Bioballs?
- Thread starter dwhit0102
- Start date
Bioballs are really suited best for FO setups, or maybe certain FOWLRs. A reef setup should stay away from bioballs.
Bioballs are supposed to act like LR, handling bio filtration. Bioballs are actually so efficient at converting ammonias and nitrites that nitrates can build up fairly quickly - not necessarily a good thing. LR is slower, but it's deep pores also contain the bacteria that will also take care of the nitrates. Using LR, in appropriate amounts, is usually the way to go with a tank.
Comparing fuges to bioballs is apples and oranges. A fuge is a place to grow macros for nutrient export and perhaps a haven for pods and other critters.
Let your LR and a good skimmer do the work. Bioballs won't be necessary. You can add supplemental items like fuges and UV filters if you like, but they aren't necessary.
On that note, I might suggest going a bit larger with your skimmer if possible. You have the CSS65 on a 65? I would try to get a CSS120 - going over a bit is usually the way to go.
HTH
Good luck.
Bioballs are supposed to act like LR, handling bio filtration. Bioballs are actually so efficient at converting ammonias and nitrites that nitrates can build up fairly quickly - not necessarily a good thing. LR is slower, but it's deep pores also contain the bacteria that will also take care of the nitrates. Using LR, in appropriate amounts, is usually the way to go with a tank.
Comparing fuges to bioballs is apples and oranges. A fuge is a place to grow macros for nutrient export and perhaps a haven for pods and other critters.
Let your LR and a good skimmer do the work. Bioballs won't be necessary. You can add supplemental items like fuges and UV filters if you like, but they aren't necessary.
On that note, I might suggest going a bit larger with your skimmer if possible. You have the CSS65 on a 65? I would try to get a CSS120 - going over a bit is usually the way to go.
HTH
Good luck.
Black Mammoth
Premium Member
Bioballs and Live Rock work differently. At first I thought it would be good to run both. You can't have too much filtration, right? People told me that the balls trap crap and become a nitrate factory. That is partially true, but I was like I'll just clean them every so often so that doesn't happen.
Well I did some researching and found out how live rock works and how bio balls work. It isn't necessary to have bioballs when you have live rock. I think Bio Balls would be good if you don't have live rock. If you have live rock, just get rid of the bioballs. There is less cleaning and your tank will run better.
Well I did some researching and found out how live rock works and how bio balls work. It isn't necessary to have bioballs when you have live rock. I think Bio Balls would be good if you don't have live rock. If you have live rock, just get rid of the bioballs. There is less cleaning and your tank will run better.
