Seachem de*nitrate is a high-porosity filtration media designed for the biological removal of nitrogenous waste in freshwater and marine aquariums. By providing an expansive internal surface area, it supports the growth of both aerobic nitrifying bacteria and anaerobic denitrifying bacteria. When used at the correct flow rate, de*nitrate effectively reduces nitrates ($NO_3$), helping to control nuisance algae and improve overall water quality.
De*nitrate is specifically engineered to foster the "deep" bacterial colonies required to break down nitrate into nitrogen gas.
High Surface Area: The pore size is optimized for the support of anaerobic bacteria, which are essential for the final stage of the nitrogen cycle.
Biological Control: Unlike chemical resins that reach a saturation point, de*nitrate works biologically and continues to function as long as the bacterial colonies are maintained.
Flow Rate Dependency: Optimized for "slow flow" environments (less than 200 L per hour), ensuring that oxygen is depleted within the media to allow anaerobic bacteria to thrive.
Chemically Inert: Does not affect pH or water hardness and will not leach captured waste back into the aquarium.
Versatile Placement: Ideal for use in canister filters, sumps, or specialized "denitrator" reactors.
How is de*nitrate different from Seachem Matrix? Both are biological media, but de*nitrate is smaller in size and specifically optimized for low-flow environments (under 200 L/hr) to maximize nitrate removal. Matrix is better suited for high-flow filters.
How long does it take for de*nitrate to start working? Because it relies on biological growth, it can take 2–4 weeks for the anaerobic bacteria to colonize the media and begin significantly reducing nitrate levels.
Does de*nitrate ever need to be replaced? As a biological media, it does not "wear out." However, it should be rinsed periodically in aquarium water (not tap water) to remove debris that could clog the pores.
Seachem Stability: Add during the initial setup of de*nitrate to jump-start the colonization of beneficial denitrifying bacteria.
Seachem Pristine: Works alongside de*nitrate to biologically break down the organic sludge that can clog biological media.
Seachem The Bag: A high-quality filter bag designed to hold de*nitrate media securely in your filter or sump.
