Bio Balls

ronfox · 11-06-2007, 06:08 AM

So what is the deal with the bio balls. I have heard all sorts of stories that they are no good and to replace them with live rock rubble. I have also heard that they do the same thing as the live rock. My local fish store is telling me to leave them in. I havent had any problems so far. As I continue to read and study up on live reef tanks, I also continue to take all the advice I can get from you veteran reefers. My aquarium is in your hands. Thanks again for all the help you have given me. Ron

ps...My tank is done with its initial cycle. All water samples taken are right on the money. Speaking of money, its time to go spend some!!!!!

Gina · 11-06-2007, 07:21 AM

The bio balls themselves are not bad it's the organic compounds that accumulate on them. Bio balls produce nitrifying bacteria which turn into ammonia=nitrites=nitrates. I think the problem is that people probably don't clean them as often as they should? Also, when you clean them, you should never clean them all at once and only rinse them in saltwater.
Over time, bio-balls can become Nitrate factories if not properly maintained.
I've never done alot of research about them since from the beginning I was always told not to bother with them.

Frankie · 11-06-2007, 08:51 AM

That about sums it up Gina.
the trouble is that no one cares for them and they build up junk over time. Properly washed (and a little at a time like you said) and they work just fine.
If you are going to remove them, go slow. You can send your tank into another whole cycle pulling out the bacteria bed to fast. Your probably going to see mini cycles anyhow removing them.
If you are planning a reef then pull them out now while you can and let the tank cycle again.
I would not use live rock in that chamber but use it for media bags. Like carbon, phosphate remover, etc....
Your rock in the tank should be enough.

Witfull · 11-06-2007, 09:05 AM

im waiting for the degregation of this thread~

fishnu · 11-06-2007, 09:08 AM

Too easy.

Gina · 11-06-2007, 09:21 AM

Where's JFK when you need him!

boozeman · 11-06-2007, 09:27 AM

I remember there was another 'bio-balls' thread that went down south some time ago

JFK_Jr · 11-06-2007, 10:01 AM

I'll take the "high road" on this one...

All I'll say is that I prefer to keep mine clean...

lcstorc · 11-06-2007, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Witfull

im waiting for the degregation of this thread~

Usually you are the one that starts it.

bennyjet · 11-06-2007, 12:44 PM

what about ceramic biomedia? Should I remove it from my 29 gal tank? It is a farily new tank that has cycled already.

BigAl07 · 11-06-2007, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bennyjet

what about ceramic biomedia? Should I remove it from my 29 gal tank? It is a farily new tank that has cycled already.

No difference at all. You want them out but don't just yank them ALL at once. Remove a few with your next few water changes thus allowing the rest of your bio-filtration system to compensate and populate to cover what's being removed.

bennyjet · 11-06-2007, 12:52 PM

Great advice. thanks so much.

ronfox · 11-06-2007, 06:02 PM

Thank you all for the advice. I guess you have had this conversation a time or two before. Someday I will be able to jump in on the one liners.....Have a nice day everyone!!!!!

BigAl07 · 11-06-2007, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ronfox

Thank you all for the advice. I guess you have had this conversation a time or two before. Someday I will be able to jump in on the one liners.....Have a nice day everyone!!!!!

You're VERY welcome I hope it's helped you some.

Yes after a short period of time you tend to see the same or very similar questions pop up but it's all good. We ALL started at the same place so it's good to slow down and talk about some basics. I think we all need to remember where we started and I like to "Meet people where they are."

Good luck and keep us posted.

boozeman · 11-06-2007, 07:24 PM

true...some of us posted a 'I'm new' thread years ago and still havnt set up a reeftank

11-06-2007, 06:08 AM	#1 (permalink)
ronfox Midas Blenny Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Wilmington NC Posts: 114 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Bio Balls So what is the deal with the bio balls. I have heard all sorts of stories that they are no good and to replace them with live rock rubble. I have also heard that they do the same thing as the live rock. My local fish store is telling me to leave them in. I havent had any problems so far. As I continue to read and study up on live reef tanks, I also continue to take all the advice I can get from you veteran reefers. My aquarium is in your hands. Thanks again for all the help you have given me. Ron ps...My tank is done with its initial cycle. All water samples taken are right on the money. Speaking of money, its time to go spend some!!!!!

