Skimmer vs dentitrifier ???

[ShooterRick]

Being a newbie I am trying to get a handle on these 2.

A PTS removes free organics to limit amonia, nitrites, with the end game being to get nitrates as close to 0 as possible. Is this correct?

A denitrifier is also used to get nitrates as close to 0 as possibe. Is this correct?

If both are true what does one provide over the other to make it the best choice for this goal?

Please help a old guy understand. Thanks

 

[AquaRick]

A denitrifier basically removes nitrates in an aquarium system by using anaerobic bacteria to remove the oxygen in the denitrifier, forcing them to eventually removing nitrates from your system. In a coil system you have to cycle your coil in a similar way you'd cycle your tank so that the anaerobic/ anoxic bacteria have time to populate your denitrifier. The flow on these has to be just right and in my opinion a nightmare to adjust etc. You don't see these around too much anymore except for large aquariums etc.

A skimmer on the other hand, removes organic particles from your system before it has a chance to it decompose into ammonia, nitrite, nitrate etc. It's basically easing up the load on the natural filters in your aquarium (LR,LS, Beneficial bacteria) so that it can handle the rest. Nitrates are usually removed by plants and\or PWCs. Once dialed in, a skimmer needs no maintenance besides emptying the skimmer cup from time to time as needed.