filtration poll

bio balls are under the biological filtration method but in my opinion they are mechanical.
reason being: a skimmer is mechanical but takes out impurities through aeration. bio balls also work by aeration and in a wet/dry that falls under mechanical.
can anyone come up with another reason why they are under biological other than the name

 

Because they are supposed to slow down water flow, enhance water/pollution mixing and finally provide attachment surface for filtration bacteria! Moreover, many types are made of biodegradable material, that serves as a energy source to start the bacterial cultures.

 

a skimmer also does that

 

hmmmm.....i run carbon in a HOT magnum filter.....which is mechanical and chemical. Have LR, DSB: Biological. Protein skimmer and overflow box with filter floss. Adding a refugium right now.

 

All three here as well....

Biological: LR LS
Phos reactor w/Seachem Seagel
Skimmer

 

I don't, al naturale JK LOL

 

To my understanding bio balls are biological filtration because they serve chiefly as surface area on which beneficial nitrifying bacteria colonize. The unique shape and structure of the bio ball is such to achieve more surface area per bio ball for bacterial coloniziation.

By definition, mechanical filtration removes particulate matter from the water. Filter floss is a good example. Bio balls would not be considered primarily mechanical filtration because they lack the ability to remove waterborne particles.