Removing Bioballs???

SWAGuru · Oct 11, 2012

I've had a couple of long time reefers recommend I take out the Bioballs from my 29g biocube. What, if anything, should I replace them with?
Thanks!

Fatmike92 · Oct 11, 2012

I completely agree get them out of there! i took mine out too and put a poly filter back there to catch stuff and then i put chemi pure elite back there too

Mufasa31 · Oct 11, 2012

I took out the bio balls, took out the false floors and purchased the InTank media basket.

Pkunk35 · Oct 11, 2012

i agree with mike, don't need the bioballs if you gots live rock baby. poly filter and chemipure are great suggestions too.

Young Frankenstein · Oct 11, 2012

I use bio balls for years, it all depends how you use them

let in them in low flow can and will result in hi nitrates, having them in low flow, totally dark and hi skimming will result in zero nitrates. Having them in hi flow and clean will also reduce nitrates.

fsu1dolfan · Oct 12, 2012

Mufasa31 said:
I took out the bio balls, took out the false floors and purchased the InTank media basket.

+1 I have an InTank Media with cut filter pad on top and Chaeto in the other chambers...mind if you do chaeto you will need to give it a light source to grow. I also have a Tunze 9002 skimmer next to it. You can fit alot in the area.

BioCube - Aquarium Filtration Upgrades & Supplies

SWAGuru · Oct 12, 2012

All excellent replies! Thanks all!!! From what I understand I need to remove them one or two at a time over the course of several days until they are gone. Yes/No? I'm asking because those that recommended removing them don't have Biocubes. I trust them, but I would rather get the process from those that have actually done it.

SWAGuru · Oct 12, 2012

Thanks Mufasa31. I've only had this tank about 3 months, although it is 9 months old. Prior owner decided it was more than they bargained for (to my delite!

This will be my first modification. I'm probably going to follow your example and go with the InTank Media Basket, but "taking out the false floors"....will I need to cut them out or do they just pull up. Want to be prepared for this step.

fsu1dolfan · Oct 12, 2012

SWAGuru said:
Thanks Mufasa31. I've only had this tank about 3 months, although it is 9 months old. Prior owner decided it was more than they bargained for (to my delite! This will be my first modification. I'm probably going to follow your example and go with the InTank Media Basket, but "taking out the false floors"....will I need to cut them out or do they just pull up. Want to be prepared for this step.

For the Bioballs - I removed them a handful at a time over a few weeks. Once empty you should be able to (if i remember right) just pop the false floors down. Pick a corner and maybe use something plastic and strong to push down....They can be in there pretty good so don't be afraid to use a little force.