Power filter trick

I'm starting to lower my opinion towards this supposed need for massive biofiltration units. Truth is, if you need that much surface area dedicated to such colonies, your tank is ridiculously overstocked. Not to mention if your tank is highly planted, the bacteria are taking away too much of the plants' preferred nitrogen source - ammonia.

I think that the "normal" amount of bacterial colonization surface area found in proper filtration and on the tank surfaces is more than sufficient for what is needed to keep a very healthy system. Would you believe me if I told you that my betta bowls are "cycled" just because they each have one small rock that I never remove? Just for fun I test them from time to time before doing water changes and the ammonia is always 0 as is nitrite. And the small amount of nitrate present makes it obvious that there is an active biofilter - living on one little rock. Really shows how little all of this insanely overdone biofiltration is needed.
 
interesting. I would like to hear others opinions on this.

I have recently added another filter to my tank, as it is overstocked as a means to manage aggression. I don't mind overkill by any means, and if the alterations suggested would really turn my filter into a Bio-Monster then i would be prepared to do this. Question is, how much of a difference do you think it really would make????
 
I like Bio Wheels because you can rinse the sponges and change out the floss without worrying about a mini cycle since most of the bacteria is on the wheel itself.

Of course I use 2 filters and only clean one at a time.
 
I am of the belief the bacteria haven't a single clue or desire to know where the filter media is. They do not know to go to the canister or pads. They will not be more likely to be there just because you have flow there.

They are going to be on anything in contact with the water. You will not get more bacteria because you have more surface area. Your bateria colony will be equal to your bio-load and if more surface area is made available, it will just be spread over a larger area.
 
interesting but i wouldn't bother with it myself.
Do have a kneed for more Biological filtration than your current setup can handle ?
 
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