Free floating bio media?

[eon aquatics]

Does free floating/submerged bio media benefit the nitrogen cycle, such as rolled up sponge pads that beneficial bacteria can grow in?

 

[eon aquatics]

 

[Deadeye]

As long as it’s a surface for bacteria to grow in, it works, but it may not look so natural.

 

[eon aquatics]

this vase thing with sponges should work well

 

[Deadeye]

I think some flow does need to pass through for it to be most effective though, something porous holding the sponges would allow for more efficiency I’d imagine.

 

[esoxlucius]

Beneficial bacteria will grow on the surface of anything that is submerged, even better if the substance is porous, because bacteria can grow within it as well as on the surface, which means more BB.

Also it helps if there is a nice flow over the media so the bacteria are in constant contact with the waste they are meant to be converting.

Your vase example is ok, but the enclosed sides and rock on top aren't really allowing much flow through those sponges. Maybe in time this would be a good place for anaerobic activity, which is also pretty beneficial.

 

[celebrist]

that is pretty much how my sump media works, it is in bags sitting in the sump. i do try to encourage flow by placing the bags near the inlet and the return pump pre filter