Ceramic Bio Ball

[justahobby]

Has any one used the ceramic bio balls? I was thinking of swapping out the 14 gal BC for these. I would do it gradually, giving the bacteria a chance to migate. Before I do it though, I am curious if anyone has anything to say about the ceramic? Thanks to all.

Justin

Oops misposted. Can someone move this to equipment?

[RayAllen]

Im sure when I say this I speak for most if not everyone on the board. Get rid of the bioballs all together plastic or ceramic. They can and almost always lead to higher nitrates that what a reef should have. Id replace them with LR rubble which will help grow your population of Copepods and other beneficial critters.

[justahobby]

Sounds like a better solution :thumbs_up: Any one else? I have been battling high nitrates, but I figured it was for one, someone had been frequently WAY overfeeding without my knowledge. How do I avoid the high nitrates that comes with adding LR from a fish store?
Find someone willing to sell me some from a pre existing tank?
Will such a small amount not even have an impact?

[RayAllen]

Ed at Phenominal Aquatics sale LR Rubble that is already cured. Im not sure the cost but being Eds store im sure its cheap. With a 14g BC im sure 5lbs would fill that back chamber.

[millerdog]

I've had some ceramic in a 100 gal FOWLR that lasted about 3 years before they were all but dissolved in my canister filter. In their place I went with an increase in my carbon the guy’s in the tank don't seem to have noticed or missed a beat on top of a little nicer water clarity. If you want bio balls I’d stay with plastic or like ray said just dump them for more live rock.