Why bioballs are bad

[Jiddy]

Need a link (Nikki) to explain why bioballs are bad in reef tanks!

 

[Beckmola24]

I do know that bio balls trap detritus which causes nitrates to skyrocket. I think they are ok to have in a fish only tank, but can be detrimental to a reef tank. Check out this thread on bio balls
http://www.reeffrontiers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7764&highlight=balls

 

[NaH2O]

Here is a thread for you: bio balls. Read down to post 3 - I have a quote there from mojoreef on how bioballs work. The problem is they have the bacteria to reduce ammonia and nitrites great, but nothing to reduce nitrates. Live rock does a better job with this.

 

[Jiddy]

Not tryin to start another huge debate that has already been beat to death, but isnt that what the skimmer is for (reucin nitrates)

 

[Jiddy]

I got it, thanks!

 

[Boomer]

Need a link (Nikki) to explain why bioballs are bad in reef tanks!

It is not that bioballs are bad, if you know what you are doing. We used them for 2 decades and you DO NOT always get high nitrates. They are more of a pain in the A_ss. The real reason is that they compete with nitrifying bacteria, which reduces the population density of nitrifying bacteria in the SB or LR. It is here where the Nitrate can be fed right to Facultative Anaerobic Bacteria, which convert it to N2 gas. Nitrification----->Denitrification is best achieved by proximity (bacteria right next to each other, which is not the case with bioballs.)

 

[jake65]

I have a question, I still use the filstar XP3 for my filter and it has bio balls in it. Can I do the LR change with that type of system also? I don't have a sump but do use a skimmer. My tank has been up for almost 3mo.

 

[jake65]

any opinions or advice on this one ^^^

thx in advance
jake

 

[Boomer]

Jake do you mean put the LR in the canister filter ??

 

[jake65]

yup, I know its small but...lol

 

[Boomer]

It will work but usually it will be limited, as the flow rate is to great.

 

[jake65]

do you mean the flow rate inside the canister would be to great and not be as affective?

 

[aquariumdebacle]

I personally believe that the merits of bioballs are overrated and the problems are misunderstood. Bioballs do not create magic: they merely disrupt water flow and nothing else. Everything that occurs in a "bio-chamber" occurs elseware in the system simutaneously. Where people run into problems is when they improperly utilize the system. when a chamber is neglected and left for long periods of time without maintenance, problems occur. Suprise, suprise a system that is neglected has problems. Something about an ounce of prevention? Bioballs do not create nitrate. they areate the water which is conducive to the bacteria that reduce nitrogeneous molecules. design your system to not rely on a bio-chamber or sand bed or canister filter and you won't have the problems associated with those systems. Use good maintence pratices and take care of your system and you wil be successfel regardless of what system you choose. Everyone is looking for the "no maintenance" system: it's called a screen saver. Provided with as much flow as the chamber can handle it is no worse than a sand bed and or a canister filter. For fish it is a great way to get oxygen into a system and carbon-dioxide out. if you are worried about high nitrates you can use a ozone device to help reduce them. If you go that route you might want to consider a monitor and controller. There are many answers to creating systems but the all involve effort and care. If you don't want to make that commitment then get a dog. Wait, don't even do that have children instead they are less work and less expensive.

 

[Boomer]

Jake

It is a canister filter with a forced flow under pressure. This drives the water more into the media oxygenating it, thus reducing the area for faculative denitrifying bacteria to live, bacteria that do not like oxygen. It is these bacteria that take Nitrate and convert it in to Nitrogen gas, which escapes into the atmosphere, leaving you with little or no nitrates. It is not that it won't work it just wont' be as effective. Slowing down the flow rate may help.


Dan

if you are worried about high nitrates you can use a ozone device to help reduce them. If you go that route you might want to consider a monitor and controller.

But Dan an ozonizer can also produce nitrates. Some molecules and N* ions pick up a O from the O3, through oxidation. ie, NO2- + O3---> NO3-. But in general I know what you mean.

 

[jake65]

thx for all the advive and comments. I guess I'll just leave it alone until I have the room and $$ to get a sump going

jake

 

[saltguy21]

Make yourown sump. an overflow box is about $60 to $80.a used 20 gal tank is almost free at a garage ale and a pump for return is about $60.

 

[MarineDreamerII]

When I was setting up our 55gal tank I removed about 2/3 of the bioballs, which were the only source of filtration for this badly put together tank. (Besides a bag of carbon) I have since put on an old "hang on the back" protein skimmer. The location of these components is in a side chamber of the tank as the tank came as an "All in one" setup. The side of the tank has three chambers, the first houses the intake and the chiller, the second chamber housed the bioballs and a bag of carbon, and the third chamber pushes the water back into the tank. To fit the protein skimmer on the tank, since the tank has a 2 1/2" lip all around the top, the only place it could hang was inside one of these chambers and the only chamber large enough was the 2nd. My only concern now is that the flow is insufficient because of the bioballs and the bag of carbon. Should I take out the rest of the bioballs and the carbon even though I don't have any LR to fill in that area?