Table of Contents
How many bio balls do I need?
A general rule of thumb is 2.2 gallons of bio balls per 100 gallons of water. Bio balls are available in a range of sizes to fit different types of filters – you will be able to fit more small bio balls in the same-sized filter than you will large ones.
Are bio balls necessary?
Bio balls are used to hold the beneficial bacteria from your tank and not for removing waste products from the system. We recommend that these are used after the water flows through filter foam as the foam will catch and remove any debris from the water meaning these will not get stuck in the groves of the Bio balls.
How long does it take for bio balls to work?
Most new aquariums take 3-6 weeks to fully cycle, meaning that the nitrogen cycle can successfully process ammonia into nitrates.
What do bio filter balls do?
Bio balls are spheres consisting of tiny tubes that provide a large surface area on which water-filtering microbes can grow. They are typically used in fish tank and fish pond filters to transform potentially harmful ammonia into benign nitrates.
How many bio balls are needed per gallon?
Excellent filtration media for bacteria colonization; each bioball is approximately 1.5″ x 1.25″ in diameter. 750 bioballs equal 1 cubic foot, and 100 bioballs equal 1 gallon.
Are bio balls better than ceramic?
Bio balls should only be used for biological filtration only. They simply exist to trap and remove waste. Ceramic rings will ultimately trap more bad stuff, but your bio balls will ultimately do a better job of denitrifying bacteria.
How often replace bio balls?
see less Bio balls don’t really need replaced. They simply provide a foundation for the helpful bacteria to cling to. In fact replacing them would remove a huge amount of good bacteria that you need. Carbon on the other hand needs replaced.
Do bio balls float?
Yes. They float. But when placed into a confined space they did fill the area no problem.
How often should I clean my bio filter?
The general rule of thumb is to clean your aquarium filter, regardless of type, once every month (four weeks). Though, you want to wait at least a week from your last cleaning, of the tank or filter, before your next session to help your fish adjust to the new conditions in the tank.
What is inside bio balls?
Bio balls are small, pegged plastic balls mainly used as the biological media in aquarium filters. 2. These little plastic bio balls have TONS of surface area for the growth of bacteria for filtration. They are used as the biological media in salt water and fresh water aquariums as well as ponds.
Should I use bio balls in a reef tank?
Bio Balls can be used in saltwater aquariums but if left uncleaned they easily trap detritus which can lead to high nitrates & phosphates. They provide a large surface area for nitrifying bacteria to colonize however newer technology is available to work more efficiently & require less maintenance.
How long does bio media last?
Bio-media does clog over time, and it is recommended to provide clean filter media for effective colonization by bacteria. This family of nitrifying bacteria will benefit from partial media changes every 3-6 months to ensure clean porous surfaces are available.
Can you have too much bio media?
there is no such thing as too much bio media. No matter what, your beneficial bacteria can only grow to the demand. If you have 100lbs of bio media and 1 small fish fed every other day, you will only have a small amount of bacteria despite having 100lbs of media. You absolutely can have not enough media though.
Where do bio balls go in a sump?
They are not intended to trap detritus and particles, and if you are using them in the sump, should be placed in the area of your sump least likely to come into contact with detritus, normally closest to the return. Detritus should be removed through other forms of filtration such as a filter socks or filter sponges.
Do bio rings need to be replaced?
Bio media that is a porous solid (not sponge or plastic) such as clay rings, ceramic balls, lava rock, and sintered glass, does need to be replaced periodically as the micro pores fill and clog. Bleaching can sterilize the crud in the pores but won’t clean them out.
How often should you replace filter media?
Be sure to replace the filter media at least every three to four weeks and give the filter housing a quick rinse. If any algae or debris has accumulated in the intake tube, clean that as well.
Where do you put bio balls in a pond?
The Pond Guy BioBalls filter media can be placed in any pond that requires additional filtration. The BioBalls can be placed in skimmer boxes, waterfall filters, or directly in your pond to increase the available surface area for beneficial bacteria.
Can you put ceramic in fish tank?
Some ceramics are OK to use in your tank – if they are marked as ‘dinnerware safe’ they will usually be fine for your tank. As a basic rule of thumb with ceramics, if it’s not safe to eat off, don’t put it in your aquarium.
How do you size a biofilter?
Sizing a Biofilter With a given airflow rate and selected EBCT, the biofilter media volume can be determined using the following: If biofilter space (area) is not limiting, a media depth can be selected and used to find the space needed. Next, calculate the Unit Airflow Rate (UAR) using the media area and airflow rate.
Should you clean bio filter?
I definitely recommend cleaning your bio falls every four to six weeks. If you don’t clean your bio falls, then your mechanical filtration (filter mat) will become clogged with waste.
Do I need to clean bio filter?
Therefore, I say that as long as the mechanical filter is doing its job to screen out ALL the solids, the bio-converter should never require cleaning. The bio-converter should only have the media, the bacteria and the “solids free” water flowing though it.
