The Seachem De-nitrate is a cost-effective, natural, porous material with a pore distribution and geometry that promotes both aerobic nitrification and anaerobic denitrification within the first few millimeters of depth. The material has a large surface area and can support a large number of bacteria. Although De-nitrate has the ability to trap nitrate, it is quite limited, as are other nitrate retaining materials such as certain zeolites and synthetic resins, and the primary mechanism of nitrate removal is anaerobic.
Anaerobic denitrification removes nitrate from "live" rocks or reef rocks. The same process is used to remove nitrate by De-nitrate. By forcing the water to filter through the porous De-nitrate, efficiency is increased severalfold. As with reef rock, anaerobic conditions are achieved through porosity and the depletion of oxygen at the surface by the aerobic process. Excessive flow rates should thus be avoided, as they may impede the development of a suitable anaerobic environment for denitrifying bacteria.
The De-nitrate is also an excellent aerobic nitrification media, and it works well as a biological filter in drip trays, canister filters, sumps, and even box filters. It will only function as an aerobic filter at high flow rates (greater than 380L per hour). It will function as both an aerobic and an anaerobic denitrifying filter at low flow rates (less than 190L per hour).
