Brightwell Xport-NO3 Brick — Anaerobic denitrification media brick Reef Marine Aquarium - Brightwell

Brightwell Xport-NO3 Brick — sulfur-doped ceramic media for denitrification

The Brightwell Xport-NO3 Brick is an ultra-porous ceramic brick media, purpose-built for denitrification. Made in the United States by Brightwell Aquatics, it targets marine aquariums and hard freshwater (pH ≥ 7.5). The brick is doped with elemental sulfur to serve as an electron donor for anaerobic denitrifying bacteria, and with aragonite to buffer pH at the colony layer.

The brick delivers more than 71,000 sq ft (6,596 m²) of useable surface per litre of media — the same extreme porosity as the standard Xport-BIO Brick, but optimized by the sulfur for NO₃ → N₂ gas conversion. The product also reduces phosphate and dissolved organics.

What Xport-NO3 Brick is for and when to use it

• Nitrate that stops dropping — mature tanks where NO₃ plateaus despite the biological routine and water changes.
• Backing a probiotic method — support for carbon dosing (Reef BioFuel, Katalyst) when biology needs a stable anaerobic site.
• SPS systems with heavy coral load — tanks where NO₃ must be kept low and steady without relying on a refugium alone.
• Alternative to deep live rock — on tanks without natural anaerobic zones (aerated rockwork, open sump), the brick supplies the missing compartment.

Brightwell official use

• Basic dose: 1 Xport-NO3 Brick per 1,000 US gal (3,800 L) of system capacity.
• Maximum: do not exceed 1 brick per 100 US gal of capacity.
• Bricks can be cut in half for smaller systems (down to ~100 US gal, whole brick recommended).
• Anoxic zone: place beneath the water surface in a severely restricted-flow area to maximize denitrification.
• Carbon source required: Brightwell explicitly recommends pairing with a carbon source to feed the denitrifying biology — Katalyst bio pellets or Reef BioFuel liquid.
• Aerobic use (nitrification): ideal flow 40 to 80 L/hr if the brick is mounted above the water to cover NH₃ + NO₂ instead of denitrification.

Specifications

• Brand: Brightwell Aquatics (made in the USA)
• Dimensions: approximately 9" x 4.5" x 2.5" (each brick hand-cast)
• Useable surface: ~71,000 sq ft (6,596 m²) per litre of media
• Composition: ultra-porous ceramic doped with elemental sulfur and aragonite
• Compatibility: marine and hard freshwater aquariums (pH ≥ 7.5)
• Primary target: denitrification (NO₃ → N₂)

Why choose Brightwell at ReefSolution

• Brightwell Xport-BIO Brick — the standard ceramic brick oriented on aerobic nitrification, a complement to Xport-NO3.
• Aquaforest NP Pro — the probiotic carbon source to pair with Xport-NO3 to feed the denitrifying biology.
• Salifert Nitrate Test Kit — the precise titration kit down to 0.05 ppm to track the brick's denitrifying action.

Frequently asked questions

How do I place an Xport-NO3 Brick to maximize denitrification?

Brightwell is precise: beneath the water surface in a severely restricted-flow zone. The brick has to sit in an anoxic zone — not in main flow or under a waterfall. A closed sump compartment with minimal flow works better than a placement in the middle of an open sump.

Do I need to add carbon with the Xport-NO3 Brick?

Yes — Brightwell explicitly recommends pairing with a carbon source (Katalyst bio pellets or Reef BioFuel liquid) to feed the denitrifying bacteria colonizing the brick. Without carbon, NO₃ → N₂ conversion does not start efficiently.

How many Xport-NO3 Bricks for my aquarium?

Brightwell publishes 1 brick per 1,000 US gal of system capacity, with an absolute maximum of 1 brick per 100 US gal. On a 100 US gal tank, a full brick works. For smaller systems, cut the brick in half with a hacksaw.

Can I use an Xport-NO3 Brick in a freshwater aquarium?

Yes — Brightwell notes the brick is compatible with hard freshwater (pH ≥ 7.5). On an African cichlid tank or a planted system on a limestone substrate, it supports denitrification when nutrient load is high.