This web page provides additional information on feeding the Aquaripure with the EZ feed system. 

Aquaripure is the innovator of an easy way to “feed” a nitrate filter that will maximize its efficiency by using the EZ-feed system (patent pending.)  Many of the most expensive models of nitrate filters available require that you feed the filter expensive additives of one sort or the other.  In a "sulfur" nitrate filter, the sulfur itself is considered the nutrient for the bacteria.  The effluent is highly acidic and must be buffered.  The resulting effluent is very hard and also high in sulfates.  The costly sulfur and buffer media must be also replaced.  With the EZ-feed system, you can obtain all of the benefits of these systems without the drawbacks and the extra expense.  Best of all it only costs pennies and takes seconds of your time! 

Why would you feed the Aquaripure?

     The bacteria inside the Aquaripure cannot live on nitrates alone.  Some type of carbon energy source has to be present for the bacteria to break down the nitrates.  There may not be enough organic matter in your aquarium's water to break down all of the nitrates.  Essentially “feeding” the Aquaripure makes it more efficient.  Without the EZ-feed system the Aquaripure will break down some of the nitrates but not all of them. 

What do you feed the Aquaripure?

You do not need to purchase any expensive proprietary additives. 

     For the nutrients, you will either need to use ethanol (alcohol) C₂H₆O, sucrose (table sugar) C₁₂H₂₂O₁₁ or a similar carbon energy source (corn syrup.)  The best form of ethanol to use is inexpensive vodka (80-100 proof, 40-50% ethanol) without any flavorings added.  Alternately, you can make about a 33% sugar and water solution (that’s 1 part sugar to 2 parts water).  You can also buy Grenadine which is a syrup solution found in the liquor isle but which contains corn syrup colored red instead of ethanol or sucrose.  Ethanol is preferable to sucrose or Grenadine however.  Simply inject the solution directly into the feeding tube using the syringe provided.  Do not use methanol or any form of denatured or rubbing alcohol.  A very small amount of nutrient will actually be injected directly into the denitrator.  This small amount of nutrient will be used by bacteria in the Aquaripure and will not harm the aquarium in any way.

How do you feed the Aquaripure?

Simply insert the syringe (there is no needle) in the feeding tube and inject the ethanol or sucrose solution into the Aquaripure every 3-7 days.  It's easy, fun, and takes just seconds!  If you are unable to inject the nutrient as often as recommended, the filter will still work but possibly not at 100% capacity.           Small-      inject 4 ml of nutrient Medium-   inject 8 ml of nutrient Large-      inject 15 ml of nutrient X-Large-   inject 20 ml of nutrient

It's recommended that you inject nutrient about twice a week for the first few months until the Aquaripure is completely cycled and nitrates are under control.  After that most users will maintain satisfactory results only injecting nutrient once a week although some users might need to continue using nutrient twice a week to keep nitrates at zero.  In some challenging aquariums some users have reported success using a two day cycle.  They inject slightly more than half (for example 3, 5, 9, 12 ml in the small, medium, large, XL) of the recommended nutrient every two days and adjust the flow rate when they inject the nutrient.

That's it!  Just a few ounces of sugar or a bottle of inexpensive vodka will last the Large Aquaripure about one whole year!  So just a few minutes a week and a few dollars a year is all it takes to keep your aquarium water clean and free of algae and nitrates.