North American Sourced | 0.375” Nominal | Approximately 1.025 kg / L
Aids in reduction and long-term control of nitrite and nitrate in heavy bioload systems, as well as reduction of potassium in aquaculture systems employing KOH.
 
As with all Captiv8 Aquaculture solid phase products, this material is sold dry and by unit mass, not volume (volume is density-dependent, and is unsuitable as a means of measuring material which does not expand regardless of moisture content).
 
It is advisable to rinse this media in non-chlorinated water prior to use, for the purpose of removing dust which may have settled during transit; this step may be skipped if desired.
 
For reduction and control of ammonium, nitrite, and nitrate: In established aquaculture and/or aquarium systems, begin with 1 kg of Extric8 Z per 200 gallons net system volume.  Recommended is to place media in a flow-through vessel, such as a media canister, with a flow rate of 10% net system volume per hour; a sediment pre-filter is strongly suggested, to minimize accumulation of latent particulate organic material within vessel, which would otherwise degrade the ability of the media to remove ammonium.  Prior to use, determine system nitrite and/or nitrate concentration(s); these concentrations will gradually decrease as ammonium is removed from the system by this filtration media.  Allow 48 hours for nitrate reduction to become evident on test kit.  Thereafter, re-test nitrate every 48 - 72 hours, or as desired.  When nitrate concentration begins to increase, then filtration media is exhausted and should be entirely replaced.  Once target nitrate value is achieved, flow rate may be decreased (if desired) to maintain the concentration within a narrow range.  To achieve this, decrease flow rate through vessel by approx. 10%, allow 24 hours to elapse, and test nitrate.  Continue to decrease flow in this manner until nitrate remains within 5% of target value for 24 hours.  If nitrate increases, increase flow rate by 10%, wait 24 hours and re-test nitrate.  If nitrate continues to increase, then media is likely exhausted and should be entirely replaced.
 
For reduction of potassium:  Prior to use, determine system potassium concentration.  Do not permit potassium concentration in the system to fall below the critical value for cohort members (refer to published data for the organisms being maintained within the system to determine that value); in marine ecosystems, this value is approx. 390 mg/L at S=35.2.  In established aquaculture and/or aquarium systems, begin with 1 kg of Extric8 Z per 400 gallons net system volume.  Recommended is to place media in a flow-through vessel, such as a media canister, with a flow rate of 10% net system volume per hour; a sediment pre-filter is strongly suggested, to minimize accumulation of latent particulate organic material within vessel, which would otherwise degrade the ability of the media to remove potassium.  Allow 5 hours for potassium reduction to become evident on test kit.  Thereafter, re-test potassium every 48 - 72 hours, or as desired.  When potassium concentration reaches desired value, remove filtration media from operation; drain water from media, store in a sealable container, and re-use as necessary.  Place media back into operation as necessary.  When potassium concentration begins to increase, then filtration media is exhausted and should be entirely replaced.