R
reflectz
Guest
Hi, has anyone used clayballs instead of bioballs. I was told by the local aquarium, that it helps cycles the tank quicker, and also keep nitrate at a low level. Has anyone got it setup in their tank?
ophiura
Active Member
I have never heard of them, personally.....
Whether bioballs, LR rubble, or other, all can contribute to nitrate issues if not properly cared for. There is no magic there. I am assuming they feel that there is some sort of central area of the clay that assists in breaking down nitrate, however, I am not so sure. A wet dry area, kinda by definition, is a highly oxygenated area that is brilliant for the rapid conversion of ammonia to nitrite and then to nitrate. Nitrate needs an anaerobic area to be broken down, and I am not sure how effective it woould be. Typically in a Deep Sand Bed or deep within LR, this is accomplished.
I would have to look this up in terms of the clay.
But I would be very concerned about the composition of the clay. And if it is more expensive than bioballs, then I would be concerned they are simply trying to sell you something that is not terribly more effective that something else.
Whether bioballs, LR rubble, or other, all can contribute to nitrate issues if not properly cared for. There is no magic there. I am assuming they feel that there is some sort of central area of the clay that assists in breaking down nitrate, however, I am not so sure. A wet dry area, kinda by definition, is a highly oxygenated area that is brilliant for the rapid conversion of ammonia to nitrite and then to nitrate. Nitrate needs an anaerobic area to be broken down, and I am not sure how effective it woould be. Typically in a Deep Sand Bed or deep within LR, this is accomplished.
I would have to look this up in terms of the clay.
But I would be very concerned about the composition of the clay. And if it is more expensive than bioballs, then I would be concerned they are simply trying to sell you something that is not terribly more effective that something else.
R
reflectz
Guest
I've had the clay balls in the sump since Wednesday and the cycling had started since 31st May and now the ammonia level is at 0.1ppm. I was told that it has help with the cycle. I haven't test the nitrate levels yet. but looks like it has helped.
ophiura
Active Member
But it is impossible to know if this has really helped more than any other biomedia. If they are just plain dry clay things, there is no reason, IMO, to think they would assist the cycle any more than typical bioballs. IMO, your cycle seems to be running normally.
Now live rock and live sand will directly speed up the cycling process and bacteria is already seeded on the LR.
Now live rock and live sand will directly speed up the cycling process and bacteria is already seeded on the LR.