I was wondering if there would be any benefit to putting scrubbies or bio-balls in my column overflow.
thanks in advance for your input.
thanks in advance for your input.
scrubbies or bio-balls in overflow?
- Thread starter tampa_bass
- Start date
I wondered this also. I think it wouldn't hurt as long you don't obstruct the drain. Cleaning might be a PITA though. Also it would collect dirt and debris faster since there is mechanical filtration before it hits the scrubbies/bio balls.
scrubbies are 10x better than bio balls but i have both in my wet/dry http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N01idS3FOrw
I wouldn't do this as it simply becomes what Guano said: a debris collector and a potential culprit to restrict or block the flow.
If you need more bio surface area, there are better options.
If you need more bio surface area, there are better options.
I've been running bio-balls in all my overflows for about 5 years now. No issues, never clogged, never needed any maintenance, supper happy with the set up. I put egg crate (light diffusers) at the bottom of the overflow just above the bulkheads to keep the bio-balls out of the bulkhead holes.
I have wondered this also! I think one of my ideas was some what like egons. The other was to use a 30ppi sponge cut with a semi large hole in the middle. then every week I could clean that with the hose and throw it back in quite quick. never got around to testing it. 
I have used and seen the bio ball method and yes it does work, how big of a benefit will one get? I dont think anything amazing will come of it but its wasted space so why not. think of it as a baffle sep. from the sump.
even had an idea on the tier set ups to fit a filter sock under the drain pipe from the top tank to bottom tank but too many splashing issues.
I have used and seen the bio ball method and yes it does work, how big of a benefit will one get? I dont think anything amazing will come of it but its wasted space so why not. think of it as a baffle sep. from the sump.
even had an idea on the tier set ups to fit a filter sock under the drain pipe from the top tank to bottom tank but too many splashing issues.
I tried something similar, but with 20 ppi. I rested it on top of the durso standpipe and under the overflow slots.use a 30ppi sponge cut with a semi large hole in the middle. then every week I could clean that with the hose and throw it back in quite quick. never got around to testing it.
didn't work out too well, I was surprised how much it reduced the water flow and increased the water level in the tank. I pulled it out almost immediately.
I figured the same thing, wasted space, so I filled it with bio balls. My shortest tank is 30" so I have a minimum of a 30" wet/dry bio tower for what ever that's worth?
Best thing I ever put in my overflows was Pothos. Never clogs and sucks nitrates like mad. You do have to cut them back every now and again though.
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