bio balls

reef keeper · 02-19-2009, 02:19 PM

Need help are bio ball realy nessesary in a reef system? Can a really good protein skimmer do a better job? And with that which skimmer is better for you at a lo-cost. I'm thinking of buying a Deltec skimmer.

Luukosian · 02-19-2009, 02:21 PM

If the tank doesn't have water in it ditch the bioballs. If its already established remove a few of the bioballs every week or so. Bioballs will build up detritus and cause nitrates, where a skimmer will actually removes detritus from the system before it has a chance to break down.

That is a very broad and basic explanation, but there is a lot more in depth discussion on bioballs and skimmers all over the forums, just do a search.

lcstorc · 02-19-2009, 03:01 PM

Bio-balls are not necessary and are considered detrimental in a reef system. The use of bio-balls has been replaced by the use of Live Rock which privides even better de-nitrification. (lots more explanation in beginner stickies).
A protein skimmer does not remove the detrius before it has a chance to break down. It removes excess organics from the system. To capture the detrius you will want to use a filter sock, sponge, or other media which will need to be cleaned or replaced frequently to remove the detritus.
As far as the skimmer recommendation we would need to know more about the system. Size would be important as well as bio-load and the presence or absence of a sump.
If you have a sump, I am quite fond of the ASM G series of skimmers though there are many others that are very good as well.

reef keeper · 02-19-2009, 07:51 PM

here is the info you requested

02-19-2009, 02:19 PM	#1 (permalink)
reef keeper Fire Coral Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 77 View Gallery Karma Komment	bio balls Need help are bio ball realy nessesary in a reef system? Can a really good protein skimmer do a better job? And with that which skimmer is better for you at a lo-cost. I'm thinking of buying a Deltec skimmer.

02-19-2009, 02:21 PM	#2 (permalink)
Luukosian Plate Coral Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Burlington, IA Posts: 767 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: bio balls If the tank doesn't have water in it ditch the bioballs. If its already established remove a few of the bioballs every week or so. Bioballs will build up detritus and cause nitrates, where a skimmer will actually removes detritus from the system before it has a chance to break down. That is a very broad and basic explanation, but there is a lot more in depth discussion on bioballs and skimmers all over the forums, just do a search. __________________ -Anthony

02-19-2009, 03:01 PM	#3 (permalink)
lcstorc Sunshine Reefer Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Cocoa Fl Posts: 26,482 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: bio balls Bio-balls are not necessary and are considered detrimental in a reef system. The use of bio-balls has been replaced by the use of Live Rock which privides even better de-nitrification. (lots more explanation in beginner stickies). A protein skimmer does not remove the detrius before it has a chance to break down. It removes excess organics from the system. To capture the detrius you will want to use a filter sock, sponge, or other media which will need to be cleaned or replaced frequently to remove the detritus. As far as the skimmer recommendation we would need to know more about the system. Size would be important as well as bio-load and the presence or absence of a sump. If you have a sump, I am quite fond of the ASM G series of skimmers though there are many others that are very good as well. __________________ Peace LYNN Lynn and Franks saltwater adventure Lynn's 20g clown tank Lynn's 90g of sunshine Lynn's frag tank experiment A reef tank is like a race car. The faster you go the harder you crash.

02-19-2009, 07:51 PM	#4 (permalink)
reef keeper Fire Coral Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 77 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: bio balls here is the info you requested __________________ ************************************** building 135 gallon reef system with 30 gallon refugium and 30 gallon sump pump is a 4300 baracuda by sequin built a 8 bulb 55 watt 10000k compact floresant light THIS WILL SEEM TO TAKE FOREVER *reef keeper wanna-be***

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