Bio balls and Ceramic Rings...

kooter

kooter

AquaMan
Dec 14, 2003
701
13
18
Mission, BC
I've always wondered.........

What is the difference between these two media?
Do they have the same biological bacteria that collect on them or
do they serve different purposes?

thanks.
 
They have the same function to my understanding, it's just that the bioballs have more physical surface area for the good bacteria to colonize on than the cylinders. That's why you see the bio balls in larger filters like sumps, while the cylinders are normally reserved for HOB filters and mainly canisters. You could put bio balls in a canister, but just not as many, therefore reducing the surface area.
 
None, they just provide surface area for bacteria to grow on, as do pot scrubbers.

I get more surface area from cylinders in a canister, since bio balls take up so much room to begin with.

Too many variables to say which is the absolute best for any given personal situation.
 
I, and many others, use the cheapy ones at any dollar store...just don't get soap or anti-bacterial ones, or ones made of copper like some brillo pads.
 
Ceramic rings are often used at the bottom of the filter or wherever the water first comes in. They are useful to remove large particles and help spread the flow of water evenly though the filter as well as some biological properties. In my Eheim I've stopped using rings, I have a sponge on the intake and fill it up with sponges and bio balls, get a better flow rate that way.
 
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