H&S Sulphur/Nitrate Filter 110-F1000

[Melvyn Tan]

Hi,

I am reviewing the H&S Sulphur/Nitrate Filter which i have acquired about 1 month ago. Due to the messy sump conditions and decision to do away the natural deep sand bed and also to contain everything possible within the sump, i decided on the Sulphur/Nitrate Filter after much deliberation.

Filtration Method

This filtration method employed a containment with a circulating internal pump which also act as a feed pump to draw the sump water into the unit, this keep circulation in motion and conditions right. Water exit through the tubing with an adjustment to control the drip(s) at the top most part of the unit.

Filtration System

This method of filtration employs an anaerobic condition which uses autotrophic denitrification bacteria and with the presence of sulphur element, species of Thiobacillus denitrificans and Thiomicrospira denitrificans (essentially the T. denitrificans) will oxidize various forms of reduced sulfur to sulfate, while reducing nitrate to liberate the oxygen for their own use, thus in the conversion, it results in the release of nitrogen.

To further your interest, you can find reading materials here; Sulphur based denitrification and Research status

The H&S Sulphur/Nitrate Filter

I picked the smallest available hobbyist model 110-F1000 which is rated for treatment for tank up to 1000l. The physical construction of the unit is without a doubt solidly made and hence will not dwell into the quality of the make as it is well known to be good. The design is of particular interest as it will determine how efficient it will work.

It utilises a reverse flow method, water is drawn-in at the bottom and gets pumped upwards and a tube within the unit aids the recirculation of the water via the pump. It is recommended a fill mixture of 2/3 sulphur beads and 1/3 coral gravel. The understood working methodology is that as the strong internal circulation encourages the growth of the required bacterias, the upward push will mean the conversion processing utilising the sulphur elements by the T.denitrificans to liberate nitrate to nitrogen and this flow method will enable the nitrogen gas to leave the unit together with the drips via the drip tube. To further add, in the conversion process the water will become acidic and the coral gravel above will buffer the water. This will result in the total effluent from the unit exiting which is one of high dkh and calcium ions.

Monitoring

2-3 days after operation, presence of the bacteria at work is evident as bubbles starts to form at the interstices. Measurement was conducted and measures the same as day one >50ppm. Drip rate is adjusted at 1 drop per second. In approximately week 2-3 brownish film (bacteria) can be found spreading throughout the unit, measurement taken about 5ppm between week 3-4, dripping increased to 2-3 drops per sec. Voids within the sulphur beads can be seen to gapped wider, signs of sulphur utilisation.

In week 1, the water at the topmost part of the unit remains clear. Towards week 3 the water becomes chalky. Whilst taking measurement for nitrate from the drip, dkh 12 was measured. In week 4 the measurement of nitrate is at 2.5ppm and thereafter 0ppm at approximately 2-3 drops per sec. Effluent is chalky when exiting and drip rate is being increased to hasten the pace of denitrification for the main tank.

Although at week 4, a measurement was taken for the main tank at 40ppm, it may not be exacting to say that overall denitrification for the main tank takes place, as i have only taken 1 measurement. A continuous measurement for the nitrate level in the tank will be conducted, conditions will be as such;

1) No changing of water for the entire month of October - November

2) Feedings still the same at 6 cubes mysis shrimps, pellets (Formula 1&2 and Kent Platinum), seaweed

3) Fishes of all sorts; Angels - 1 Blueface, 1 French, Tangs - 1 Orange shoulder, 1 Purple, 1 Yellow, 1 Sohal, 1 Powder Blue, 1 Sun burst, 7 Chromises, 2 Mandarins and some minor others

Monitoring for the main tank will continue, for the interested lot - patience appreciated.

In an overall view of this process of sulphur based denitrification, it is relatively a new method (developed in 1991 in the earliest documentation) and no reports of destruction to tanks encountered to date except that for some hobbyist users who encounters "crash" due to usage of chemical treatments of some sort which believed led to massive die-offs of bacteria (as read in certain forums - although exacting verifications cannot be made).

The columnal unit maximises space saving for denitrification processing and power draws only 10w, medias as understood will last at least 1 year which means low running cost.

The unit is very well made both in terms of materials, workmanship and design for the purpose. And not forgetting the ease of usage. One caution to note is that, preference is for the installation of a one way flow-adapter at the tubing at the top in prevention of cases of power failure, water discharge via the pump. Changing of media must be noted too, as the pump must be plugged else you will lost some bacteria (no big deal as it will just take a slight while latter for infestation).

