Bioballs in the sump instead of live rocks

[Paolissimo]

I was watching the BRS video about rocks and surface area. My question is, If I take a bunch of Bioballs (yes the nitrate factory bioballs)and put them in my sump underwater, can I technically lower the amount of live rock and sand (maybe even going barebottom)in my display tank?

 

[Cu455]

Yes. If you are going to submerge the bioballs there is better stuff to use like ceramic rings.

 

[Jhoehlein]

Yes. If you are going to submerge the bioballs there is better stuff to use like ceramic rings.

This. Plastic bioballs work best in a wet/dry or trickle filter, they're designed to be bulky to allow air access. For something that's going to be permanently under water you want something denser but still porous, like ceramic balls (think Eheim Substrat or other canister filter bio media) or aragonite rock.

 

[bklynreef]

This. Plastic bioballs work best in a wet/dry or trickle filter, they're designed to be bulky to allow air access. For something that's going to be permanently under water you want something denser but still porous, like ceramic balls (think Eheim Substrat or other canister filter bio media) or aragonite rock.

+1
I'm using them in my wet dry not submerged and have 100 micron media filter before the water hits it hence much less detritus build up on the bio balls.

 

[Cu455]

I think this is what he is talking anout. Dr.Fosters and smith is cheaper them BRS. It will still be fine. As long as you are providing surface area.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+4136+27933&pcatid=27933

 

[vio]

LR is the best option for me.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2210490