11-06-2007, 07:21 AM	#2 (permalink)
Gina Moderator Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Indiana Posts: 8,829 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Bio Balls The bio balls themselves are not bad it's the organic compounds that accumulate on them. Bio balls produce nitrifying bacteria which turn into ammonia=nitrites=nitrates. I think the problem is that people probably don't clean them as often as they should? Also, when you clean them, you should never clean them all at once and only rinse them in saltwater. Over time, bio-balls can become Nitrate factories if not properly maintained. I've never done alot of research about them since from the beginning I was always told not to bother with them. __________________ Gina and Mark's 75 Visit Our Sponsors Gina's Cube Gina

11-06-2007, 08:51 AM	#3 (permalink)
Frankie Angel Girl's Daddy Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: The End Of The World Posts: 8,057 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Bio Balls That about sums it up Gina. the trouble is that no one cares for them and they build up junk over time. Properly washed (and a little at a time like you said) and they work just fine. If you are going to remove them, go slow. You can send your tank into another whole cycle pulling out the bacteria bed to fast. Your probably going to see mini cycles anyhow removing them. If you are planning a reef then pull them out now while you can and let the tank cycle again. I would not use live rock in that chamber but use it for media bags. Like carbon, phosphate remover, etc.... Your rock in the tank should be enough. __________________ Click here to visit my thread: New Horizons Text Is a Poor Form Of Communication! If we ignore the environment maybe it will just go away....

11-06-2007, 09:08 AM	#5 (permalink)
fishnu Harlequin Tuskfish Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Naperville, IL Posts: 998 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Bio Balls Too easy. __________________ *I'd rather be good slow than bad fast.* Fishnu, Lord of Fishes Mantis Shrimp Club My Tank Thread The Wisdom of Fishnu - Mistakes on the path. 75 Gal Refurbished and Refinished Dutch Aquariums System Tank drilled with 2 1.5" bulkheads and 30 Gal Sump / Refugium Combo; 90 Lbs Fiji LR; ASM G2; OR6500 Pump; 2 Koralia Nanos; 2 150W HQI 2 96W Actinics; Gamma 25w UV; Kent Maxxima Hi S 60GPD RO/DI. Amphiprion percula (OMEN); Sphaeramia nematoptera (CODY); stenopus hispidus (PIMP THE SHRIMP); Selected hermits and snails. Euphyllia divisa, Euphyllia glabrescens, Pink Acanthastrea (Lord?), Zoas, selected mushrooms (Rhodactis, Actinodiscus, Sarcophyton ...). Looking for mermaid.

11-06-2007, 09:21 AM	#6 (permalink)
Gina Moderator Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Indiana Posts: 8,829 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Bio Balls Where's JFK when you need him! __________________ Gina and Mark's 75 Visit Our Sponsors Gina's Cube Gina

11-06-2007, 09:27 AM	#7 (permalink)
boozeman The CodFather ~ Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: new york Posts: 8,800 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Bio Balls I remember there was another 'bio-balls' thread that went down south some time ago __________________ ...and when I'm old and wise little things mean little to me like autumn winds they'll blow right through me and someday, in the mist of time when they ask you if you knew me remember that you were a friend of mine

11-06-2007, 10:01 AM	#8 (permalink)
JFK_Jr Golden Moray Join Date: May 2006 Location: Hallandale Beach FL Posts: 2,108 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Bio Balls I'll take the "high road" on this one... All I'll say is that I prefer to keep mine clean... __________________ *JFK_Jr's 150 Gallon Starphire*

11-06-2007, 12:44 PM	#10 (permalink)
bennyjet Surf Rider Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Long Beach, CA Posts: 42 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Bio Balls what about ceramic biomedia? Should I remove it from my 29 gal tank? It is a farily new tank that has cycled already. __________________ Michelle Where ever I go, there I am

11-06-2007, 12:52 PM	#12 (permalink)
bennyjet Surf Rider Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Long Beach, CA Posts: 42 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Bio Balls Great advice. thanks so much. __________________ Michelle Where ever I go, there I am

11-06-2007, 06:02 PM	#13 (permalink)
ronfox Midas Blenny Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Wilmington NC Posts: 114 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Bio Balls Thank you all for the advice. I guess you have had this conversation a time or two before. Someday I will be able to jump in on the one liners.....Have a nice day everyone!!!!!

11-06-2007, 07:24 PM	#15 (permalink)
boozeman The CodFather ~ Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: new york Posts: 8,800 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Bio Balls true...some of us posted a 'I'm new' thread years ago and still havnt set up a reeftank __________________ ...and when I'm old and wise little things mean little to me like autumn winds they'll blow right through me and someday, in the mist of time when they ask you if you knew me remember that you were a friend of mine

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)