Bio Balls???

So what do you think about bioballs?? I know some people think they are a bad idea and some use them in all their tanks, what do you all think??? Bio balls? or sand? just LR..ect..ect..


Im asking because I am setting up a new tank and the overflow came with bioballs and also in my nano I am currently using bioballs and ceramic rings.

DONT WORRY!! Pictures will come later tonight !!!

 

I run a wet/dry with BB for my Q-tank but don't run one on the main display. As long as you keep the water filtered before it enters the BB chamber you should be fine. Most people let food particles and every thing else build up on them and then you will have some parameters problems.

 

Yes its true, I have blue balls, I mean I use bio balls that are blue in color.;D But seriously, I have used BB for as long as I can remember and theres nothing wrong with them. Some say they are No3 factories, thats alot of bs(imo) My no3 was at 20ppm only b/c I wasnt cleaning the pads and sponges more frequently. The only reason there in the OF chamber is to slow the water down when its coming down the chamber. They eliminate the "water fall" sound. and of course help with filtering. I know I guy who has had the same BB for over 15 yrs without cleaning them and has never had a problem. I hope this has answered any Q that you may have. Luna

 

thanks, yes that did help. I have it almost all set up just have to go pick up my sump (Im about to leave in a minute to do that)

 

i am running bio-bale (the paper looking stuff) in my sump and in my protien skimmer to reduce to the air bubbles, but i am thinking that the bio bale in my sump is picking food and houseing NO3. otherwise i am happy with it.

 

does having that bio bale stuff in yer skimmer make it less effective?

 

I can imagine every physical object inside the skimmer chamber will influence the size of very fine air bubbles that are formed over there. Hence, I would not put bioballs or any other objects in the skimmer chamber.

Just my 0.02$:
There are bio-balls that are biodegradable. They are simply made of bioorganic polymers that serves as a nutrient source for microbiological flora. These sorts of bioballs are commonly used in water treatment plants, at least in Europe. The fact they are biodegradable, automatically solves the problem with cleaning and maintenance.

 

its not in the skimmer chamber itself, but the chambers leading to the outtake. not affecting the skimming just the amount of micro air bubbles returing to the tank.

 

If your having trouble with microbubbles, try attaching a piece of sponge to it and the bubbles will disappear.