Bio Balls VS. Live Rock

dawgfan1 · 01-15-2008, 09:19 PM

Hey Gang,

Great News, long story short, I ended up on Craigs list and found a sump setup for my system for $60. I think I am going to get it, but I have a question, (I figured we need a poll question as well) I currently use live rock and crushed coral in my Fluval, but I see a lot of sumps that use bio-balls to grow bacteria. Is anything better than the other, or are there any pros and cons to one system over the other? I also see people growing macro algae in them like a refugium and sticking critters in them, any input on that?

chadf · 01-15-2008, 09:57 PM

Bioballs are unable to eliminte nitrate and live rock can.

gm333 · 01-15-2008, 10:46 PM

Chad is right, bioballs do not produce the right kind of bacteria to eliminate nitrates and usually end up supplying more nitrates. Live rock is the best filtration for your tank. Macroalgae helps as well.

Shawn D · 02-25-2008, 01:15 AM

Live rock an macroalgea is a great combo