Bio-Balls in the General Sump Area?

[snickle]

I replace all the Bio-Balls in the bio-filter area with Nylon pot-scrubbers. A lot more surface area.

Now I am wondering, since I have all these bio-balls, shold I just float them in the main sump area?

Thoughts?

 

[Rallysman]

well, if the pot scrubbers do their job there wont be anything left to feed bacteria on the bioballs. It certainly wont hurt anything, but I dont think it will make a difference in filtration (unless you have more than your filter is made to handle)

 

[jm1212]

they should be fine in the general part of the sump until the pot scrubbers build up the necessary bacteria. you are going to want to make it a slower transition, perhaps take out a couple of Bio-balls a day

 

[snickle]

I already made the switch prior to cycling. Just trying to decide what to do with the bag off balls. Figure in the sump they would add a little extra filtration.

On a side note: Should I try to cram as many potscrubbers in as possible? I am thinking I a cram some more in, it might help distribute the water flow better.

Thoughts?

they should be fine in the general part of the sump until the pot scrubbers build up the necessary bacteria. you are going to want to make it a slower transition, perhaps take out a couple of Bio-balls a day

 

[Rbishop]

You can have all the surface area you want. But the bacteria colony will only equal your bio-load.

 

[Rallysman]

If you pack them in it may impede the flow. Let the drip plate distribute the water.

 

[snickle]

I agree. I am just thinking that the more distributed bio-area, might adjust quicker to changes.

I would think the bacteria would spread itself accross all available media, but I may be wrong.

 

[Shocker6966]

I think the usable area in the sump would be better suited for planting with efficient filter plants or something of the sort to to remove nitrates and organic compounds between water changes rather than having some random balls floating around.

 

[snickle]

Recommendation on plants? They would need to be low light, because I can;t see putting high wattage in the stand.

I think the usable area in the sump would be better suited for planting with efficient filter plants or something of the sort to to remove nitrates and organic compounds between water changes rather than having some random balls floating around.