Best biofilter?

[Mr31415]

What is the best biofilter one can use in a FO system? This must obviously also be a practical thing considering space.

 

[sharky_steve]

IMO, fluidized bed. However, these are possibly too effective at converting NH3 to NO2/NO3, resulting in a lot of NO3 if there is no means for removal (e.g. DSB or LOTS of water changes). Unless you have a lot of heavy-eating fish, live rock is all you need.

 

[Travis L. Stevens]

Personally, macroalgae. It quickly takes up excess nutrients, and you manually take it completely out of the system as it grows.

 

[Mr31415]

I want to use a biofilter in my QT tank - and since I might need to medicate it I cannot use LR or anything that might be affected by either hyposalinity or medication...

 

[sharky_steve]

Ok, so by "biofilter" I was assuming a means for converting NH3 was being suggested. But for removal of excess organics, macro is great. The best addition I ever made to my reef system was my 24h illuminated refugium with chaeto!

 

[sharky_steve]

Medications in a QT will almost always disturb any biofilter you have. Best thing for QTs are lots of water changes.

 

[Mr31415]

You were right - I was referring to biofiltration - i.e. nitrification. I want to have an efficient system to convert Ammonia to Nitrite then to Nitrate... Currently my bioballs in the sump underneath the QT is not doing its job.

 

[davocean]

Bio balls are not good for reefs.
They tend to be a nitrate sink.

 

[Mr31415]

That is why am have started this thread and am still awaiting more comments...