DIY plans for Coil Denitrator

[danny zubot]

Nice design. I've seen them with the coil outside of the 3" pvc as well, which seems like an easier route, but yours looks nicer.

Say, does anyone in Calgary have the appropriate tap and die set? *hint hint*

I don't have a tap and die set, but with those fittings a bit of appoxy works well to create a good seal.

[howdy20012002]

that is an idea.
just drill out the hole as big as the outside diameter of the fitting and then just silicon it.
a bit messier but probably just as effective.
there is really very little pressure on it and it probably woudl be fine.
Neal

[TRIX]

I've got a tap and die set. I'm not sure what sizes it has but PM me if someone needs to borrow it. I have a fairly new tank so Frag would be considered a very much appreciated donation, LOL

[mark]

The one thing I seen to be missing is why all the effort either sealing or using fittings where the 1/4" tubing passes into the PVC?

I'm assuming the 1/4" tubing inside the PVC is a continuous loop, the PVC is just to contain the 1/4" in a dark environment and bio-balls are put in, in same plans, just the hold the coil's shape. Wouldn't it work just as well if a couple of holes drilled in the cap a the line passing through?

[danny zubot]

I always have a hard time finding them as well. Which home depot carries them?

[howdy20012002]

you could definitely just run the 1/4 hose going in and out and silicon right around that.
Then you could just put a inline valve on the output tube before it goes back into the tank. that way you could control the output flow back into the tank to a medium rate drip.
I just did the threaded valves cuz it looks cleaner and I had access to a tap and die set.
However, whatever works.
good suggestion though and anyone can do that with a drill..which most of us have.
it would also save you a couple of bucks for the valves..minus the one inline valve.

[untamed]

Originally Posted by mark

The one thing I seen to be missing is why all the effort either sealing or using fittings where the 1/4" tubing passes into the PVC?

I'm assuming the 1/4" tubing inside the PVC is a continuous loop, the PVC is just to contain the 1/4" in a dark environment and bio-balls are put in, in same plans, just the hold the coil's shape. Wouldn't it work just as well if a couple of holes drilled in the cap a the line passing through?

Hmmm...I think that the coil delivers low oxygen water to the bottom of the chamber, then the water filters up through the bioballs. Based on this, the holes up top would have to be sealed well, but there would be little pressure against the seals.

[BCOrchidGuy]

I believe that the coil delivers water to the bottom of the chamber that has no oxygen as it was used up in the beginning of the coil. The denitrifying takes place in the later part of the coil where the oxygen has been stripped from the water. The bio balls provide more surface for the bacteria that lives in oxygen starved environment so you get that extra anoxic area for the denitrifying bacteria to grow. Yes the system has to be sealed from outside air and from light as you don't want algae growing.

If I've got this wrong please let me know.

Doug

[cav~firez22]

well i got mine complete. just having troubles with the outlet, at it is leaking. will be re siliconing it and trying again. i just need to figure out how to get the drips into a container to airaid, and then back to the tank, as i have no sump.. Filtration is a Fluvy 404.