? how many bio balls/scrubies should i put in my sump ?

[rinconmike]

So what would be the best way to add in pond matrix? I probaly have enough room to add in 4L of the pnd matrix under my drip tray.

I was thinking of removing the bioballs and put in some buckets with tank water, put the pond matrix in and put the bioballs back on top.

Then maybe a month or 2 later start removing some bioballs every week.

Here is my sump.

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/5728038/Fish 2011-02-13/DSC00678.jpg

Another thought is I have a nuclear 533 canister filter hooked up that I am currnely not using the cartridge in it. I could add the 4L of pond matrix to that for a month first and then do the bioball swap (putting matrix in the bottom of the sump and balls on top and then slowly removing balls from the system).

Any thoughts?

 

[rhodes_96]

So what would be the best way to add in pond matrix? I probaly have enough room to add in 4L of the pnd matrix under my drip tray.

I was thinking of removing the bioballs and put in some buckets with tank water, put the pond matrix in and put the bioballs back on top.

Then maybe a month or 2 later start removing some bioballs every week.

Here is my sump.

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/5728038/Fish 2011-02-13/DSC00678.jpg

Another thought is I have a nuclear 533 canister filter hooked up that I am currnely not using the cartridge in it. I could add the 4L of pond matrix to that for a month first and then do the bioball swap (putting matrix in the bottom of the sump and balls on top and then slowly removing balls from the system).

Any thoughts?

Your first thought sounds good.
I did this years ago when converting from bio balls to matrix.

 

[Sik.10a]

That’s a matter of opinion. Scrubbies are good but get dirty and I don't like cleaning my bio and risking a mini cycle. I love bio balls, get the small and big ones, the small ones fill in the little spots. Coral will mess with your PH.

True, coral can affect ur ph, depending wat ur after and if ur using drftwood etc. Bio balls work for sure iv used em in a few setups iv had but have since changed to matrix and noticed my tank copes alot better with all my big fish and the heavy bioload in the tank, it's just my opinion though