denitrate 1 L — Biomedia Natural Anaerobic Denitrification | Seachem

Seachem Denitrate 1L is a natural, porous, and economical biomedia whose pore distribution and geometry promote both aerobic nitrification at the surface and anaerobic denitrification within the media. It removes nitrates through the same process as live rock, with increased efficiency by forcing water to filter through its porous structure. The 1L format is suitable for denitrification reactors in medium-sized reef aquariums. Unlike sulfur-based media, it does not produce hydrogen sulfide.

Main advantages

• Natural anaerobic denitrification — removes nitrates like live rock, with superior efficiency
• Dual function: aerobic nitrification (ammonia, nitrites) + anaerobic denitrification (nitrates)
• High surface area and high bacterial density — porous natural material
• No danger from hydrogen sulfide — unlike sulfur-based media
• Never runs out — permanent biomedia, requires no replacement
• 1 L format — ideal for filling a dedicated denitrification reactor

Use in reef and marine aquariums

Denitrate works thanks to its porous structure: oxygen is consumed by aerobic bacteria on the surface, creating anaerobic conditions in the core of the media where denitrifying bacteria remove nitrates. Flow rate is critical for denitrification: at flow rates below 200 L/h (50 US gallons/h), denitrate functions as both an aerobic and anaerobic denitrifying filter. At flow rates above 400 L/h (100 US gallons/h), it functions only as an aerobic filter. If high flow rates are unavoidable, use Seachem Matrix or Pond Matrix.

Instructions for use

• Rinse off the dust before use
• Place in a cartridge filter, chemical filtration module, box filter, or media reactor
• The flow rate must not exceed 200 L/h (50 US gallons/h) for denitrification.
• After a few days of use, nitrate levels should begin to decrease and stabilize at around 4–5 mg/L
• As long as nitrates remain under control, the product is not exhausted.
• Pre-filter the water with foam or cotton wool before adding the denitrate to prolong its lifespan.

denitrate vs Matrix

Denitrate and Matrix are both permanent biomedia that support denitrification, but with different applications. Denitrate is smaller (gravel-sized) and more efficient per volume for nitrate reduction at low flow rates (less than 200 L/h), ideal for use in a dedicated reactor. Matrix is ​​larger (10 mm) and supports denitrification at higher flow rates, ideal for use in a canister or sump. The two can be combined for complete biofiltration.

Interview

Nitrate doesn't run out but can become clogged with debris and biofilm. Pre-filtering the water upstream with foam or filter floss significantly extends its lifespan. Rinse periodically with aquarium water if necessary, being careful not to harm the internal bacteria.

Available formats

• 100 ml
• 250 ml
• 500 ml
• 1 L
• 2 L
• 4 L
• 20 L
• 100 L

Why choose denitrate from ReefSolution?

The 1 L format is ideal for filling a dedicated denitrification reactor with a low-flow pump. Combine it with Seachem Matrix in the canister or sump for high-flow nitrification, and use Seachem Stability to accelerate bacterial colonization. Monitor your nitrate levels with the Salifert Nitrate Test Kit or the Hanna Nitrate Checker.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 1 L format sufficient for a denitrification reactor?

Yes. The 1 L format fills a standard-sized denitrification reactor. With a pump set to a flow rate of less than 200 L/h, nitrates should begin to decrease after a few days and stabilize around 4–5 mg/L.

Does denitrate work if you simply place it in the sump?

When placed freely in the sump, the denitrate unit primarily functions as an aerobic filter (ammonia and nitrites) because the flow rate is generally too high for denitrification. For nitrate removal, a dedicated reactor with a low-flow pump is recommended.

Does denitrate absorb copper?

No. Denitrate does not absorb copper, making it ideal as a biomedia in quarantine aquariums where copper treatments are used.