Nitrate and bioballs

[optimusyue]

Hi everyone

I read at one of the thread the other day that use of bioballs will build up nitrate and someone ever told me it is actually a outdated method of filtration. How true is it? If I am using them should I change them?

My nitrate level though manageable has never reach zero.

Thanks.

[Acanthurus pyroferus]

yeah it's the trickle filter method which seems to be a factory for nitrate to build. I don't use that anymore and did away with coral chips as well which seems to gather alot of detritus build up.

eversince my nitrate level has dropped to zero ,nuisance algae blooms have cease to exist anymore. Combined with regular water changes it's a worry free tank now and it's maturing as the months go by....

[Infinitereef]

The bio-balls has its place depend on your tank setup. It should not be generalized as outdated. But LR is a much better filtration system than any man-made ones.

[ervine]

I won't say that they are outdated... they are still useful for freshwater tanks whereby the plants need the NO3 to grow... but not so much in SW tanks...

[trader_best]

have followed the advise of the shi fus here...finally removed my bio-balls and ceramic rings completely!!!