with knockout (top) (HD) 1/2" CPVC (HD) Scrap white acrylic from Juliovideo Nylon screw and nuts (Ace) 1/2" CPVC elbow 1/2" CPVC tee Maxijet 1200 (old) Gasket material All purpose PVC, CPVC glue (HD) Here are the pics: Start out by glueing flange (base) to PVC tube <a href="http://s50.photobucket.com/albums/f312/dj_frankie/DIY%20Sulfur%20Denitrator/?action=view¤t=DSC_0417.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f312/dj_frankie/DIY%20Sulfur%20Denitrator/DSC_0417.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> Next with 5/8" Forstner bit drill at the bottom making sure you go through flange as well. <a href="http://s50.photobucket.com/albums/f312/dj_frankie/DIY%20Sulfur%20Denitrator/?action=view¤t=DSC_0419.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f312/dj_frankie/DIY%20Sulfur%20Denitrator/DSC_0419.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s50.photobucket.com/albums/f312/dj_frankie/DIY%20Sulfur%20Denitrator/?action=view¤t=DSC_0418.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f312/dj_frankie/DIY%20Sulfur%20Denitrator/DSC_0418.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> |
Next cut out a 2-1/2" of CPVC pipe and glue to elbow
<a href="http://s50.photobucket.com/albums/f312/dj_frankie/DIY%20Sulfur%20Denitrator/?action=view¤t=DSC_0420.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f312/dj_frankie/DIY%20Sulfur%20Denitrator/DSC_0420.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s50.photobucket.com/albums/f312/dj_frankie/DIY%20Sulfur%20Denitrator/?action=view¤t=DSC_0421.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f312/dj_frankie/DIY%20Sulfur%20Denitrator/DSC_0421.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> Insert in the bottom hole you just drilled. Leave out about and inch and apply glue to this section. <a href="http://s50.photobucket.com/albums/f312/dj_frankie/DIY%20Sulfur%20Denitrator/?action=view¤t=DSC_0423.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f312/dj_frankie/DIY%20Sulfur%20Denitrator/DSC_0423.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> Now push it all the way in and make sure it is as lined up parallel to tube. <a href="http://s50.photobucket.com/albums/f312/dj_frankie/DIY%20Sulfur%20Denitrator/?action=view¤t=DSC_0425.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f312/dj_frankie/DIY%20Sulfur%20Denitrator/DSC_0425.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> |
This is the way it would look after you glue the bottom pipe.
<a href="http://s50.photobucket.com/albums/f312/dj_frankie/DIY%20Sulfur%20Denitrator/?action=view¤t=DSC_0426.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f312/dj_frankie/DIY%20Sulfur%20Denitrator/DSC_0426.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> Next step is you're going to create a template out of mdf or whatever scrap of wood you got laying around that will fit inside the 4" pvc tube. Like so: <a href="http://s50.photobucket.com/albums/f312/dj_frankie/DIY%20Sulfur%20Denitrator/?action=view¤t=DSC_0431.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f312/dj_frankie/DIY%20Sulfur%20Denitrator/DSC_0431.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> Use the jigsaw and cut a piece of acrylic slightly larger that the template of wood or MDF <a href="http://s50.photobucket.com/albums/f312/dj_frankie/DIY%20Sulfur%20Denitrator/?action=view¤t=DSC_0428.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f312/dj_frankie/DIY%20Sulfur%20Denitrator/DSC_0428.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> Use double sided tape and affix both pieces together, now your will route your acrylic piece. <a href="http://s50.photobucket.com/albums/f312/dj_frankie/DIY%20Sulfur%20Denitrator/?action=view¤t=DSC_0430.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f312/dj_frankie/DIY%20Sulfur%20Denitrator/DSC_0430.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> Drill lots of little holes with a 1/8" bit on the circle you just cut <a href="http://s50.photobucket.com/albums/f312/dj_frankie/DIY%20Sulfur%20Denitrator/?action=view¤t=DSC_0433.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f312/dj_frankie/DIY%20Sulfur%20Denitrator/DSC_0433.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s50.photobucket.com/albums/f312/dj_frankie/DIY%20Sulfur%20Denitrator/?action=view¤t=DSC_0434.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f312/dj_frankie/DIY%20Sulfur%20Denitrator/DSC_0434.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> |
This will sit inside your pvc pipe on top of the flange like so. Use a filter pad before adding your media. One in the bottom and one between your sulfur media and ARM media if you're going to be using ARM on top.
