Something to mention in regards to this topic are deep sand beds.
Something to mention in regards to this topic are deep sand beds. As mentioned above, denitrification is another way that nitrates are removed from the water in nature. The bacteria that perform this process convert nitrates into nitrogen gas that is then released out of the water and into the atmosphere. These bacteria are anaerobic, meaning they only exist in areas with no oxygen. So, some aquarists create a home for these bacteria through deep sand beds. Sand is usually so fine that it’s impossible for oxygen exchange to occur because of the compactness of the particles. Feel free to try and replicate this method, but note that it actually takes a very long time for the bacteria to establish. Possibly years.