How much bio media to use?

[kiwis]

I have a 150L system including sump. I’m going to add some biological media into my sump. Looking for recommendations of how much I should add?

Is there a recommend per litre weight/volume I should use?

 

[Mark Bianco]

There are many different types, sizes, and shapes of biological media. You need to decide what type you are going to use first, then someone can estimate what may be appropriate. It would also be helpful as to what type of load you have on your tank or what type of load you intend to have.

Mark

 

[kiwis]

There are many different types, sizes, and shapes of biological media. You need to decide what type you are going to use first, then someone can estimate what may be appropriate. It would also be helpful as to what type of load you have on your tank or what type of load you intend to have.

Mark

Currently it’s empty lol - looking to purchase for my first fish.

Not sure what type either... really open to comments

 

[ncaldwell]

I like to use as much as I can fit in the sump. Empty water feels like wasted space. I use a mix of old live rubble rock, marine pure balls, and a couple bricks. More surface area for bacteria

 

[mtraylor]

Once you figure out if you need it or not. I would ready the instructions and then take half of recommendation and start there. Every aquarium is going to be different in needs.

 

[kiwis]

So what's the difference in Ceramic Substrate and Bio Balls?
http://www.aquaone.com.au/2015-04-16-04-47-04/filtration/filter-media#aquaone

 

[fishnchip]

I use seachem pond matrix. As for how much.. I just put as many mesh filled bags as I could fit!

 

[kiwis]

So it's really, use as much as you can of your preferred type?

Is there an issue with using too much? does such an issue exist?

 

[kiwis]

This guys says not to use if in marine....

 

[ca1ore]

Whether you need bio media in the sump also depends on how much rock you have in the display. Even a modest amount in the display is likely to make supplementing unnecessary.

 

[lapin]

I would read the instructions and then take half of recommendation and start there. Every aquarium is going to be different in needs.

Like said "every tank is different". What to add should be based on need. Is your tank full of rock? Is your tank over stocked? No fish just coral? Are you having a problem now that needs to be fixed? Are you using a skimmer? These need to be answered before a choice can be made. Is one better than another? Are any of them better than rock, macro alage and sponges? Do you even need it?
Example: I have a mixed reef. Fish and coral. About 1lb per gallon of rock in the tank. Macro algae in the tank and in an overflow box. I run carbon and calcium reactors and filter socks. My skimmer runs 3 times a day for 2 hours each time. I have sponges in my sump with some rock rubble, nothing else . My nitrate is .25 and phos .08