Bio Balls being used anymore?

Are they a thing of the past or will they benefit my FOWLR 90 I'll be setting up soon?
I searched and found all kinds of answers and opinions.. I think from what I gathered they DO work and create lots of bacteria, but eventually hold a lot of nitrates? Thoughts?

 

They catch detritus.It is simply unecessary in most systems as you can't stockpile bacteria.It is limited by the availability of food.On the other hand if you plan on removing decorations/rocks in the tank periodically and cleaning then bioballs can be an effective "safe"refuge for your bacteria to grow.Most people like to use pourous lr in this application though.Depending on how you employ them either can "catch"detritus which will then turn into nitrates/phosphate.

 

In the past I always used a filter pad above the balls, just under the drip plate to collect any detritus.. is that bad to do? I would change the pad often.

 

Bio Balls, a thing of the past...

 

As long as you change it often it should be fine.

 

If I put a bunch of rubble dry rock instead of bio balls, should they be dripped on or do I just submerge them in the sump?

 

Either way.

 

One benefit to the wet/dry trickle system is that the bacterial colonies are exposed to air, and therefore, do not have to compete with livestock for oxygen. However, as already stated, they'll still make nitrate either way.

 

Are you referring to bio balls, or rock rubble?

 

Both. Although calcareous rock absorbs water, the biofilm on the surface will still get exposed to air.