A thumbs up for this one in my case.

[Melvyn Tan]

Some pics

[Melvyn Tan]

Medias added

[Melvyn Tan]

Coral gravel - to be of size 10mm

[Melvyn Tan]

Unit fully loaded

[Melvyn Tan]

Top part of the unit, adjustment of the effluent drops. Additional tubing required for discharge to appropriate sump compartment.

[Melvyn Tan]

Space saving

[Melvyn Tan]

Picture of media with T.denitrificans

[Melvyn Tan]

Another

[Melvyn Tan]

From this...

[Melvyn Tan]

to this in approximately 4 weeks

[zephyros]

hi bros ... thanks for sharing this review.

will keep a lookup on this review coz looking for a similar product

as well.

Juz a thot, this seems to work like the AquaMedic Denitrator

cheers

[csloo]

Where this product avaiable? Only order from internet? How much?

[Tigger]

Can get from Sealife if u wish to feed some Vpower to the Jaguar.

[zorden]

HOW MUCH IS PER SET????

[Melvyn Tan]

Not too sure whether the pricing part is good to be mentioned here, but as far as the product and design itself to me serves its purpose, i believe the price point justifies it.

Some of my own thoughts, since everytime the cost issue inevitably comes up.

We do have many venturi, needle wheel based product and even some local DIY equivalents which do have some unmistakably "look alike the original" type of skimmers, but if the price point is not any lower than 50% of of the originals eg. ###### Becketts or H&S or deltecs or Schurans, then it might be better off buying the originals - not forgetting patent rights which may sooner or later be caught up with (we do have some occasional examples in here sometimes whether in instances of products or illegal lifestocks hehehe).

To reef responsibly also amounts to act responsibly if we want to have a more sustainable hobby in years to come. Sometimes i think that if keen competition from "copies" acts in a way that eventually kills off originals, will the price of such "copies" adjust itself, upwards or downwards? Also not forgetting constant research improvements which the copies am sure are not doing that.

I look forward to receiving upcoming supports and services in the money i pay for each and every product, and till now is satisfied with it. So feeding the Jaguar is one thing (since i can afford the Jaguar) but in return i will expect the same Jaguar treatment when i need it.

Anyway lets move on in reviews. In my deliberation in deciding for the H&S i understand that Aquamedic too do have similar sulphur based denitrification one model comes with 2 cylindrical unit (sulphur and carbonate) another one is a combi (not sure of the design though) and the patent one is with the deniballs. I did consider it at some point, but i also weigh design performance vs aesthetics not that i have anything against Aquamedics - i sometimes have weird tastes

[firestream]

I was wondering how much is the sulphur beads cost and where to get them.

[zorden]

just a rough pricing will do...

[Melvyn Tan]

Still think its better to check with Sealife, the cost includes all medias + misc. accessories.

[Melvyn Tan]

Tigger might get a good price for the unit though...seems like the Jag has a liking for cute looking things

[angelfish]

haha! bro Melvyn, you really fan of H&S product. i'm using the skimmer & Calcium reactor also

[Melvyn Tan]

I think the product in terms of its design for performance and workmanship is good so buy lah... I suppose the most important thing would be the support, knowledge and service which is pretty much unsurpassed.

Anyway, since you have the calcium reactor, would you mind telling me more about it or perhaps a review? I am seriously thinking of getting a good calcium reactor.

[zarkon]

Hi Bro,

Found this article, are they talking about the same thing here?

http://www.aquaculturemag.com/siteenglish/...dfs/PARAGO1.PDF

[Tigger]

Tigger might get a good price for the unit though...seems like the Jag has a liking for cute looking things 

Nah, my little blue hamster only drink RON92, how can I feed Jaguar with Vpower? Besides, my hamster is afraid of being eaten by Jaguar. Haha.

Denitrator is only on my wish list, not wanted list. My next immediate needs are lighting upgrade. 2x250w.

[angelfish]

I think the product in terms of its design for performance and workmanship is good so buy lah... I suppose the most important thing would be the support, knowledge and service which is pretty much unsurpassed.

Anyway, since you have the calcium reactor, would you mind telling me more about it or perhaps a review? I am seriously thinking of getting a good calcium reactor.

bro Melvyn, i donno how to write review lah. maybe we can discuss about it when we meet again in SL

BTW we met on last friday, remember we talked about the sulphur reactor