Bio media

[Charlie_11278]

What's the cheapest way to get a lot of bio media? I have hundreds of UNUSED bioballs but read that they raise your nitrates (I'm thinking maybe if I submerge them and put a filter sponge ontop of them so they don't float atop).

I'm currently using ceramic rings and some live rock. But filling up my sump with ceramic rings will be pretty pricey and if there's a cheaper alternative I'd rather go that route

 

[Gareth elliott]

What size is your tank?

Bioballs are not always nitrate factories. They are also not always used properly. Let a heap of bioballs collect detritus, never clean them, yes this will not do what you intended. But if the bio balls are setup in a multi faceted filter, where mechanical and biological are arranged correctly with the correct maintenance, they can offer a great cheap place for bacteria to live.

 

[Waters]

Bioballs have a bad rap because they do not have the ability to convert nitrates into nitrogen gas, like good quality rock can do. In addition to that, like @Gareth elliott stated, they can collect a lot of detritus if not maintained. That being said, they can still be used successfully. You just have to reduce nitrates using other methods.

 

[Charlie_11278]

What size is your tank?

Bioballs are not always nitrate factories. They are also not always used properly. Let a heap of bioballs collect detritus, never clean them, yes this will not do what you intended. But if the bio balls are setup in a multi faceted filter, where mechanical and biological are arranged correctly with the correct maintenance, they can offer a great cheap place for bacteria to live.

It's a 120gal and I'll be using a filter sock to trap detritus. How can I use the bioballs correctly?

 

[PDR]

Why are you looking to add bio media? Do you not have a lot of rock?

 

[Charlie_11278]

Why are you looking to add bio media? Do you not have a lot of rock?

No I'm planning on adding a limited rock scape to give the fishes more "swim space" and when you sit to watch them you actually get to see them.

 

[PDR]

Ok, just keep in mind that many fish need a place to hide/rest to call their own, otherwise they can get stressed. Also certain fish benefit from the increased surface area for grazing and hunting.

 

[Charlie_11278]

Ok, just keep in mind that many fish need a place to hide/rest to call their own, otherwise they can get stressed. Also certain fish benefit from the increased surface area for grazing and hunting.

Ah ok I Also figured if a fish tried to get territorial there wouldn't be much to call yours [emoji23]

 

[Gareth elliott]

Besides the above from @PDR. The sump is another location for more rock. I keep rock rubble under my fuge. Home for pods without predation, and more bio filter