Replacing bio balls

[vr6fan]

I have a proflex model 1 sump on a 54 corner tank...I'm experiencing high nitrates and everything seems to lean toward the bio balls...in a trickle system is there something else I can use in that chamber like seachem matrix or eheim substrat? Or is the trickle effect only good with bio balls? I do have 2 socks filled with eheim substrat in my return chamber


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[Drstrangelove]

Not to disagree with you, but bio balls don't cause nitrates and don't stop nitrates.

Nitrates are derived from the protein that is in the food we feed the fish. It's removed by water changes, plants, and anaerobic bacteria, none of which relate to bioballs.

IME, high nitrates = too few or too small WC.

Try increasing the frequency or amount of WC and make sure to vacuum the substrate and periodically clean the filters. Should see a clear decline.