Few quistions about cleaning bio balls

Discussion in 'Filters, Pumps, etc..' started by Hackem688, Nov 9, 2008.

to remove this notice and enjoy 3reef content with less ads. 3reef membership is free.

Page 1 of 4
  1. Hackem688

    Hackem688 Millepora

    Joined:
    Jul 9, 2008
    Messages:
    905
    Location:
    Mesa AZ
    I know there is a lot of bio ball hatters but my mind is made up Some time ago I removed my bio balls in a troubleshooting attempt to lower my NO2 but it only made it worse so now I'm getting ready to add them back in but I have a few questions

    1 Cleaning them right now there soaking in salt water How long should I do this?

    2 Since I raised my sump water level the section were they were is half full of water now is this OK?
     
    Hackem688, Nov 9, 2008
    Hackem688, Nov 9, 2008
    #1

    2. Click Here!

  2. mirandacollc

    mirandacollc Flame Angel

    Joined:
    Aug 25, 2008
    Messages:
    1,505
    Location:
    Lebanon ME
    I was thinking of removing my bio balls also. what happened to your tank? I hear to just rince them off and put them back but please dont hold me to this im still new to this.
     
    mirandacollc, Nov 9, 2008
    mirandacollc, Nov 9, 2008
    #2
  3. Hackem688

    Hackem688 Millepora

    Joined:
    Jul 9, 2008
    Messages:
    905
    Location:
    Mesa AZ
    I have them soaking right now so I'm hoping to put them back in today
     
    Hackem688, Nov 9, 2008
    Hackem688, Nov 9, 2008
    #3
  4. JohnFritts

    JohnFritts Peppermint Shrimp

    Joined:
    Aug 16, 2008
    Messages:
    440
    Location:
    NorthWest, Arkansas
    Use a plastic bristle brush and brush them off as well.

    Brush them off, rinse in fresh water, rinse in salt water - then transport back into the filter system.

    That's about all.
     
    JohnFritts, Nov 9, 2008
    JohnFritts, Nov 9, 2008
    #4
  5. Hackem688

    Hackem688 Millepora

    Joined:
    Jul 9, 2008
    Messages:
    905
    Location:
    Mesa AZ
    Cool but what do you think about the 2nd question are they still affective submerged
     
    Hackem688, Nov 9, 2008
    Hackem688, Nov 9, 2008
    #5
  6. missionsix

    missionsix Super Moderator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Sep 25, 2007
    Messages:
    5,734
    Location:
    Bend,Oregon - USA
    You are only supposed to clean a portion at a time. I removed my bio-balls and replace with l/r. I wouldn't use BB's.

    By raising your water level, you are de-creasing the surface area for beneficial aerobic bacteria.
     
    missionsix, Nov 9, 2008
    missionsix, Nov 9, 2008
    #6

    7. Click Here!

  7. Otty

    Otty Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Nov 20, 2006
    Messages:
    6,467
    Location:
    Elizabethtown, IN
    +2

    They need to be out of the water so it trickles over the BB's

    Most wet/dry set ups usually had a place for filter media right before the BB's to keep the BB's from collecting matter on them which will cause problems with parameters later on.
     
    Otty, Nov 9, 2008
    Otty, Nov 9, 2008
    #7
  8. Hackem688

    Hackem688 Millepora

    Joined:
    Jul 9, 2008
    Messages:
    905
    Location:
    Mesa AZ
    good i put a filter sock in the neck with black diamond carbon
     
    Hackem688, Nov 9, 2008
    Hackem688, Nov 9, 2008
    #8
  9. LCP136

    LCP136 Sailfin Tang

    Joined:
    Aug 9, 2008
    Messages:
    1,722
    I removed my bioballs from my wet dry a few weeks ago and replaced it with live rock. My water quality has benefitted and my nuisance algae has gone down.
     
    LCP136, Nov 9, 2008
    LCP136, Nov 9, 2008
    #9
  10. mirandacollc

    mirandacollc Flame Angel

    Joined:
    Aug 25, 2008
    Messages:
    1,505
    Location:
    Lebanon ME
    I dont want to seem like im hijacling this thread but does the live rock have to be under the water or does it trickle like the bio balls? sorry to interupt just curious.
     
    mirandacollc, Nov 9, 2008
    mirandacollc, Nov 9, 2008
    #10
Page 1 of 4