Is Biological filtration not wanted in a reef?

[reefguy]

I've read that biological filtration is not desired in a reef. Just wondering if this is true, and if so, why?

[JimD]

Describe "biological filtration"...

[reefguy]

Stuff like Bio Balls, Bio Bale, Bio Glass, etc.

[PeeJ]

well i think the main problem is just the trapping of detritus and the decay of it causing problems.

[JimD]

Thats what I thought. What youre refering to is more of a "supplimental" filtration. Bio balls and such have proven themselvs to be not as effective for filtration as live rock, >deep sand bed< (major discussion on this one) a good skimmer and regular water changes. The wet dry filtration systems tend to build up nitrates over time and become detrimental to the filtration process. Most people nowa days are using the live rock, skimmer method with tremendous success. This method is considered "biological filtration"

[reefguy]

I have a tidepool right now that I am fixing to replace with a sump/refugium and I just took out all my crushed coral and put in a deep (3'') fine sand bed. Should I take off the Bio Wheels also?

[PeeJ]

you can use biology text books to soak up dirty water

[JimD]

Yes, remove the bio wheels, but do it slowly, over the course of a couple of weeks. The incorporation of a sump/refugium is probably one of the best things you can do, emphasis on refugium. IMO you cant go wrong with a fine grade sandbed. Ive had mine for approaching three years now and my water quality is pretty much perfect. Many people however, run tanks bare bottom with great results. Sunds like youre taking the proper steps and researching,,,,,, the best of luck to ya!

[reefguy]

What about in a 20 gallon where you cant really use a sump or a refugium? I have a Penguin 330 on it with a Sea Clone 150, and a 2'' sand bed, but not a lot a live rock. Should I take off the Bio Wheels on it also? Or should I put something else on this aquaruim?

[AlienAnchovies]

What about in a 20 gallon where you cant really use a sump or a refugium? I have a Penguin 330 on it with a Sea Clone 150, and a 2'' sand bed, but not a lot a live rock. Should I take off the Bio Wheels on it also? Or should I put something else on this aquaruim?
who says you cant use a sump or a fuge, im running both on my 20 gallon now with no problems at all, after doing so i noticed that my water quality has improved ten fold not to mention the all random fauna that live in the sump/fuge