What are these Bio-Balls - Please help

[nagukush]

Hi Friends !

Just wanted to request for some advice.

In my Freshwater Aquarium's top filter (the one on the Tank Cover), the water is drawn from the tank and poured in to the 2 compartments where my Fish dealer has placed the material in the following order (exactly as in the order) -

Water - poured in (drawn from the power-head)

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A layer of Filtering Sponge
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A layer of Activated carbon in one compartment and a layer of some ceramic barrels in the other compartment
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A layer of Filtering Sponge
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Water poured in to the tank (passing thru all of the above layers)


Now, he says that I need to add a layer of some Bio-Balls (small black colored balls) on top of the above setup and then a layer of sponge above that. (on top-most)

I really have no idea on what are these Bio-Balls and if they are necessary ? Kindly advice and help me friends !

Regards
Kush

 

[theotheragentm]

Bio balls are one form of biological filtration. They offer surface area to allow bacteria to grow. Bio balls are not necessary as a specific biological filtration. Pot scrubbers are much cheaper and work just as well.

Picture Courtesy of Aquarium Life

 

[nagukush]

Hi there !

Thanks for the kind reply and advice.

1. Just wanted to request you to kindly advice if the Layer format that I have described is correct and ok for a FRESH WATER AQUARIUM? or do I need to change it any way to be better ?

2. Do I need to cover the Bio-Balls with a layer of Filtering Sponge or just let the water pour on the Balls ?

3. Also should clean this Bio-Balls, Ceramic Barrels and Carbon regularly ? If yes then how much interval do I leave before cleaning them ?

Please advice friend - it will be a great help...

Thanks again for the reply...

 

[msjinkzd]

1. Just wanted to request you to kindly advice if the Layer format that I have described is correct and ok for a FRESH WATER AQUARIUM? or do I need to change it any way to be better ? In my filters I have the bottom layer being sponge, then the middle layer being biologic (ceramic rings in my case, and the pot scrubbers, then the top layer I put either polishing pads or usually poly-fill (pillow stuffing). I don't run carbon unless I need to remove meds.

2. Do I need to cover the Bio-Balls with a layer of Filtering Sponge or just let the water pour on the Balls ?

3. Also should clean this Bio-Balls, Ceramic Barrels and Carbon regularly ? If yes then how much interval do I leave before cleaning them ? If you are running carbon it will need to be changed every couple of weeks or it stops being effective. The other media can be rinsed in tank water as needed (i rinse mine about every three weeks). I replace my polyfill every other week or as needed.

There are manyoptions that are acceptable for filtration and media, what I mentioned is just what I have found works for me.

What is the stock in the tank? That effects how often you need to clean media and what media to use.

 

[Cory Keeper]

yeah, pot scrubbers may work well, But they can gunk up pretty quick if your not careful of where put them in your filter. My pump slowed down to no more than a trickle when connected, couldn't figure it out till I removed the pot scrubber to find it was blocking the input barb on my DIY filter with gunk.