Question For Bio Ball Users....

So I have a Aqueon 75g HOB Filter on my 120g as part of the filtration. I just realize I havent changed any of the media cartridges in the tank in over 2-3 months. Looking at them earlier today they are as white as they are new. very little buildup. Anyways With My lack of changing it out hen at an LFS today, We where looking at the bio balls and the guy said I could put them in the filter and use them istead of the cartridges.

My questions are:

1.) Would this work as stated to help filter?
2.) Do bioballs have maintence... (cleaning or anything else etc...)
3.) Will the be a nitrate factory? (I've read that they can be but not sure if I remember why)

Thanks again.

 

hope that helps

 

If I where to try this, How often should they be rinsed. So If I put them in the filter, I dont want them to be fully sumrged? just float? *sorry Im lost in these things*

 

ideally they go in a sump above the waterline and get constantly wet via a spraybar or drip tray. for your purpose you may want to look into ceramic media instead, you'll get far more surface area for bacteria to colonize and they are easier to rinse clean every week, 2 at the most.

 

Hmmm Maybe Im better to just keep up with my media cartridges lol...