Originally Posted by
Bambam05
http:///forum/post/3093652
I was also told not to use bio-balls in my tank... I really dont know why this is but could anyone explain thanks? I am wondering if I should take them out?
Bio balls are fine for a Fish Only tank, but not desired for reef tanks that need low nitrates.
Bio balls are designed to produce nitrates. (if your cleaning them, you are temporarly stopping them from doing what they are supposed to do). They are designed to convert the very toxic ammonia and nitrite, into a less/non toxic nitrate.
Bio Balls will harbor aerobic (oxygen rich) bacteria, due to the oxygen rich water continuously passing over the balls. Areobic (oxygen rich) bacteria is superior (to anaerobic) at converting the ammonia to nitrate, but thats where it stops.. At the nitrate stage.. they produce nitrates Washing them will wash away the bacteria, but your also washing away the ability to convert the more toxic ammonia...
To "Denitrify" (Needed for tanks with corals/inverts) you need anaerobic bacteria. (low oxygen) anaerobic bacteria grows in our live rock and deep sand beds. Anaerobic bacteria goes one step beyond the capabilities aerobic bacteria, by turning that nitrate into a harmless gas that will pass off into the atmosphere.
Why not use bio balls (aerobic) to convert the ammonia, and then use live rock (anaerobic) to denitrify?? Because, both types of bacteria are competing for the same food source (ammonia), and neither will ever reach their full potential if they are competing.
Hole in the head can often be caused by poor water quality, and can sometimes be cured by correcting the water and feeding GOOD foods.
Ick is usually stress related, and will usually be cured by removing the stress and feeding GOOD foods.
3 clowns in a tank will usually result in stressful situations especially if the tank is on the smaller side and especially if they are different species.
A pH of 7.3 is not out of the norm after being transported in a sealed container that is receiving no oxygen
