bio balls

[pipes18079]

i am starting to put polyps in my tank that has been up since dec. and my local fish guy said for me to remove my bio balls from my filter. Has any one heard of this any info would be great i am new to this and would like to get some color in the tank but want to do it right.

 

[nm reef]

I believe the reason that some folks remove the bio-balls from mechanical filtration is because they tend to reach a point where they can actually contribute to the accumulation of nitrates. I don't use any type of mechanical filtration other than a skimmer on my reef. If you do decide to remove the bio-balls do it slowly over an extended period of time.

 

[gsxr1100]

you can use bio-balls without a problem. I think a guy on here called Thomas is the KING of this info.
It is up to you. you can not use them and be fine; and use them and be fine.

 

[nm reef]

Well Thomas may be the king of bio-ball info...but I believe care needs to be taken when running mechanical filtration with bio-balls. They are a good source for the accumulation of bacteria which can consume nitrates...but in time they will become saturated and after that point they can and will begin to contribute to the accumulation of excess nitrates. If they are used and if they are properly maintained they can be a positive contribution to the filtration. But...care does need to be taken....and many hobbyists that maintain reef systems do not use mechanical filtration devices...much less bio-balls.
But...Thomas is the source of all the "expert" advice on the subject...so by all means seek him out and request his input. As for me....in a reef....I'd insure care was taken to prevent bio-balls or any other type of mechanical filtration from causing more problems than they prevent.
:thinking: :thinking:

 

[thomas712]

Help me Susan I'm getting week, must resist :nervous:
pipes18079 - There is a ton of information on bio balls, all you need do is use the search function, use "bio balls" and then if you like put my name in the other slot "Thomas712" and you will come up with plenty of bio ball posts.
Thomas
Me a king :notsure: Don't tell Beth :nope:

 

[gsxr1100]

I agree. I run 100 micron filter pads in my overflow before my BB. Sump is very clean and the owner needs to keep it clean and everything clean (normal practice).

 

[nm reef]

No offense intended sir thomas.....

 

[thomas712]

None taken my friendly Wizard

We each have our methods, and as stated recently I have removed my bio balls as well, as they became obsolete with the 55 gallon filtration tank with chaeto and DSB. I am enjoying a rather healthy system at the moment with stable chemistry.