Seachem de*nitrate is a natural, porous material with a pore distribution and geometry designed to promote aerobic nitrification within the first few millimeters of depth and anaerobic denitrification in the core. It has a large surface area that supports a high density of bacteria.

While Seachem de*nitrate has the ability to trap nitrates, their removal depends mainly on the anaerobic process. Denitrification is similar to the process followed by "live" rock or reef rock, which also remove nitrates through anaerobic denitrification.