Bio or No Bio Filtration? (wheels/balls)

...on a well established tank, is it necessary when LR is THE biological filter?
I say no, my buddy says yes ....whats your opinion and why?

 

You don't need bioballs if you have LR. The point of bioballs is to provide surface area for bacteria to colonize, which live rock provides just as well.

 

Exactly, TY Blackraven. Im winning this little bet

 

when your tank is set up for a while, Do you have ammonia? Do you have nitrite? if you answered no you don't need one.


most people don't need them.

 

This one depends on how you look at it. Is it necessary? It depends. If it is part of your biological filtration then the rock may not have enough bacteria on it to if you remove the bioballs. This would cause a mini cycle. If you don't want to risk a mini cycle then yes it is necessary.

 

It could also depend on the amount of liverock you have per size of tank in relation to how big your bioload is.More rock=more surface area.

 

You need a lot of LR. The recommended amounts... 1-1.5 lbs/gallon. Then take the bioballs out over time... say a few every day or so.... you have the area, but you need the bacteria on the balls to move to the rock and colonize it fully.

 

Sostoudt... as for me? zip on my amm and nits. I have no param issues. I started this thread based on a discussion that Ive been having with a local friend.

xmetal, grinder, powerman ....your points are good ...essentially my opinion. If there is enough LR for adequate bacteria to grow, no bio media is necessary (bio load depending).

I have read that biowheels are nitrite/nitrate factories ...? How does this occurr?

Lastly ....is this a good idea for those of us with no space for a sump/fuge? There seems to be no bio media in this system.
Reef Aquarium Filtration: EcoSystem Pro Series Hang on Back Wet/Dry Filter System

PS...great filtration article powerman. I read it awhile back, and just scanned through it a 2nd time.

 

Bio wheels have been found to be almost useless for biofiltration because they move too quickly. They are great aerators though.

 

Good point 2in10. What are you thoughts on this wet/dry?
Reef Aquarium Filtration: EcoSystem Pro Series Hang on Back Wet/Dry Filter System