Bio Balls and Filter Sponges fo 12G Nano Tank

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Hector

New Member
Hello Everyone an thanks for your welcome messages,

My quetions is regarding the use of Bio Balls and the required mantenance for the sponge filter media placed in the first chamber of the Nano Aquarium filter.

Is the use of Bio balls a "no no" for the nano aquarium based on its capability to produce nitrates? How about the sponges? Can they jut b rinsed once weekly or they ned to be washed more often? How often would they have to be replaced?

Thanks for the info.

Hector
 
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KidNano

New Member
When I had my twelve I used it and never had problems. You just have to make sure you clean it. Some people would cut it in half and only clean half at a time as to not "shock" the tank or take away the beneficial bacteria. A lot of people just get rid of them. As far as I can see they don't really add anything beneficial to the filtration. There are better options for the first chamber.

check out some of the other 12 gallon threads on the site to see what other people have done with them. you should find some good info.
 
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reefman23

New Member
The main problem with bio balls... and most other biological media excluding LR... is that it lacks the anaerobic region necessary for completing the nitrogen cycle. Without that anaerobic area, nitrates cannot be turned into nitrogen gas. So, you are left with a build-up of nitrates instead of the nitrogen gas which can escape on its own into the atmosphere.

Now some people think that using LR rubble in the back chambers can lead to an area where detritus is trapped and can build up. In my experience that hasnt happened. If you do notice a build-up of detritus you can usually easily syphon it out during a water change.

Jesse
 
H

Hector

New Member
Sponges and Bio Balls

Thanks to all....in fact I do have the ceramic rings also....it is just the typical initial Nano set up as it comes from the manufacturers. In reading some of the comments, and only having experience with Discus Fish, it is confusing at first to see that some people remove the carbon, others leave it, several opinions on Bio Balls, sponges, etc.

Thanks for your smart answers and for sharing your invaluable experience.

Regards,

Hector
 
K

KidNano

New Member
Re: Sponges and Bio Balls

Hector said:
Thanks to all....in fact I do have the ceramic rings also....it is just the typical initial Nano set up as it comes from the manufacturers. In reading some of the comments, and only having experience with Discus Fish, it is confusing at first to see that some people remove the carbon, others leave it, several opinions on Bio Balls, sponges, etc.

Thanks for your smart answers and for sharing your invaluable experience.

Regards,

Hector
Click to expand...
yeah your going to find all kinds of different opinions about everything. I've been reefing for only 2 years and I have plenty of opinions. obviously someone whos been reefing even longer is going to have even more. Important to find out what you can about each individual topic or item and then research the facts and what the truths are about the products. Why people use them and why they don't. you'll get a lot of people that have strong opinions, but can't keep anything alive. check out the fruits of their labors before you take anyones advice. www.reefkeeping.com will give you a good balance of opinions and facts. They post new online magazines every month and you can go back through and read the archives which is very helpful. My personal thoughts are that we're trying to reproduce a natural reef. Why not use the materials and concepts given to us by God in Nature.

Good luck, have fun and keep posting pictures.
 
djconn

djconn

New Member
In my 12 gal nanocube I run the following:

Chamber 1 (under overflow) - two filter sponges. These are rinsed about once a week or when I get around to it. Every once and awhile, I throw a carbon pad on top to 'polish' things off.

Chamber 2 - live rubble rock & calurpa.

Chanber 3 - 50w heater and PH.

Been up for about 3 yrs on and off. No problems. :mrgreen:
 
TimSchmidt

TimSchmidt

New Member
And for my 12 nanocube here is what I have:

Chamber 1 - nothing

Chamber 2 - Chaetomorpha (I have a 3 LED fuge light for this set on a reverse daylight cycle).

Chamber 3 - 50w heater and PH

Been up for 6 months or so and no problems.
 
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