Bio balls in my sump

[frenchman68]

I was recently told I should not have bio balls in the sump for my reef tank. I was told my live rock would suffice and that the bio balls would just generate nitrates. I have had this setup for years with no nitrate problems. Could someone explain this thinking to me please?

 

[redfishbluefish]

The theory (or fact) is that the bio balls trap detritus and then it continues to degrade, generating nitrates.

 

[frenchman68]

The theory (or fact) is that the bio balls trap detritus and then it continues to degrade, generating nitrates.

Without the bio balls wouldnt the detrius settle to the bottom and still degrade?

 

[redfishbluefish]

Without the bio balls wouldnt the detrius settle to the bottom and still degrade?

I did start my response with, "The theory.." :angel:


It will also get picked up as coral food (that eventually breaks down to nitrate) and picked up by your skimmer to be exported.

 

[Bad Company]

Bio balls allow detritus to settle in a place where clean up crews cant reach. Their main purpose is to provide a lot of surface area for bacteria to grow. This allows for good processing of ammonia and nitrite. However, live rock does a much better job providing surface area, where the food can be eaten, and it looks good too! They do nothing for Nitrate reduction.

 

[onetire]

I have had bio balls in my sump for about 6 yrs with no problems I also have a dsb in the first chamber of it that has never been cleaned and surprisingly my tank dose great

 

[frenchman68]

Bio balls allow detritus to settle in a place where clean up crews cant reach. Their main purpose is to provide a lot of surface area for bacteria to grow. This allows for good processing of ammonia and nitrite. However, live rock does a much better job providing surface area, where the food can be eaten, and it looks good too! They do nothing for Nitrate reduction.

I knew they didnt help with nitrate just didnt know how they would be harmful to my tank. Ive had this setup for many years without nitrate issues.

 

[Bad Company]

They aren't "bad", they are designed to help reduce ammonia and nitrites. If you stay on top of water changes, or have other nitrate reduction filtration, they serve as an effective filter.