<a href="http://s50.photobucket.com/albums/f312/dj_frankie/DIY%20Sulfur%20Denitrator/?action=view¤t=DSC_0436.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f312/dj_frankie/DIY%20Sulfur%20Denitrator/DSC_0436.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> Next drill two holes in the ovc body with the 5/8" forstner bit. One hole has to be aligned with the bottom elbow you glued earlier. Use a ruler for that. Drill the other hole slightly higher. This will be your effluent out. Tap this one out. <a href="http://s50.photobucket.com/albums/f312/dj_frankie/DIY%20Sulfur%20Denitrator/?action=view¤t=DSC_0443.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f312/dj_frankie/DIY%20Sulfur%20Denitrator/DSC_0443.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> Tap the 1/2" T <a href="http://s50.photobucket.com/albums/f312/dj_frankie/DIY%20Sulfur%20Denitrator/?action=view¤t=DSC_0444.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f312/dj_frankie/DIY%20Sulfur%20Denitrator/DSC_0444.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> Pump section: Cut a 1" piece of CPVC <a href="http://s50.photobucket.com/albums/f312/dj_frankie/DIY%20Sulfur%20Denitrator/?action=view¤t=DSC_0445.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f312/dj_frankie/DIY%20Sulfur%20Denitrator/DSC_0445.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> Drill with the 1/2" drill bit into another piece of pipe this could be any length. You'll cut it later. This will fit into the output of the maxijet. <a href="http://s50.photobucket.com/albums/f312/dj_frankie/DIY%20Sulfur%20Denitrator/?action=view¤t=DSC_0446.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f312/dj_frankie/DIY%20Sulfur%20Denitrator/DSC_0446.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> Glue both pieces to the maxijet. <a href="http://s50.photobucket.com/albums/f312/dj_frankie/DIY%20Sulfur%20Denitrator/?action=view¤t=DSC_0448.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f312/dj_frankie/DIY%20Sulfur%20Denitrator/DSC_0448.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> |
Glue the elbow that was tapped earlier. The elbow goes in the output of the maxijet.
<a href="http://s50.photobucket.com/albums/f312/dj_frankie/DIY%20Sulfur%20Denitrator/?action=view¤t=DSC_0449.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f312/dj_frankie/DIY%20Sulfur%20Denitrator/DSC_0449.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> Next cut a piece of 1/2" CPVC long enough. This piece will go from the bottom elbow to the T that you just glue. Now glue the intake of the maxijet to the 4" pvc pipe as such. <a href="http://s50.photobucket.com/albums/f312/dj_frankie/DIY%20Sulfur%20Denitrator/?action=view¤t=DSC_0451.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f312/dj_frankie/DIY%20Sulfur%20Denitrator/DSC_0451.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> |
Now to the cap.
Cut a piece of acrylic slightly larger than the top flange. Drill two 1/4" screws using the flange as your template. <a href="http://s50.photobucket.com/albums/f312/dj_frankie/DIY%20Sulfur%20Denitrator/?action=view¤t=DSC_0437.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f312/dj_frankie/DIY%20Sulfur%20Denitrator/DSC_0437.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> Route it out and drill the remaining screws. Now tap the top lid. This will be you degassing output. <a href="http://s50.photobucket.com/albums/f312/dj_frankie/DIY%20Sulfur%20Denitrator/?action=view¤t=DSC_0440.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f312/dj_frankie/DIY%20Sulfur%20Denitrator/DSC_0440.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> Trap your gasket material between your flange and lid and cut it out using a sharp utility knife. <a href="http://s50.photobucket.com/albums/f312/dj_frankie/DIY%20Sulfur%20Denitrator/?action=view¤t=DSC_0006.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f312/dj_frankie/DIY%20Sulfur%20Denitrator/DSC_0006.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> Now glue your top flange. Add your fitting making sure you use teflon on them to prevent leaks. Here's what the finished product should look like. <a href="http://s50.photobucket.com/albums/f312/dj_frankie/DIY%20Sulfur%20Denitrator/?action=view¤t=DSC_0003.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f312/dj_frankie/DIY%20Sulfur%20Denitrator/DSC_0003.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s50.photobucket.com/albums/f312/dj_frankie/DIY%20Sulfur%20Denitrator/?action=view¤t=DSC_0001.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f312/dj_frankie/DIY%20Sulfur%20Denitrator/DSC_0001.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> Hope this makes sense and enjoy the hobby! djfrankie |
on the finished product frankie I know the middle hose is your out put and the one hooked to the maxi jet is the input what is the top hose for?
