Bioballs Or Ceramics?

[monkey_wrench]

Hi,

What are more effective for colonising bacteria on, bioballs or treated ceramic media?(with micro-tunnels )

 

[waterdrop]

I think ceramic media has the edge over bioballs, but it would be a close race. Ceramics probably "sit still" a little better because of their weight, which I would conjecture might be better for not disturbing biofilm structures and of course ceramic rings have the added feature of "randomizing" the small streams of flowing water, which is what you want in the media area. Ceramics might also have the edge in length of useful life. I've also heard some talk that very, very coarse sponge material (almost plastic brillo pad type stuff) may be a very competitive biomedia. Overall though, either of these in your question is considered a very good biomedia I believe.

~~waterdrop~~

 

[OldMan47]

Surface to volume ratio is really best on a plastic pot scrubber.

 

[8inary]

must admit, even though my lfs said go with ceramics, i actually opted for the cheaper option as i have 3 large external cans, that said, they do the job and ive not had any issues, even though they look like stickle bricks 'if you remember them'

 

[waterdrop]

lol, I could definately see going with plastics if you had even one of those trash-can sized filters!

 

[monkey_wrench]

hehe thanks to you all..

yeh have one of those 'very, very course sponge material' pads..but i did't know
it was such a great biomedia

I've currently got bioballs and ceramic biomedia in one of my sumps but I
just want to go with one type of media next time i clean my filter and don't
know if i should stick with the bioballs or cermaics

 

[Miss Wiggle]

see i've always been of the opinion that it's good to have different types of media in a filter, they all have benefits and drawbacks so it can be best to have some of each and hiopefully cover all bases.

 

[The-Wolf]

the best on the market is Siporax®
or pond Siporax®, which is the same only larger rings and works out cheaper per kilo

 

[ichatfilipina]

The are numerous advantages with Bac Balls and below we list just a few of the benefits:

* A modern lightweight and highly effective medium
* Large surface area for bacterial growth
* Very easy to clean and maintain
* Bac Balls will not impede the flow of water

Collectively there is more area for bacterial development than in other plastic media. Bac Balls is suitable for ponds and large aquariums. Approximately 1000 Bac Balls will provide biological filtration for 1000 gallons of water when provided with additional aeration or within a trickle tower system

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Alphgrog is a volcanic rock, proven to be a successful filter media as it ideal for the colonization of beneficial bacteria. The porous composition of this media allows the bacteria to multiply in abundance over a short period of time.

The sharp edges of this natural rock require careful handling, and it is best situated in the last chamber of your filter, as you would not want your Koi rubbing against it!

Remember to wear protective gloves whilst cleaning.

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The Bacteria house is a ceramic that has been heat treated at 1300°c for 60hrs. This tremendous amount of heat causes the ceramic to break its internal bonds thereby creating an extremely porous structure that has a much greater surface to allow very large bacteria populations to colonize.

Due to the large quantities of tiny holes, mechanical filtration is also achieved. Large organic solids and decaying matter are degraded at a far greater speed than conventional media.

One of the key elements of the bacteria house is that it reacts in a seemingly 'electrostatic' manner with floating organic matter causing an increase in adhesion rate. This produces clear clean water at a rapid rate. Water in its natural state creates multiple bonds with surrounding water molecules creating a cluster. The bacteria house emits FAR infrared rays that break the bonds of the neighboring water molecules thereby allowing more oxygen to be dissolved in the water.