Thinking of getting Bio-balls

[BrianMac]

I know the term Bio-balls is taboo in the reefing world.

But what is the difference between using "dead rock" and "bioballs"?

Granted one is made of plastic and wouldn't look too nice in a display tank.

But the idea of both is to harbor bacteria to keep the water parameters in check.

Thoughts?

 

[JohnK]

LR / dead reef rock is porus with in such a way that it encourages/facilitates anerobic bacteria which will break down the nitrate produced by the aerobic bacteria that live on it's outer parts. ='s more or less balanced filtration

Bio-balls are high surface area and not porus so they host lots of aerobic bacteria but no anerobic bacteria. ='s nitrate factory

 

[MikeG]

that about cover it.

They do work really well in fish only systems where nitrates are not as much of a concern.