replacing bio balls

[jmac]

i was told by several people that i should take out bio balls , what do i replace them with ? i have the mega sump 2 and what ever i replace the bio balls with be put on that same place?

 

[Herefishyfishy]

Need more info. Tank size, nitrate level, have or want a refugium?
Do you have live rock and how many pounds, lighting, add tap water, want to raise corals, number and size of fish?

Bioballs are like little nitrate factories. They break down organics into nitrates. Water changes removes nitrates. The current "Berlin method" utilizes protein skimmers to remove the majority of organics and live rock to consume what remains. Refugium plants absorb what is left or water changes take out the rest.
Corals don't like nitrates, but fish in fish only tanks don't really care.

 

[jmac]

70 gallon reef ready i do not want a refugium i do have live rock in i do not have exact # maybe 60-80 lbs

 

[Herefishyfishy]

What kind of fish load and tank plans?

 

[jmac]

as of now i have 2 fish and some lps

 

[Herefishyfishy]

If have LPS, and plan on keeping corals best to gradually pull out bioballs over a couple weeks to a month. Add more live rock as opportunities permit

 

[jmac]

add more rock to the tank or in the sump?

 

[Herefishyfishy]

Either works equally well as long as the sump has good water flow. Matter of aeasthetics as in personal preference. Some prefer the tank more open, I prefer it full of rock and life.

 

[jmac]

Thank you for your assistane and have a good weekand.

 

[burning2nd]

i would no add to the sump.. it will allow for detritus to build makeing it harder to keep clean... use the space for sump or heater, or something im sure that section isnt flooded but you can Diy something,