dirk_brijs
Member
what are the cons and or pros of incorporating bio balls into you filter system?
what are the cons and pros of Bio balls?
- Thread starter dirk_brijs
- Start date
btldreef
Moderator
Originally Posted by GeoJ
http:///forum/post/3295798
They don't do much of anything...
I hope Florida Joe sees this thread! ....
http:///forum/post/3295798
They don't do much of anything...
I hope Florida Joe sees this thread! ....
spanko
Active Member
PROS
Bioballs and biomedia in general provide large amounts of surface area where water and air are constantly being circulated around them. This is a perfect breeding ground for nitrfying bacteria, the bacteria that convert ammonia to nitrite and nitrite to nitrate.
CONS
They do require a regularly scheduled maintenance program to keep detritus from accumulating on them.
Bioballs and biomedia in general provide large amounts of surface area where water and air are constantly being circulated around them. This is a perfect breeding ground for nitrfying bacteria, the bacteria that convert ammonia to nitrite and nitrite to nitrate.
CONS
They do require a regularly scheduled maintenance program to keep detritus from accumulating on them.
srfisher17
Active Member
Originally Posted by spanko
http:///forum/post/3295830
PROS
Bioballs and biomedia in general provide large amounts of surface area where water and air are constantly being circulated around them. This is a perfect breeding ground for nitrfying bacteria, the bacteria that convert ammonia to nitrite and nitrite to nitrate.
CONS
They do require a regularly scheduled maintenance program to keep detritus from accumulating on them.
You bet! Especially for tanks that don't have large amounts of LR. I've see several posts that you need to regularly scrub each bio-ball. Don't do this. the slimy coating is home to nitrfying bacteria. just give them a whoosh in tankwater to remove loose crud. Water from a water change is fine.
A downside (if you consider it that)--they will do nothing to remove nitrate, just the more dangerous ammonia and nitrite. But, LR or an expensive reactor are really the only filtration methods that will remove the nitrate anyway. IMO: they are excellent filtration media for newer hobbyists or those with fish-only tanks who aren't ready to spend the $ for a sufficient amount of LR. Most of my filtration now is LR; but have kept many very healthy tanks for years with bio-balls being the main bio-filter media.
http:///forum/post/3295830
PROS
Bioballs and biomedia in general provide large amounts of surface area where water and air are constantly being circulated around them. This is a perfect breeding ground for nitrfying bacteria, the bacteria that convert ammonia to nitrite and nitrite to nitrate.
CONS
They do require a regularly scheduled maintenance program to keep detritus from accumulating on them.
A downside (if you consider it that)--they will do nothing to remove nitrate, just the more dangerous ammonia and nitrite. But, LR or an expensive reactor are really the only filtration methods that will remove the nitrate anyway. IMO: they are excellent filtration media for newer hobbyists or those with fish-only tanks who aren't ready to spend the $ for a sufficient amount of LR. Most of my filtration now is LR; but have kept many very healthy tanks for years with bio-balls being the main bio-filter media.
bmkj02
Member
I use them when starting a new tank. After a year I toss them cause if you dont maintain them they can leach out nitrates after a while.
So IMO its easier for me not to use them then use them. After all, my tanks has a refugium with 1st layer live sand, 2nd layer crushed coral and 3rd rubble rock all on top of a plenum
So IMO its easier for me not to use them then use them. After all, my tanks has a refugium with 1st layer live sand, 2nd layer crushed coral and 3rd rubble rock all on top of a plenum
mooseythemoron
Member
Originally Posted by Flower
http:///forum/post/3295850
I don't use bioballs but beads (smaller) I keep them in a mesh bag and just swish them around in saltwater I remove at water changes to loosen any solid stuff built up on them. That preserves the bacteria and keeps them clean.
Good idea...
http:///forum/post/3295850
I don't use bioballs but beads (smaller) I keep them in a mesh bag and just swish them around in saltwater I remove at water changes to loosen any solid stuff built up on them. That preserves the bacteria and keeps them clean.
Good idea...