There are many different types of filter media you may see on store shelves and you can always swap out what is in your filter for something that better suits your tank setup and inhabitants. Plastic Balls: These are small plastic balls that come in a variety of sizes and can be used in most types of filters. They are effective at trapping debris and providing a place for bacteria to grow. No, you can’t have too many bio balls. In the first place, you can never overdose on beneficial bacteria nor are they harmful once you have a lot of them inside a tank. Different types of bio media come in different sizes and shapes. Bio-balls, for example, can come in various sizes but a general size for canister filters is around the diameter of a quarter dollar coin. While the Fluval U2 Underwater Filter wasn't the quietest filter we tested, it was close. Plus, with its built-in aeration contributing to your tank's oxygenation it's possible to supplement with a quieter, less obtrusive bubbler.

Can Help Suppress Algal Growth: While algal blooms in your tank can be caused by phosphate, ammonia can also be a cause as algae can take it up [ 6]. A biofilter with biological media means more beneficial bacteria to break down this ammonia. The answer to this question depends on a few factors, such as the size of your aquarium and the type of fish you have. It is important to remember that you should only add a few fish at a time so that your filter system can keep up with the ammonia and nitrite levels in the water. What is the difference between bio balls and ceramic rings? And, it should go without saying, but don’t use any soap, disinfectant or other cleaning agent – you will kill all the bacteria on your bio balls. Conclusion Bio media can be expensive, but there are some affordable options available. Make sure to consider the price when choosing your bio media and find one that fits into your budget without sacrificing quality.

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However, bio balls might be the better option if you have a filter or sump tank with high water flow, which is commonly found in large aquarium and pond settings. This way, you wouldn’t have to worry about how many ceramic rings you should put in your tank (assuming that your filter is compatible with the size of your tank). Do I Need To Wash Ceramic Rings? Nitrifying bacteria are mostly found in sponge filters, fluidized bed filters, undergravel filtration systems, and bio-wheel power filters.

If you put your fish into an aquarium before this cycling has been completed, the bio balls will not have built up enough bacteria to deal with the ammonia adequately. In other words, when you get new bio balls, unless you are adding them to pre-existing ones, you will need to let the filter run with the aquarium void of fish for around 5 weeks. However, there are instant nitrogen cycling chemicals and compounds you can use to immediately complete the nitrogen cycling process. Conclusion These bacteria are essential for the breakdown of ammonia and nitrites in your aquarium water, which can be harmful to your fish. A mechanical filter should be in place before the bio balls in your filter system to catch any waste before it reaches your bio balls. Both products do share some similarities, however, they do have key differences. Refer to the bullet list below to see their differences with each other: Bio Balls You will also need to consider that bio balls need some extra cleaning and don’t allow the necessary bacteria to grow that perform denitrification.So whether you’re using a sponge filter or bio balls, make sure you make them turtle-proof. If you don’t want to go through the trouble of installing them manually, you can buy a filter that comes with filter media like a sponge filter or bio balls. An example of such a filter would be the Sun Sun filters. What Can I Use Instead Of Bio Balls? In general, however, most bio balls will last for several years before they need to be replaced. What are some alternatives to bio balls? Carbon: Carbon filters can absorb some compounds from your water, such as chlorine and some phenols, but are not necessary for most aquarium setups. Although there are several designs and sizes of bio balls, some even come with an internal bio-sponge; they are all geared towards a specific function — which is to house nitrifying bacteria. Bio balls don’t need to be replaced as long as they are kept clean and show no signs of falling apart. Replacing bio balls will actually be detrimental to your system as they make up a good portion of your biological filter that allows your fish tank to sustain itself. The best 3 bio balls for your aquarium filter