Bio Balls

[llama72]

I see advise on reef tanks of now using bio balls, why is that? If I take out the bio balls what is left of the filter (just the foam box)?

Thanks for the education on this!!

 

[NickBee]

Re: Bio Balls

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9153060#post9153060 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by llama72
I see advise on reef tanks of now using bio balls, why is that? If I take out the bio balls what is left of the filter (just the foam box)?

Thanks for the education on this!!

if now = not then see this:

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1036748

 

[sir_dudeguy]

do you have live rock? that should be the filtration in any reef tank.

 

[llama72]

I will put 40lbs of live rock in the tank, Monday (when I can see in it....lol). What is the purpose of a refugum in the sump? Sorry, I am full of questions.

 

[jer77]

There are many reasons for having a refugium:
1. culture desirable organisms
2. limit the growth of undesirable organisms
3. be used as a macroalgae filter for nutrient export
4. contribute dissolved elements to filter feeders
5. can stabilize pH by reverse lighting pattern
6. Increases water volume and stability
7. provide an option for biotypes not possible in the display
8. Emergency space for organisms
And I probably missed some, but these are the major ones. Mainly people use them as a macroalgae filter for nutrient export. The macroalgae grows as it obtains nutrients and is harvested later on to remove the nutrients from the system.

 

[llama72]

I looked at the above mentioned site about the sump setup. Am I correct to say that the refugium is basically another saltwater tank between the skimmer and the return pump?

 

[michaeldaly]

It does not have to be between the skimmer and the return pump. It can be anywhere in the system. Yes it is another tank in which you are primarily growing desirable algae.

 

[llama72]

at what types of desirable algae should i be looking?

 

[sir_dudeguy]

chaeto or caulerpra