Removing bio-balls in Percula 90 sump

Liknes · 10/24/2013, 05:02 AM

My tank is an old Percula 90 with integrated sump. Not exactly a dream aquarium for SPS, but at the moment it's what I have.

This tank has a trickle filter in the back filled with bio balls. I have had the tank running for 1 year now and have never washed the bio-balls. I am noticing now that my Nitrates are a bit high (around 25-30 ppm), and I suspect the bio-balls can be the reason for this.

I see most people don't like the bio balls and many also say they are not needed in a well established system.

A couple of questions for you guys:

1. Can I just yank all the bio balls out in one go or should I take them out a bit at a time over a period of several weeks?
2. Can replace the bio-balls with pieces of LS? Isn't this going to dry up the LS?
3. Could Seachem Matrix be used in a trickle filter like the one I have?
4. Any other suggestions?

tkeracer619 · 10/26/2013, 10:03 PM

If you have LR pull the bio balls. Do it slowly.

Large water changes remove nitrates. Small water changes don't.

If you do 3 large 50% water changes your nitrates will be ~4ppm.

I wouldn't really do anything thats in a trickle for a sps system. The issue here is that bioballs don't have the ability to convert any substantial nitrates into nitrogen gas. Anaerobic bacteria inside live rock does this.

Liknes · 10/28/2013, 03:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tkeracer619

I wouldn't really do anything thats in a trickle for a sps system. The issue here is that bioballs don't have the ability to convert any substantial nitrates into nitrogen gas. Anaerobic bacteria inside live rock does this.

I was thinking of replacing the bioballs with some Seachem Matrix...not a good idea in your opinion?

10/24/2013, 05:02 AM	#1
Liknes Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Haugesund, Norway Posts: 62	Removing bio-balls in Percula 90 sump My tank is an old Percula 90 with integrated sump. Not exactly a dream aquarium for SPS, but at the moment it's what I have. This tank has a trickle filter in the back filled with bio balls. I have had the tank running for 1 year now and have never washed the bio-balls. I am noticing now that my Nitrates are a bit high (around 25-30 ppm), and I suspect the bio-balls can be the reason for this. I see most people don't like the bio balls and many also say they are not needed in a well established system. A couple of questions for you guys: 1. Can I just yank all the bio balls out in one go or should I take them out a bit at a time over a period of several weeks? 2. Can replace the bio-balls with pieces of LS? Isn't this going to dry up the LS? 3. Could Seachem Matrix be used in a trickle filter like the one I have? 4. Any other suggestions? __________________ My blog: http://www.ingve.no/shallowreef/ Current Tank Info: 300 litres SPS tank Last edited by Liknes; 10/24/2013 at 05:11 AM. Reason: Typos

10/26/2013, 10:03 PM	#2
tkeracer619 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Westminster, CO Posts: 17,289	If you have LR pull the bio balls. Do it slowly. Large water changes remove nitrates. Small water changes don't. If you do 3 large 50% water changes your nitrates will be ~4ppm. I wouldn't really do anything thats in a trickle for a sps system. The issue here is that bioballs don't have the ability to convert any substantial nitrates into nitrogen gas. Anaerobic bacteria inside live rock does this. __________________ Hobby Experience: 9200ish gallons, 26 skimmers, and a handful of Kent Scrapers. Current Tank: Vortech Powered 600G SPS Tank w/ 100gal frag tank & 100g Sump. RK2-RK10 Skimmer. ReefAngel. Radium 20k.