snakeskinner
01-08-2004, 12:44 PM
hello all, I have a 55g with a penguin 330 and have been curious as to the bio-balls. The filter has two screen baskets on the back that I've been curious as to their function (guess I could have read the instructions better when I set it up). I'm assuming these are to put things such as medicine or bio balls in? I have had a slightly high nitrate problem that I have fixed for the time being with a water change with distilled water (also to lower PH) and no feeding for a few days. I'm wondering if it would help to put some bio balls or something similar into there. I know the bio wheels are supposed to hold the bacteria but I can't help but think there isn't much space for the bacteria to be on there. Plus, when the wheels stop, the remaining paddles are in the air and dry out. does this kill the bacteria or make them move somewhere wet? I know it said the wheels stopping isn't a problem with the filter but I just don't know for sure. thanks for any help, Kyle