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To degass the unit. There's quite a bit of sulfate (end product) built up while cycling the unit.
All the gases accumulate on the highest point on the reactor. I ran the effluent hose through the top to see if I wouldn't have to degass it anymore, but it didn't work. The effluent would get clogged up really quick. This way is just a quick 5 second degassing and you don't have to fiddle with the effluent rate every time. HTH, djfrankie |
A cheap way to make a nice Sulfur Denitrator that really work thanks frankie
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Just to show you guys what a difference it has made in my tank only in a matter of days. No water changes have been done!
Picture taken 01/03/2008 <a href="http://s50.photobucket.com/albums/f312/dj_frankie/DIY%20Sulfur%20Denitrator/?action=view¤t=DSC_0412.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f312/dj_frankie/DIY%20Sulfur%20Denitrator/DSC_0412.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> Picture taken 01/07/2008 <a href="http://s50.photobucket.com/albums/f312/dj_frankie/DIY%20Sulfur%20Denitrator/?action=view¤t=DSC_0456.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f312/dj_frankie/DIY%20Sulfur%20Denitrator/DSC_0456.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> Effluent out of Denitrator <a href="http://s50.photobucket.com/albums/f312/dj_frankie/DIY%20Sulfur%20Denitrator/?action=view¤t=DSC_0414.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f312/dj_frankie/DIY%20Sulfur%20Denitrator/DSC_0414.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> All I can say is that I'm very impressed at how fast my nitrates have come down. I'm very excited about this. djfrankie |
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WOW Very NICE!!!
I was just reading TODAY about these in Coral Mag. Just watch out for the sulfate build up in your tank if you use it long term. |
I thought about making one out of PVC, now I have a plan to follow.
Thanks for the write up! |
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djfrankie |
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Let me know when you finish it. djfrankie |
Very nice DIY!! What size pump are you using as the feed?
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when you take it offline for a long period of time does it have any effects on the media? like if i put it on a 7 day timer that ran it for 2 days then off 5 days then on 2 off 5 and repeat for ........ would the media get "sour" for lack of a better term?
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djfrankie |
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According to the manufacturer you can take out the media, rinse it and store it away for an indefinite period of time. It doesn't go bad. djfrankie |
hey this is such an awesome write up, going to give it a shot on my day off friday. thanks again!!! will post a few pics upon completion if i dont eff it up lol.
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djfrankie, how did you determine the size that you would need to make it? From my experience with these, they can be too small and if so, they will not work.
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The amount of media determines how big of a tank you can run it in, not the size of the chamber. In other words, as long as the media fits it's ok. The amount of media that I bought is good up to 250 gallon tanks. In most cases, once the nitrates have come down to near zero levels you have to remove some of the media. The sulfur media works very well. Hope this answers your question. djfrankie |
what kind of cycle time did you have with this reactor? Also which is the input and outlet for the efluent?
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The input is on the same tube where the maxijet's output flows. Effluent output is attached directly to the pvc pipe. Degassing valve is on the top lid. Here's a pic of how it's running now. <a href="http://s50.photobucket.com/albums/f312/dj_frankie/DIY%20Sulfur%20Denitrator/?action=view¤t=DSC_0462.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f312/dj_frankie/DIY%20Sulfur%20Denitrator/DSC_0462.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> djfrankie |
maybe i missed it, but in the pic you just posted of it working currently, where does the hose next to the effluent and off the "T" go? One other thought, would it be too difficult/expensive to use a 4" clear tube for the body rather than the pvc?
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