Ceramic bio balls before or after protein skimmer?
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Randy Holmes-Farley
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What are you hoping they accomplish?
Cichlid Dad
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Randy, I'm interested in your thoughts on this, and also what does putting them before or after do for the reef. I would like to know the difference. Thanks
bushdoc
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I find bioballs of limited use for the reefer, but obviously useful for manufacturers and retailer.
I keep some bioballs in my main DT mainly for the purpose of transferring bacteria to other tanks( either my own or a friend reefer).
I feel that if you use bioballs from well, established tank, they harbor more varieties of bacteria then commercially produced “ bacteria in the bottle”
As far as putting them before or after skimmer , I don’t think it is of great importance. Actually if you want them to be colonized with variety of bacteria, it might be better to put them before skimmer.
I keep some bioballs in my main DT mainly for the purpose of transferring bacteria to other tanks( either my own or a friend reefer).
I feel that if you use bioballs from well, established tank, they harbor more varieties of bacteria then commercially produced “ bacteria in the bottle”
As far as putting them before or after skimmer , I don’t think it is of great importance. Actually if you want them to be colonized with variety of bacteria, it might be better to put them before skimmer.
Randy Holmes-Farley
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I agree with option C, but here are my thoughts...
1. If you want it to increase the ammonia converting capacity, it won't matter where it is, but is likely unnecessary.
2. If you want it to denitrify (reduce nitrate), that requires organic matter, and may be a bit more effective before the skimmer, especially if you are not also dosing organic carbon (such as vodka or vinegar).
1. If you want it to increase the ammonia converting capacity, it won't matter where it is, but is likely unnecessary.
2. If you want it to denitrify (reduce nitrate), that requires organic matter, and may be a bit more effective before the skimmer, especially if you are not also dosing organic carbon (such as vodka or vinegar).
