Denitrification vs nitrification and DSB question

psariandras said:

what kind of rock is better to use, highly porous rock, or dense rock?

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Porous, as it not only provides more surface area, but all the little holes and caves that a great many reef critters use as homes. That and its lighter, thus cheaper.

generally speaking is denitrification more important or nitrification in the reef tank?

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Both, Although you are not going to stop nitrification from happening anyways simply because the biofilms that form on all surfaces within the aquarium will convert the ammonia into other nitrogen forms. Denitrification is of course nice to have happen as well. But does so only when we provide the conditions for it to happen, such as DSBs or denitrification units. Some denitrification will also occur within very porous rocks as well.

Are there certain setups where it would be advantageous to use dense rock over porous or vise versa?

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Not that I can think of, again, a porous rock would in my opinion, be far superior over dense rock in any situation or set up.

I was reading in a book that a DSB, used properly, will produce all the bio-filtration needed, to the point where live rock is not needed.

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That is true, but would depend upon the bioload of the tank. If its a light load, then I would trust the DSB to handle what is being produced. But... in a normal set up, and our having to feed the tank, I would want some live rock as well. Besides, without the rocks, where is all the other life going to live...lol

Chuck