Bio Balls

I dont understand what and how bio balls are used. What do bio balls do? Where in a sump or refugium do you put them? How do you maintain them?

 

you don't! don't get them! IMO, too much maintenance and hassle, just use some rock rubble.

 

+1

Bio-balls are old technology. Not saying they didn't work, but unless you're planning a FO tank without LR, they're not necessary, and just something more to maintain. And if that is your plan, they work best in a trickle filter.

 

I think they do have a place and provide a good medium for denitrifying bacteria but they accumulate detritus faster than you think.

Adequate LR and a skimmer and you're good to go.

 

++1

good to start short term - nightmare down the road. Live rock in sump skimmer are all you need. ;D

 

Bioballs are angels if you use them in the right setting. They are meant to handle gobs of ammonia and quick changing conditions. We're setting up one now on the tanks in the livestock room. If you use mechanical filtration before the bioballs, debris is not a problem. They are an awesome environment for cultivating aerobic bacteria.

 

I was thinking about you and predator tanks in general as I read all the bioball bashing. They are still great for tanks with heavy fish populations that require heavy feedings.

 

I don't have them on our personal tanks, but they are on the business tanks.

 

renee: what do you think about the BBs in a fish only system?? I am getting my fish units plumbed it this week, and they came with a s**t ton of BBs that are to go in the back of the unit(overflow boxes). I am thinking about replacing them with LR but wasn't sure about it. whats your take?

 

For years that's what we all had on our sumps. If you use mechanical filtration, the detritus is reduced. Sumps are dirty areas whether you have bioballs, live rock rubble or just equipment. Go look.... there's stuff gathering in those areas. But that's not the issue with the nitrates. It's that it's sooooo darn efficient as converting ammonia and nitrite when used correctly, that the nitrate rise is due to the maintenance not matching the bioload. Some of my tanks still have bioballs, some don't and have LR. Some have sponges, some have nothing. Thing is, I couldn't tell you which. It kind of shows ya how these things don't really matter. Anything you choose will work delightfully.