Bio Balls versus nitrates

Tyrinius · 07/29/2006, 02:52 PM

I have been using bio balls in my sump for about a year and a half. I constantly have a problem with nitrates. They seem to hover around 15 sometimes 20 ppm. I heard that bio balls store nitrates. Is this true, should I take them out and does anyone know of an alternate method to treat the water from the over flow into the sump? Thanks.

twon8 · 07/29/2006, 03:36 PM

if this is on a reef tank all you need is liverock in the tank and a skimmer, no need for bioballs

bioballs don't store nitrates, the bacteria on their surface produce nitrate.

Tyrinius · 07/30/2006, 06:22 AM

I have about 185 pounds of live rock in the tank with a coralife 125 protein skimmer in the sump. I will slowly take out the bios. Thanks for the reply.

jmaneyapanda · 07/30/2006, 07:11 AM

Yes, slowly being the key. If your tank ecosystem has relied in this media as its source of bionitrification, youll be removing an essential, but replaceable, aspect. Do so slowly, so that your tank can compensate.

Ironsheikh · 07/30/2006, 08:52 AM

what about those boxes of nitrex? anyone use those? or the sugar trick

TheFlyingTang · 07/30/2006, 02:59 PM

Don't forget any filter pads if you use them. After a few days they become clogged and will contribute to the nitrate problem.

07/29/2006, 02:52 PM	#1
Tyrinius Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Florida Posts: 108	Bio Balls versus nitrates I have been using bio balls in my sump for about a year and a half. I constantly have a problem with nitrates. They seem to hover around 15 sometimes 20 ppm. I heard that bio balls store nitrates. Is this true, should I take them out and does anyone know of an alternate method to treat the water from the over flow into the sump? Thanks.

07/29/2006, 03:36 PM	#2
twon8 Formally registered membe Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: slightly sw of richmond, va Posts: 5,920	if this is on a reef tank all you need is liverock in the tank and a skimmer, no need for bioballs bioballs don't store nitrates, the bacteria on their surface produce nitrate. __________________ Anthony Richmond Reef Club "and as things fell apart, nobody paid much attention." Not building a wall but making a brick Current Tank Info: 300g DD display, 60g frag tank

07/30/2006, 08:52 AM	#5
Ironsheikh Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: SYRACUSE NY Posts: 1,124	what about those boxes of nitrex? anyone use those? or the sugar trick __________________ You have been weighed... You have been measured... YOU have been found wanting! Current Tank Info: 20G fowlr some zoas

07/30/2006, 06:22 AM	#3
Tyrinius Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Florida Posts: 108	I have about 185 pounds of live rock in the tank with a coralife 125 protein skimmer in the sump. I will slowly take out the bios. Thanks for the reply.

07/30/2006, 07:11 AM	#4
jmaneyapanda Commencing hatred Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 3,784	Yes, slowly being the key. If your tank ecosystem has relied in this media as its source of bionitrification, youll be removing an essential, but replaceable, aspect. Do so slowly, so that your tank can compensate.

07/30/2006, 02:59 PM	#6
TheFlyingTang Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: NW suburbs - Chicago Posts: 150	Don't forget any filter pads if you use them. After a few days they become clogged and will contribute to the nitrate problem.