Bio Ball surface area question

[Ramesh]

I building awet/dry sump and want to know if all/most bio balls are the same??
I want to know which media is the best plastic pot scrubbers which are hard to come by in Australia or Bio balls.
Which has the most Biological surface area??

Here are the Bio balls I am looking at buying.

Product Name:
Ovi-Flow Ball 250bag/9L
Short Description:
Aquasonic Ovi-Flow II Biological Media - 250 Unit Bag
Long Description:
The new generation of biological filtration is here. The Aquasonic Ovi-Flow II has 20% higher surface area per volume compared to Oviflow I, It has stronger, longer lasting construction, easier bacterial adhesion for faster biological start-up, higher degassing ability, Special design facilities cleaning if required. Measurement of Media Filter: Each Ovi Flow II Unit: Maximum Width 40mm, Maximum Height 30mm, Surface Area: Greater than 500sq metres approx. per cubic metre (1m3 = approx. 28,000 units).
Export Price:
$29.00

Picture:

 

[LawOne]

I don't know about austrailia but I bought 40 gallons of real bioballs from Seacorals.com for $160 (shipping included). In hawaii the same amount would have cost almost $600 ($15 per gallon).
As far as pot scrubbies many people swear they are cheaper and have more surface area but I'm not too sure. Never used them myself.

 

[Ramesh]

I don't know about austrailia but I bought 40 gallons of real bioballs from Seacorals.com for $160 (shipping included). In hawaii the same amount would have cost almost $600 ($15 per gallon).
As far as pot scrubbies many people swear they are cheaper and have more surface area but I'm not too sure. Never used them myself.

Thus, I want to know what are better and actually have more surface area.

 

[Knowdafish]

It's all in here: http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=88677

 

[Ramesh]

Thanks I have read that sticky but wanted to know if the bio balls I psot are better than pot scrubbers.
I think I'll be looking for some scrubbers though.

 

[CHOMPERS]

The surface area's in the link are actually square inches rather than square feet. I did the conversions for the bio-balls that you posted and they work out to 184 square inches per cubic foot. That's pretty good for bio-balls. Scrubbies are still better.

 

[zennzzo]

Pot Scrubbies

Surface area/cu.ft.:370

Upsides: Whats not to love?Fairly high surface area, clog resistance and an easily stackable shape make these an all time favorite for experienced aquarists everywhere.Not to mention they are cheap as hell.

Downsides:If your bio-load is huge yet your sump is less than massive, you will still most likely eventually find yourself looking to add some media with a higher surface area.

Overall:Best bang for your buck as far as bio-media

 

[Gr8KarmaSF]

I think its more about various surface areas for various bacteria to take hold onto....

 

[Ramesh]

The surface area's in the link are actually square inches rather than square feet. I did the conversions for the bio-balls that you posted and they work out to 184 square inches per cubic foot. That's pretty good for bio-balls. Scrubbies are still better.

Thanks for doing that Chompers I needed someone like you to chime in and give me the technical low down on things.

Pot Scrubbies

Surface area/cu.ft.:370

Upsides: Whats not to love?Fairly high surface area, clog resistance and an easily stackable shape make these an all time favorite for experienced aquarists everywhere.Not to mention they are cheap as hell.

Downsides:If your bio-load is huge yet your sump is less than massive, you will still most likely eventually find yourself looking to add some media with a higher surface area.

Overall:Best bang for your buck as far as bio-media

A Zennzzo order maybe on the cards it you can give me a bulk order price mate. (I am in Australia too remember mate)

I think its more about various surface areas for various bacteria to take hold onto....

Yes your 100% right mate, I will mix it up in the wet/dry chamber as different media shapes often accomodate different strains of bacteria more efficiantly.

Don't worry I will post the wet/dry sump when I have the media and glass ready.

 

[zennzzo]

Thanks for doing that Chompers I needed someone like you to chime in and give me the technical low down on things.


A Zennzzo order maybe on the cards it you can give me a bulk order price mate. (I am in Australia too remember mate)


Yes your 100% right mate, I will mix it up in the wet/dry chamber as different media shapes often accomodate different strains of bacteria more efficiantly.

Don't worry I will post the wet/dry sump when I have the media and glass ready.

yup I remember...when you are ready just let me know...PM me