Bio Balls...is there a difference?

Discussion in 'Filters, Pumps, etc..' started by swagger87, Aug 24, 2009.

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  1. swagger87

    swagger87 Zoanthid

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    I know that many of you shudder at the thought of sticking bio balls any where near your tank, but all nitrate factory comments aside I was just wondering if any one would be able to clarify something for me.
    I've seen a lot of different kinds of bio balls, big and small....blue, black and grey ones...some that look like honey combs, some that look like cat toys....
    :confused: :-/
    I was just wondering, is there a difference between color shape and size?
    Are some worse than others?
     
    swagger87, Aug 24, 2009
    swagger87, Aug 24, 2009
    #1

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  2. missionsix

    missionsix Super Moderator Staff Member

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    They are trying to offer more surface area...........;D
     
    missionsix, Aug 24, 2009
    missionsix, Aug 24, 2009
    #2
  3. oceanparadise1

    oceanparadise1 Fire Squid

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    They all suck dont use any
     
    oceanparadise1, Aug 24, 2009
    oceanparadise1, Aug 24, 2009
    #3
  4. missionsix

    missionsix Super Moderator Staff Member

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    ?????????????? If used correctly, technically, they are better than live rock. After all, it is surface area that these beneficial bacteria populate.
     
    missionsix, Aug 24, 2009
    missionsix, Aug 24, 2009
    #4
  5. oceanparadise1

    oceanparadise1 Fire Squid

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    Hmmm we will have to agree to disagree i cant see any good use for them to be honest, ive never seen a great system that has bio balls :) to each his own
     
    oceanparadise1, Aug 24, 2009
    oceanparadise1, Aug 24, 2009
    #5
  6. lunatik_69

    lunatik_69 Giant Squid

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    I disagree with this statement. I have used BB all my "reefer" life and they work great, if done right.


    Luna
     
    lunatik_69, Aug 24, 2009
    lunatik_69, Aug 24, 2009
    #6

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  7. missionsix

    missionsix Super Moderator Staff Member

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    What do you use instead?
     
    missionsix, Aug 24, 2009
    missionsix, Aug 24, 2009
    #7
  8. oceanparadise1

    oceanparadise1 Fire Squid

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    I keep my system as simple as can be. I have 200 pounds live rock in tank, 200 in fuge with cheato and a skimmer. I have no algea, and everything(param wise) is perfect. I just have never heard good things about them or really seen them do anything. Like i said, to each his own, everyone has things they do differently and adivce they give :) mine is stay way, if you have had good luck with them, thats more that i can say!
     
    oceanparadise1, Aug 24, 2009
    oceanparadise1, Aug 24, 2009
    #8
  9. missionsix

    missionsix Super Moderator Staff Member

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    I'm only prodding because there seems to be no legitimacy in your answer. I also think BB's suck and use l/r instead. I just get the feeling that you have a mis-understanding as to why you are telling people not to use them. And why you actually use l/r rather than them yourself. Just trying to help. You and anyone else that may come across a thread like this.
     
    missionsix, Aug 24, 2009
    missionsix, Aug 24, 2009
    #9
  10. oceanparadise1

    oceanparadise1 Fire Squid

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    I have heard/seen them used in tanks that contain high nitrates, now, this might be because as you stated people dont use them right( washing them off exct...) my past experiences have been they do more harm then good. If i am wrong here im sorry and once agian ill learn something new here :)
     
    oceanparadise1, Aug 24, 2009
    oceanparadise1, Aug 24, 2009
    #10
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