Bio- filtration bad?????

poppaluv · 03-13-2007, 10:56 PM

I've been thinkin' of going to a reef tank (90) gal that I saved from the F.E.M.A contractors who were tearing down a neighbors house down here. It leaked bad but I managed to re-seal it.

From what i've read here and other sources, there should be no source of bio- filters (bio-balls,stars ,etc), just a live sand bed for this use.

But I don't understand why. Can someone explain it to me. It seems the more, the better...

Achilles · 03-13-2007, 11:03 PM

Man you opened up a can there!!! I personally like bio-balls but you will get mixed thoughts on them.As long as your willing to rinse about half of them off about every 3 to 4 months ( with saltwater ) than they are awesome. If you dont do that then you will probably get a nitrate spike. But thats all you have to do , i think its as easy as any other filter to maintain. Anyway goodluck and remember to Always go with what ever you feel the most comfortable with in this hobby and you will enjoy the heck out of it! Oh yea bio filtration is Great for a reef tank!! sorry almost forgot you asked that!!
Todd

gm333 · 03-13-2007, 11:11 PM

There are alot of peple who have sucsess with bio filtration, the only problem with it is if not cleaned regularly it can cause nitrates to build up in a tank. By using live sand and live rock you eliminate the need for bio filters because the rock and sand are the bio filter. If a refugium is used you can use macroalgae to help keep down nitrate levels. Here is an awesome article that will help answer some of your questions. http://www.tfhmagazine.com/default.aspx?pageid=286

Blake · 03-14-2007, 12:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by poppaluv

I've been thinkin' of going to a reef tank (90) gal that I saved from the F.E.M.A contractors who were tearing down a neighbors house down here.

Hey, are you out here in N.O. too? I live uptown, just starting a tank myself.

poppaluv · 03-14-2007, 03:19 AM

Thanx for the replys. Personally I don't have a problem w/ cleaning the balls 3 times a year. After all the testing and feeding that goes w/ a reef set up, it doesn't see to be a burden. Plus I will not be able to afford the needed amount of LR and LS all at once. Sheesh I will clean out the filters every month on my planted 110 once we get in the house and set it all up.

Hey Blake I'm still in a FEMA trailer down in Chalmette. Been 14 months now

Lookin' to get back in any week now....

I will try to post pics of the progress(?) of house and da fishies home(s)...

Lahatiel · 03-14-2007, 05:37 AM

Yeah this is a can of worms, and I'll probably get slapped around a bit for it too.

The reason most people claim they produce so many nitrates is because they are so effective at doing what they are supposed to do...break down wastes through the nitrogen cycle with an "close to the end" product of nitrate. Nitrate needs anerobic areas to be broke down to harmless nitrogen...and that is where "porous" live rock/deep sand beds come into play. Wet/dry systems are highly oxygenated so can't break down the nitrates...so the nitrates flow into the water column.

As long as proper maintenance is maintained in the form of water changes, etc. it shouldn't pose a problem.

I won't get into the battle that some people just expect their filter to do all the work with no intervention and wonder why the nitrates are so elevated...unfortunately there is no "laser 2000" that does it all and makes the coffee too.

Chitown1 · 03-14-2007, 06:54 AM

The reason I do not use bio balls, cannister filters tec. is they are unable to complete the denitrification process, the only thing they are capable of is turning nitrite into nitrates and that is it, then you have a build up of nitrates, which in a fish only tank is not a issue, but a FOWLER or reef can not tolerate high nitrate levels. You do however need more than just sand, you also need enough LR to provide enough bio filtration, I use 1 1/2 - 2 lbs per gallon of rock to make sure there is enough to do the job. Of all the reef keepers I know and on several forums, maybe 10 of several hundred use other filtration besides the rock, some are succesful some are not and learn they need to loose the bio balls, cannisters etc. in order to provide a longer life for their livestock. Many people start with units like that, then a couple years later have a total crash and find out it was due to the filtration they used, it is not something that is evident in a few months. I would also say if you do decide to use bio balls, to clean half weekly at the min.
IMO it is much easier to maintain a system without bio balls, ans I do not recommend them or use them in any of my tanks and have not used them for over 10 years.

poppaluv · 03-15-2007, 12:26 AM

Thanks for the info. Perhaps I will rethink this whole idea.