While both of these materials have been proven to work as bio media, they have their disadvantages. How much actual surface lava rocks, scrubbies, and ceramic rings have is really unknown..........by anyone here anyways. Because of lava rocks and scrubbies large size and shape, they are better suited for sump systems. For canisters and HOBs, ceramic rings are the better choice just because they are much, much smaller and strategically shaped to maximize fit and flow. The design of ceramic rings also allows for better channeling of water flow even when they are tightly packed, basically allowing the maximum surface area in a constraint space. Another advantage to ceramic rings is the ease of cleaning. I don't particularly care for handling lava rocks due to its sharp and jaggedness, and scubbies just takes way too much time to rinse clean due to waste matter getting trapped deep within the core area.Has anyone thought of using lava rock (100% natural charcoal) for submerged and pot scrubbies and emerged? Alot cheaper
Scrubbies seem like they would trap alot of detritus.
While both of these materials have been proven to work as bio media, they have their disadvantages. How much actual surface lava rocks, scrubbies, and ceramic rings have is really unknown..........by anyone here anyways. Because of lava rocks and scrubbies large size and shape, they are better suited for sump systems. For canisters and HOBs, ceramic rings are the better choice just because they are much, much smaller and strategically shaped to maximize fit and flow. The design of ceramic rings also allows for better channeling of water flow even when they are tightly packed, basically allowing the maximum surface area in a constraint space. Another advantage to ceramic rings is the ease of cleaning. I don't particularly care for handling lava rocks due to its sharp and jaggedness, and scubbies just takes way too much time to rinse clean due to waste matter getting trapped deep within the core area.
Just my 2 cents![]()