What to use instead of Bio Balls?

[Speckled Grouper]

My new (preowned) 250g came with Bio Balls in it's center overflow box.

Since I was told to take them out of the Wet Dry I'm running on my 180g now, I pressume the same goes for the overflow box.

Will I have the famous "toilet sensation" if I leave it empty?

Use one of those Durso or Stockman mods or fill it with LR rubble?

Thanks for any suggestions.

 

[Black71gp]

i would use a durso...ya no bio balls.. live rock in the sump... and whatever others may say

 

[PDA]

I would definitely take them out of the overflow, which will give you the famous "toilet sensation". Make a durso or Stockman standpipe and you will be happy. I'm not sure how your 180 is set up, but whatever works there will work on the 250.
I have a Durso design in the overflow on my 90 and can't hear it at all.

 

[Speckled Grouper]

My 180g is not drilled, so I am dealing with 1 CPR and 2 U Tubes, the 250g is my first "drilled" tank with inside overflow, etc.

So I'm learning....

Can the Durso be "homemade" or should I just order one somewhere? (Female here....)

 

[maxima k2]

Make it yourself. Find out the bulk head size then go to HD, Lowes, or where ever you can find PVC. Lets say your bulk head is a 1" threaded on the inside. You will need- a 1" male thread to 1" slip coupling, a 1" T coupling, a 1" 90 degree elbow, and a 1" slip cap. Also dont forget a length of PVC pipe in 1". If you know what the durso looks like you can "dry fit it" in the store which will help you find the parts. I am leaving out PVC cement because you dont really need to glue an internal durso, if it leaks a little it is just going in to the sump anyways. The most difficult part is determining the height of the durso in the overflow I always buy enough pipe so I can change the height in case of an error. And dont forget to drill the cap.

 

[Speckled Grouper]

Cool, thanks. The bulkhead is out right now, so I can take it with me to fit. What would be the optimal distance below the teeth of the overflow this should be?

 

[blmeier7]

Try this site for pics and more info on building the durso.

http://www.dursostandpipes.com/

 

[Speckled Grouper]

Great, thanks.

I have one more maybe dumb question. On the Overflow, there is a rectangular plate which is mounted thru with a wing nut, what on earth is that for????? Just about 1 or 2 inches below the teeth.

 

[AllenFord_SC]

that is so you can raise the internal box higher or lower in the tank, which will raise or lower your water level in the tank.

 

[Speckled Grouper]

Hmmmm, internal box....you mean the entire overflow box? There is no other box. I unscrewed the wing nut, but it doesn't seem to do anything.