Gravel as additional Bio filter?

[david yurik]

thanks , will add another sponge filter instead .

i asked a similar question and got the same answers. the good bactieria in the gravel is small in comparison to the cannister or sponge. plus the possibility of bad stuff growing really needs good regular maintenance to keep it clean.

dave

 

[batang_mcdo]

i asked a similar question and got the same answers. the good bactieria in the gravel is small in comparison to the cannister or sponge. plus the possibility of bad stuff growing really needs good regular maintenance to keep it clean.

dave

thanks I'm a little worried if my canister can handle the additional bichirs. but will add another big sponge to my tank

 

[drdrewr]

I wouldn`t do it.
The "O" is going to dump a bunch into the gravel bed.
Your going to need to clean often and vigorously.
The bacteria are not going to like what you need to do to clean the gravel and the fish won`t like your water if you don`t clean the gravel well.
Looks, lose-lose to me.

x2!!!!!!!

Gravel can look very nice, but, the vacuuming can be a pita!!! If you want to put a substrate in your tank, sand is the better option. It will give you much surface area for bacteria colonization and doesn't introduce the vacuuming headaches that most gravel beds do.