Best Filter media

[shallow_one]

What is the best filter media? I use plain bio balls from the manufacturer in both my tanks but I can't seems to get my Nitrates down. I have a ~30 gallon and a 12 gallon. The 3-g is a FOWLR and the 12g I am working on adding a few corals to. I have been performing large water changes and they don't seem to help. I was just wondering if I should use a different filter media that would be more effective, i.e. ceramic. Both of these tanks have built-in filters in the back.
The 12g Nitrates are ~40ppm.
The 30g Nitrates are ~80ppm.

 

[sign guy]

:scared: two things clean 1/4 of your bio balls every water change. chanses are thats what causing your spike. and second add a fuge

 

[tperk9784]

Bioballs and other similar filter media only perform the Ammonia --> Nitrite --> Nitrate filtration. Bacteria that eat Nitrate are Anaerobic, and are usually only found in Live rock DSB's or De-nitrators.
In a FOWLR tank Nitrate are much less of a concern than a reef tank. Nitrate is virtually non toxic to the fish except in very high concentrations. Although most people will agree that fish look and act healthier with lower levels of Nitrates in the tank.
If you cannot get your nitrates down even with regular water changes your tank is probably over stocked. You have several
choices. Decrease your Bio-load of your tank, Buy or DIY a De-nitrator or add more live rock. these are by no means the only things you can do but just a few suggestions.
All this is assuming that your tank is fully cycled.