Live rock rubble in place of bio balls?????

[secretweapons22]

In a couple of threads I have read on here, several ppl have said to slowly switch out Live rock rubble in place of bio balls, and I am just wondering why? Does the rubble contain more beneficial bacteria than the balls can house? How much better? What does it improve? Thanks, and sorry if its a dumb ?, I just couldn't seem to find an explanation online.

[JimD]

Even small pieces of live rock contain anaerobic areas. It is becuase the rock is so porous that it can function as both an aerobic and an anaerobic filter, aerobic conditions exsist on the surface and larger pores, anaerobic conditions exists within the smaller pores. Its the porousity of the live rock that makes it a better coice over bio-balls which are for the most part, non pourus and will just build up detritus over time.

[secretweapons22]

Ok, thanks, makes sense.. My next ? is can I take some of the man made live rock that I bought for my 1st saltwater but no longer like the look of in my tank and break it up for the sump or is this ill advised?

[aquasport24]

I think man made rock doesnt' have any filtration capabilitise other than for looks only. It is not porous like the real live rock.

[secretweapons22]

Thanks, That make sense. So maybe I need to just remove that rock and replace it with real live rock?

[papijames]

SecretWeapon I was alson told the same thing regarding getting ride of my balls (bioballs from the wet/dry) now my question is once I do that all I'll be left with a sump. what was the whole point of spending that much money on buying a wet/dry when I could purchase a use tank, fill it with rocks and use it as a sump?

[Darth-Tater]

None. I either buy a used tank or have Ace build a sump. A used tank with baffles works just a well.


David