Bio Ball Myth's ?

[sunfishh]

So here is a question. Why does everyone have to run the exact same system? I mean there can be more than one way to run a fish tank right? If you look at Tspors system I think it is clear his system is working. After all it is beuatiful and the fish look healthy. So whats wrong about it? If he wants to do a little more maintance than you why is that wrong? As far as reverse flow undergravels it may not work for you, but it has worked for Paul B. I have been on here a while and have never seen another 30 year old system. Is there one? Of course running natural nitrate reduction using sand and rock works too. It is ok to use your favorite husbandry method, but be aware that there is more than one way to skin a cat.

[tmz]

Originally posted by sunfishh
So here is a question. Why does everyone have to run the exact same system? I mean there can be more than one way to run a fish tank right? If you look at Tspors system I think it is clear his system is working. After all it is beuatiful and the fish look healthy. So whats wrong about it? If he wants to do a little more maintance than you why is that wrong? As far as reverse flow undergravels it may not work for you, but it has worked for Paul B. I have been on here a while and have never seen another 30 year old system. Is there one? Of course running natural nitrate reduction using sand and rock works too. It is ok to use your favorite husbandry method, but be aware that there is more than one way to skin a cat.

In my opinion there is absolutely nothing wrong with running aquariums with different systems and techniques and sharing the outcomes. We can all learn from this exchange. However, when someone offers methods that vary from the mainstream they can and should expect a strong challenge to test the rigor of their findings or observations.
In these forums aquarists seek information based on the experience and knowlege of others to help them make informed decisions on the direction they may wish to take with their own system. All of us learn from the process which often invovles debate but should never in my opinion become personal. The aquarist seeking information needs to develop and ability to sort the wheat from the chaff since not everyone is disciplined in giving advice to others and may pass on poor information. Debate helps in this regard.
As an example, often posts appear from folks asking about how they can reduce high nitrates in their aquarium. In some of these cases bioballs or some other ammonia and nitrite reducing but nitrate producing media is in play and advice is often given to emphasize how that use is contributing to the nitrate problem about which the aquarist asked. In these cases particularly without a nitrate removal system it is good advice to tell someone removal of the bioballs will help.Other discussions run the gamut of wether or nots and pros and cons regarding refugia, carbon, gfo, plennums, deep sand beds,uv sterlilzers, etc.

[tmz]

Originally posted by Bruno3047
Here's a link to my build thread. I'll be getting a sulfur denitrator online soon after my cycle is complete. You can keep track of how things go, if you like. In the meantime, I would also appreciate any comments or suggestions you might have for me along the way.

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showth...readid=1449401

Thanks for the link. I'll post on it to tag along.