Slowly removing bioballs

[glb]

Hi everyone. I'm slowly taking the bioballs out of my 12g nano. They've become filthy and I'd like to replace them with other medium. I've removed three today and have probably 6-7 more. I also have purigen and Denitrate in media bags plus sponges I clean religiously. When I turned the pump back on, the tank predictably was filled with detritus. I'll let the filter clean it up and clean the sponges again. Should I expect a spike in nitrates? Has anyone done this before? Any input would be appreciated!


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12g Nanoreef. Zooanthids, Ricordia, Star Polyps, Acans and two clownfish. CF Lighting, 75% actinic blue, 25% 10,000k white.

 

[florida reef]

I can't predict whether or not there will be a nitrate spike, but you are doing good removing those balls. Maybe try and conduct your water change after the detritus is stirred up to help the filter remove the detritus?

 

[Birddog]

Back several years ago when I didn't know better I removed all of my bioballs all at once in my 29 G Nano. Honestly with approximately 30 lbs of LR I thought that there would be no issues with doing this all at once and to the best of my knowledge I had no issues with doing this and I have never looked back.

 

[glb]

Back several years ago when I didn't know better I removed all of my bioballs all at once in my 29 G Nano. Honestly with approximately 30 lbs of LR I thought that there would be no issues with doing this all at once and to the best of my knowledge I had no issues with doing this and I have never looked back.

That's good to hear. So far the tank is great, with no spikes from pulling them out.


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12g Nanoreef. Zooanthids, Ricordia, Star Polyps, Acans and two clownfish. CF Lighting, 75% actinic blue, 25% 10,000k white.

 

[Reefing Madness]

Only pulling a couple out at a time, you won't have any issues.

 

[glb]

I had no idea they were a problem. I'll be glad to be rid of them and replace them with something better. I want to get better and better at husbandry as I want to upgrade to a bigger tank and more challenging corals. The nano forces me to really be disciplined and develop good habits.


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12g Nanoreef. Zooanthids, Ricordia, Star Polyps, Acans and two clownfish. CF Lighting, 75% actinic blue, 25% 10,000k white.

 

[Bartmmackey]

Just as a story...back in the day I dropped my canister filter and only use a hob skimmer. 37gal nano(ish). Never had a problem or spike or nuthin...just sayin it was nerve racking but it all works outs. You got this!...

 

[glb]

Just as a story...back in the day I dropped my canister filter and only use a hob skimmer. 37gal nano(ish). Never had a problem or spike or nuthin...just sayin it was nerve racking but it all works outs. You got this!...

Thanks for the vote of confidence! I love this forum!


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12g Nanoreef. Zooanthids, Ricordia, Star Polyps, Acans and two clownfish. CF Lighting, 75% actinic blue, 25% 10,000k white.

 

[Cadbury]

You said you wanted to replace them, what with? I have them as well, whats other options?

 

[glb]

You said you wanted to replace them, what with? I have them as well, whats other options?

What's been recommended to me is Seachem Matrix. I already use Seachem DeNitrate and Seachem purigen, both designed to get rid of nitrates.


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12g Nanoreef. Zooanthids, Ricordia, Star Polyps, Acans and two clownfish. CF Lighting, 75% actinic blue, 25% 10,000k white.