Alternative to bio balls (other than pot scrubbies)?

[poly-nomial]

I am saving money on filter media, because i use un-needed test tubes and caps as biological media, it works great if un-needed and clean, same with broken off pieces from a plastic plant, coke bottle tops, caps from food canisters and i use like empty dechlor bottles to take a little water out of my betta tank when i redecorate it as to not displace the water than replace it when i am done. Everything is resuable

 

[sizors]

that Matala stuff looks pretty sweet. wonder what density would be best though.

 

[Funky_Fish14]

What density are you using?

Personally at home? I use black and blue. Its just what I've happened to buy (I dont really like the other colours anyways - yeah I consider 'uglyness' as a factor in what products I buy ).

If you mean in reference to the density, I read an article (not on the Matala(R) website) that the black stuff, or the blue stuff, is equivalent to the same surface area as about 200 bioballs.


- It was asked what density to use in particular:

The size of the pores within the fibers (which is where most of the surface area comes from) and particular surfaces of all Matala(R) media is identical, the only difference is the thickness of the strands, and the spaces in between the strands. The reason behind this is that they are to be installed in sequence, with the densities with larger spaces first, and getting smaller. This is so each layer/section of Matala(R) does not get clogged more than any other, and is still able to have full, evenly distributed water flow.

Hope that answers the question?

Matala seems to work great in ammonia towers too, and under water. I know of stores, and myself, that use it in both ways. I love it.

Cheers,

Chris

 

[JakeH]

- It was asked what density to use in particular:

The size of the pores within the fibers (which is where most of the surface area comes from) and particular surfaces of all Matala(R) media is identical, the only difference is the thickness of the strands, and the spaces in between the strands. The reason behind this is that they are to be installed in sequence, with the densities with larger spaces first, and getting smaller. This is so each layer/section of Matala(R) does not get clogged more than any other, and is still able to have full, evenly distributed water flow.

Honestly, this is my main issue with bio-media in general. Nature prefers variety & the more different surface types/textures are in the chamber, the more bacteria species will flourish. Not just different densities of the same surface type, but different surfaces completely (sponge, plastic, sintered glass, ceramics, plastic mesh, etc.). Its exponential, too. I'm told that each new surface type is introduced will quadruple the number of BB species in the colony, making it much more diverse & robust.

Dont flame me nutcase! I can smell you getting close to your keyboard for your anti-biomedia rant!

 

[Funky_Fish14]

I agree and totally understand that. The following is not to dismiss your post, but to add to the topic:

Even without multiple different surfaces, the same surfaces can achieve colonies of many different types of bacteria depending on placement in a tank. If you put the in an 'ammonia tower', typically the only bacteria you will find are those that need high levels of Oxygen, and break down ammonia. As you move through to a submerged area with more water movement, bacteria removing NO2s will grow. And in low oxygen (but NOT no-oxygen) situations, NO3 removing bacteria will grow. All on the same type of surface. Its not to say that multiple different types of media are not beneficial, they are, but im also saying that all stages of biological filtration can still be achieved with a single type of media.

Cheers,

Chris

 

[KaiserSousay]

Save the snags from your baitcaster..
Seriously, a roll of fishing line.
Un-spooled and waded up, incredible amount of surface area at a good price.
Can fit most anywhere.

 

[redtailshark1]

fiberglass fly screen or shade cloth