HOB Filters - Remove Bio Filtration?

[leakyfaucet]

I read somewhere on here, I can't remember the exact thread now, that you should remove the bio filter from an HOB filter, but I never saw the reason why this is so. Does it have to do with the fact that leaving the biofilter would cause the tank to re-cycle? (e.g. buildup of nitrites which need to be converted to nitrites... etc). Anyway, if someone could explain this to me, that would be great. Thanks.

PS. My anthellia fragmented by twisting off their heads. Is this normal behavior? I used to have them near the top of my tank, thinking they were xenia. Anthelia position should be near the bottom of the tank, so I think maybe it was trying to "move?"

 

[skipm]

You want to remove the bio part because it converts waste into ammonia to nitrite to nitrate so quickly you don't have a chance for anything to be consumed before its converted to nitrate, this causes high nitrate levels. With the slightly slower process in using LR for filtration snails, crabs, etc. have a chance to feed on some of the waste so it doesn't get processed into nitrates.

 

[leakyfaucet]

Ah. thanks skip. I figured it had something to do with messing the cycle... that makes sense it will just be a nitrate factory and overhwhelm the tank. Thanks!