some media Qs

[fishdude]

first of all...what is bioglass and have any of you used it or anything?
it sounds good so i was thinking of having 2 sponges and some bioglass for my AC 300 sound ok?

its kind of expensive but can be used for years but i just wanted to check with you guys first...(gee if i did THAT more often i wouldnt have .......oh no! i can feel it! its... its! a flashback! run for the hills folks!

 

[beviking]

I don't know EXACTLY how its done, but basically its glass formed into (rings, stars, balls, etc...) in such a way that it is porous throughout the media. I'm pretty sure it isn't just glass either.
The immense surface area created by these pores is great for bacteria to grow in/on. However, bacteria grow, reproduce, die, grow, reproduce, die(you get the picture) and with such small spaces, they get filled with dead bacteria. Once plugged, it isn't such a great place for the bacteria to grow. Check the instructions carefully b/c they will tell you to replace a certain amount after a given time (like 1/3 after 3 months), which, like you said is kind of expensive.
You're better off money-wise, going with solid media (like ceramic rings) which don't offer as much surface area, but will last years upon years without replacing any of it. The bacteria grow on every surface (gravel,decor, etc...) so you'll have enough surface area for them.
HTH

 

[JesseJ]

Fluval Biomax is good stuff. I've got it in 2 of my 3 tanks.

 

[blitzen25bm]

those cell pore cubes would work great if you have them after the sponges.