Step 2 — Algae & Nutrient Control / HR Nitrate Remover™
Reef Essential® · Nutrient Control
Feeds the bacteria that turn nitrate into nothing.
HR Nitrate Remover™ doesn't strip nitrate out chemically — it feeds bioavailable carbon to denitrifying bacteria already living in your rock and sand bed, so they convert nitrate into inert nitrogen gas. Built for readings above 15 ppm.
How denitrification actually works
The bioavailable carbon this product provides feeds denitrifying bacteria — Thiobacillus denitrificans, Micrococcus denitrificans, and species of Serratia, Pseudomonas, and Achromobacter — wherever they've colonized anoxic pockets in your system: inside porous live rock, deep in filter media, or in a sand bed if you run one.
Those bacteria oxidize the carbon into carbon dioxide, and in the process reduce nitrate into chemically inert nitrogen gas. A dedicated deep sand bed isn't required — live rock alone provides plenty of anaerobic surface area, and plenty of bare-bottom tanks see great results with this product.
gas
The end product — chemically inert nitrogen gas, not a compound left behind in your water.
ppm
The threshold where you switch from HR to LR Nitrate Remover for fine maintenance instead.
media
Denitrifying bacteria colonize anoxic pockets in porous live rock and filter media, not just a sand bed — no dedicated deep sand bed required.
What you're actually working with
The requirements and contents behind the dosing numbers.
Contents
Deionized water and bioavailable carbon sources — nothing else. The bacteria in your tank do the rest.
Required parameters
Minimum 15 ppm nitrate, dKH 7 or higher, pH 8.2 or higher before you start dosing.
Protein skimmer required
Must be used in a saltwater aquarium with a protein skimmer, added to a high water flow area.
Works with what you have
Feeds bacteria already present in your live rock, media, and sand bed if you run one — no dedicated deep sand bed required.
Simple directions
Shaking isn't required, though inverting the bottle 3–4 times helps if it's been sitting a while. Careful not to overdose.
Switch to LR at 15 ppm
Once your nitrate drops to 15 ppm or below, move to LR Nitrate Remover for lighter, ongoing maintenance.
Dosing guide
Based on your current nitrate reading. Must be used with a protein skimmer, added to a high water flow.
| Nitrate level | Dose |
|---|---|
| 15 – 30 ppm | 1.5 – 3.0 mL/day per 100L (26 gal) |
| 30 – 45 ppm | 3.0 – 4.5 mL/day per 100L (26 gal) |
| 45 – 60 ppm | 4.56 – 6.0 mL/day per 100L (26 gal) |
| 60 ppm+ | 6.0 mL/day per 100L (26 gal) |
Nitrate already under 15 ppm?
Or dealing with a different nutrient entirely — here's the rest of the line.
LR Nitrate Remover™
Same approach, dosed lighter for readings at or below 15 ppm.
CARBONBio-Active Carbon™
For odor, tannins, heavy metals, and toxins.
PHOSPHATEPhosphate Remover
Pulls out both free and chemically-bound phosphate.
CORALLINESweet Coralline™
Feeds coralline algae growth directly.
Questions about this product
How do I know when to switch to LR Nitrate Remover?+
Do I need a protein skimmer to use this?+
Do I need a sand bed to use this?+
What's actually in this product?+
Not sure how much you need?
The Quantum dosing app calculates exact amounts for your tank size and nitrate level.
Order direct from Quantum