Bioballs a bad choice?

[clownfishmama]

I have a Fluval Flex 15-gallon tank that came with filter media when I started it. Initially, there was ammonia in the water, which prevented me from getting any fish. So, my LFS suggested I get some bio balls, which turned out to be helpful. I haven't cleaned them since I first got them a few months ago. But recently, I got my water tested, and it was ammonia-free. Now, I'm not sure if I should keep these bio balls because some people claim they can be a nitrate factory.

 

[piranhaman00]

They are fine but there are better options. Everything can be a nitrate factory if not properly maintained

 

[twentyleagues]

Unless bioballs are kept moving, flushed, or used after heavy mechanical filtration they collect detritus. That detritus then decays and can create issues (nitrate factories). Any type of biological media including rocks can be the same.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I think a better question is whether bioballs provide any benefit. I’d say no in most reef tanks. Driving ammonia as low as possible should not, IMO, be an active goal.

 

[ShakeyGizzard]

As long as there are fish or inverts ammonia will be present. The very basis of the "cycle" is building bacteria that consumes ammonia. The other by product's of the cycle is nitrite and nitrate. Nitrite is consumed by another beneficial bacteria. Based on this if you were to remove all ammonia from your water you could lose your tank cycle. But in reality the ammonia is consumed as fast as it made. Its still detectable but not likely by hobby grade test kits. Correct me if I am wrong randy