Sump Help

this is def a newbie question but do you use a light over your bio-balls in the sump i have seen some sumps with lights and others with out what should i do?

 

The light is for any algae or plants that you may have in your sump. The bioballs do not require any light. I do not like bioballs. If you forget to clean them they spike your nitrates.

 

You only need light if you have some kind of plant (Mangroves) or macroalgae (Chaeto, Caulerpa) that you are trying to grow in there.

 

ok thats what i thought my ref houses my cheato and how often are you supposed to clean your bio balls or what is a better thing to use

 

I do not use anything but a phosphate filter pad. The bioballs are not necesary after your tank builds up a biological load.

 

If you pump in more fresh air with a air pump directly into the bio ball chamber it will make them far more efficient . I always did this . Happy well oxygenated bacteria work harder .

 

Remembering to clean them was my biggest complaint