Scrubbies vs. Bio Balls

[thepresence]

I'm sure i'm not the first person to ask this but anways......

What's better, scrubbies or bio-balls? Has anyone tried both and decided one was better then the other? I'm setting up a wet/dry sump and i would just like some opinions for people with experience. Thanks in advance.

 

[CHOMPERS]

Scrubbies have higher surface area and are cheaper. Other than that, they are pretty much equal.

 

[thepresence]

Scrubbies have higher surface area and are cheaper. Other than that, they are pretty much equal.

It seems almost too good to be true. The cheaper easier to get media is better.

 

[CHOMPERS]

Scrubbies have higher surface area and are cheaper. Other than that, they are pretty much equal.

Bio-balls don't load up but normally it isn't an issue with scrubbies. I have cleaned mine only once (scrubbies) and that was the last time. They aren't in there to look pretty so I don't mess with them anymore. (It was an ugly job.) Bio-Balls never need cleaning.

 

[turtlesrock]

SCRUBBIES!!!!!


scrubbies win because of three reasons

-1- they are MUCH cheaper
-2- they work much better when submerged or not submerged.
-3- more surface area


bio balls are expensive, and do not work near as well as scrubbies when submerged.

 

[CHOMPERS]

...and do not work near as well as scrubbies when submerged.

Actually that is a myth that just won't die. Being submerged has the same effect on any non-porous media.

 

[turtlesrock]

Actually that is a myth that just won't die. Being submerged has the same effect on any non-porous media.

hmm i would think that if it is not submerged it would have much more contact with oxygen, which help the bacteria grow faster and better. when it is submerged there is much less contact with air and is therefore harder for the bacteria to grow fast and well.

you might and probubly are correct. thats just my thoughts on the topic.

 

[mdb_talon]

hmm i would think that if it is not submerged it would have much more contact with oxygen, which help the bacteria grow faster and better. when it is submerged there is much less contact with air and is therefore harder for the bacteria to grow fast and well.

you might and probubly are correct. thats just my thoughts on the topic.

I agree with you, but think you misunderstood Chompers the way I read it. Think he was saying that being submerged will have the same affect on bioballs or scrubbies, not that he was comparing the difference between being submerged or not.

 

[Rass]

Right, submerged media doesn't work as well, no matter what kind it is.

 

[turtlesrock]

OHHH... i see what he was saying. yeah know that i see it and think about it, i agree with you guys. scrubbies still are better bio media though