bioballs, WIth or Without

[Pickupman66]

OK.. so I thought I read somewhere something negative about bioballs. What do yall run? I am considering taking them out, but then what is the benefit of my sump? CUrrently, I have a small bioball chamber, then a media bag chamber, then the skimmer and heating chamber and then the return chamber. If I were to remove the bioballs, I might be able to dosome sort of Fuge, but havennt decided as of yet.

so, HOw beneficial are the bioballs, SHould I replace them with some rock?

 

[phudeb]

I would take the bioballs out. Put a ball of chaeto in there.

 

[fishdoc11]

You don't need them and they can be a place for detritus to build up. Like Phu said a ball of chaeto would probably be a good thing if you want a fuge. You can easily grow some with a cheap 65-75 watt grow lamp or one of those outdoor PC lights from a hardware store.
Chris

 

[Pickupman66]

That is sorta what I was starting to think about. the chamber I would use would be the bioball area. it gets flow directly from the tank via the overflow. I think I could do it so long as I get a light for it. is 900gph thru the fuge area too much? I have read that more is better and less is better.

 

[fishdoc11]

900gph isn't too much IMO. If you direct the water to get the ball to "tumble" all the better.
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=462212
hth, Chris

 

[KAiNE]

I'll second fishdoc.... no bioballs and good flow is all the better.

 

[Pickupman66]

Would it hurt for me to pull the bioballs now and then wait a few weeks to get the fuge setup. I really havent the time to get the light and then beg for some cheato...

 

[crumbletop]

I have heard that you should pull your bioballs slowly (not all at once) because they are currently being used to process ammonia. When you take them away, the LR starts to kick things up a notch. Maybe remove 1/3 each week until they are gone -- but that is just a guess. I don't think you need the fuge set up at the same time.