Biofilters

[arh1]

Biofilters using plastic "bioballs" work great for larger tanks, but I have not heard of a routine maintenance procedures for these. Should they be cleaned out and re-inoculated at some interval (yearly?), or just left alone as long as they seem to be working? Would appreciate advice from anyone with experience with these.

[NateDogg]

I got rid of my bioballs. I have a 29g biocube and the bioballs were standard filtrations. I had no problems for a year and then I had unbelievably high nitrate levels. Nothing took them down. I gradually switched from bioballs to live rock in the back and I am much better off. So.. If you do keep them, I would think that you would want to at least rinse them off in some tank water. (but not in your tank!)

[wesheltonj]

You will see the post to get rid of them, they do not work, etc. I use them and my No3 level as of yesterday was 2.5 (Salifert). Yes, they need to be cleaned, but not all at once and cleaned only in tank water the you have removed.