filtrations

[yromero]

which filteration mathod is better for a tank; the bio-balls or a skimmer? which is more effective?

 

[mcgyvr]

bio-balls have kind of gone out of style a while ago simply because in a normal saltwater tank there is plenty of sand and rock to give sufficient surface area for bacteria to colonize..

A skimmer isn't "selective" so it could be taking out the good as well as the bad at the same time.. many have gone without skimmers and noticed an improvement in the overall health of their corals..

 

[nereefpat]

They do completely different things. As mcgyvr said, bioballs aren't needed if you have live rock and sand.

Some people do run skimmerless, but protein skimmers are pretty much standard equipment in this hobby. Unless you have a small, sumpless tank, I would always recommend a skimmer...and recommend not using bioballs.

 

[Haunt]

Like mentioned above live rock or dry rock is pretty much the go to when it comes down to biological filtration these days, especially for a reef tank. Adding a protein skimmer to the tank is kind of like the icing on the cake.

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rs/feature/index.php