Bio-filtration should I use it

dimasv · 09/08/2017, 11:20 AM

Hi guys,

I am in the middle of my tank setup and was wondering that there is one topic I did not cover yet to understand is a bio-filtration, do I need to use bioballs or anything else maybe for my filtration ? I have 180 gal with sump. In sump I will have refugium setup. will have skimmer, 2inch of sand and lots of rock. Do i really need to use bioballs and what do they really do ?

Ztous · 09/08/2017, 11:23 AM

Not needed I hate bio balls in particular. Marine pure likely has a place if your tank is light on rocks.

jda · 09/08/2017, 11:52 AM

The rock and sand should be able to handle everything. It will take some, like maybe up to a year, so have some patience and you will be rewarded.

nereefpat · 09/08/2017, 01:02 PM

Bioballs just provide surface area for bacteria. If you have plenty of rock, counting what is in the display and the sump, then the bioballs are not needed.

hogfanreefer · 09/08/2017, 09:03 PM

Technically your rock/sand is biofiltration. I like the Brightwell ceramic media in the sump if you want to go with a minimalist scape that uses less rock.

Kevin Guthrie · 09/09/2017, 09:32 AM

Bioballs are '90s tech. They harbor bacteria that convert ammonia to nitrite to nitrate but don't do the next step to gaseous because there is no anaerobic area in the medium. "Nitrate factory". So they are great for fish only but not for reef.

09/08/2017, 11:20 AM	#1
dimasv Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Brampton ON Canada Posts: 73	Bio-filtration should I use it Hi guys, I am in the middle of my tank setup and was wondering that there is one topic I did not cover yet to understand is a bio-filtration, do I need to use bioballs or anything else maybe for my filtration ? I have 180 gal with sump. In sump I will have refugium setup. will have skimmer, 2inch of sand and lots of rock. Do i really need to use bioballs and what do they really do ? __________________ 180gal starphire reef build http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?p=25040952

09/08/2017, 01:02 PM	#4
nereefpat Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Central Nebraska Posts: 3,190	Bioballs just provide surface area for bacteria. If you have plenty of rock, counting what is in the display and the sump, then the bioballs are not needed. __________________ Pat Current Tank Info: 125 in-wall , 40b sump. 6 bulb T5. ASM G2 skimmer. LPS and leathers

09/08/2017, 09:03 PM	#5
hogfanreefer Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Conway, AR Posts: 2,117	Technically your rock/sand is biofiltration. I like the Brightwell ceramic media in the sump if you want to go with a minimalist scape that uses less rock. __________________ DSA 155,Custom Trigger 42" sump/refugium, MP40 X2, MP 10 X 2, AI Hydra 52 X3, Apex controller, Tunze ATO Current Tank Info: DSA 155 gallon, mixed reef, SPS and wrasse dominant

09/08/2017, 11:23 AM	#2
Ztous Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2015 Posts: 220	Not needed I hate bio balls in particular. Marine pure likely has a place if your tank is light on rocks.

09/08/2017, 11:52 AM	#3
jda Dogmatic Dinosaur Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Boulder, CO Posts: 6,256	The rock and sand should be able to handle everything. It will take some, like maybe up to a year, so have some patience and you will be rewarded.

09/09/2017, 09:32 AM	#6
Kevin Guthrie Registered Member Join Date: May 2013 Posts: 506	Bioballs are '90s tech. They harbor bacteria that convert ammonia to nitrite to nitrate but don't do the next step to gaseous because there is no anaerobic area in the medium. "Nitrate factory". So they are great for fish only but not for reef.