Bio balls vs. pond matrix?

[Bderick67]

Larger fish create quit a bioload, I would recommend on switching out the bio balls and look to add another filter besides the XP2.

Can you go into more detail please, trying to learn. I can't afford to run 5 or 6 filters. lol

In a wet/dry trickle set up the bio ball allow for lots of oxygen contact which the beneficial bacteria thrives on. In a submerged state this is not the benefit. it a canister filter where the water is forced through the media, the bio balls allow for alot of bypass.

 

[rrcoolj]

Yea i plan on replacing the xp2 with either a xp3 or xp4 or another aquatop cf-500 eventually.

@Bderick67-so you agree that the pond matrix will be better suited for a canister filter as in more efficient?

I wanted to fill my 2 canisters with bio media and I have filled the two aquaclear 110's I also have on the system with only mechanical media. Would It be ok or smart to fill the canisters completely with bio media or should I put mech media on the bottom tray to prevent too much debri from entering the bio media?

 

[Bderick67]

Yes the pond matrix would be better suited for canisters then the bio balls. I would still run mech media in the canisters to help keep the bio media clean.

 

[rrcoolj]

^thanks