bio balls and ceramic rings

[reefkeeper78]

I'm adding a filter basket to my M60 fluval edge. I plan to use filter floss and carbon. I have 20lbs of live rock and 25lbs ish sand. Do I need to use ceramic rings or bio balls being the tank has live rock? If so what is the reasoning behind it.

 

[mcgyvr]

In general the more surface area in a tank the better...
Surface area provides space for bacteria to colonize on..

The bacteria that converts nitrate to gas typically occurs in low oxygen area deep in the pores of rock...
Ceramic media can provide that beneficial low oxygen area...so can rock...bioballs do not

 

[reefkeeper78]

Perfect thanks for the explanation. Hopefully the last question. Do The rings require maintenance in the form of cleaning or rinsing?

 

[Dmorty217]

Assuming you keep the filter floss clean there shouldn't be much cleaning of the rings that needs to be done outside of maybe once every few months

 

[Timmayyy]

I use ceramic media because I have pretty much have no live rock. I use Biohome ultimate marine and have had good luck with it, but it's a bit pricey compared to others.