replacing bio balls

Spence3307 · 02-23-2005, 04:38 PM

This is just a general question, what can you replace the bio balls with in your sump to use for filtration since some say the bio balls trap nitrates

Justin · 02-23-2005, 06:56 PM

possibly a misunderstanding? But the bio balls get nitrites and ammonia so well that there becomes more nitrate out put than the system eventually can keep up with, is what Ive gathered from discussions and reading prior.

Justin · 02-23-2005, 07:00 PM

Sorry, to answer , I just use the cut it your self filter pads, and keep my chem. tray filled with carbon.

DAC · 02-23-2005, 07:03 PM

does everyone run carbon 24/7 or even a different schedule but regularaly?

ErinGoBragh · 02-23-2005, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DAC

does everyone run carbon 24/7 or even a different schedule but regularaly?

I have found this to be highly debated. Some run 24-7, some never run it, others run it part time. I don't know which is best.

Justin · 02-23-2005, 07:24 PM

I run it 24/7 except when Im feeding plankton, ill slide the tray out from the water and shut my skimmer off for about 2 - 2 & 1/2 hours once every 3 days, cept if i forget maybe once every 4 days.

ErinGoBragh · 02-23-2005, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Justin

I run it 24/7 except when Im feeding plankton, ill slide the tray out from the water and shut my skimmer off for about 2 - 2 & 1/2 hours once every 3 days, cept if i forget maybe once every 4 days.

Until I get definitive info that isn't contested (within reason), I will continue to run carbon 24-7 with 50% changes every 2 weeks. I am still a rookie, so I don't want to be jumping from one bandwagon to the other and back...and so on.

tims · 02-23-2005, 09:16 PM

well the fench is large in both questions ....
the bio ball "issue" when having a FO tank usally dont cause any problems.
but there seems to be a problem with you have corals because the nit. level stays a bit high. I am not sure if it is because of the Balls or not.. but that is usally a factor in most questions when someone can not get the level down...

the cabon..
i do run 24/7. but i also change at least once a week.
if you have fish in your tank it is a good idea to have carbon. if you have various corals, it would be smart to run carbon at least some of the time.. differant coral will give off chemicals in the water to "fight" another sorta a chemical warfare thing. Carbon will help take it out.. some people never run carbon. i say they are lucky IMO...

there is no BEST for running carbon. each tank runs and acts differant.. i do not mind changing the carbon. it makes me do manitance even if i do not want to.

Geoff · 02-23-2005, 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Justin

possibly a misunderstanding? But the bio balls get nitrites and ammonia so well that there becomes more nitrate out put than the system eventually can keep up with, is what Ive gathered from discussions and reading prior.

yes and no. you are right this is why bio-balls are considered nitrate factories. because this is what they do. it is difficult to convert nitrate to nitrogen. it is better to just let the LR do it. LR does the entire nitrogen cycle from start to finish. when using wet/dry filters the nitrates need to get converted someway. it is difficult for the LR to get to these nitrates since they are already processing nitrates from the bacteria that are right next to them.

wet/dry media also traps detritus. if the detritus is not cleaned very often then it releases its bound nutrients back into the system. therefore not doing a whole lot of good.

G~

Justin · 02-24-2005, 08:30 PM

nice simplified answer to a big topic debate/discussion.Well said!