Hello, as my title implies, I am trying to find the best bio media available to purchase, not factoring in cost. I have done my research and realize that different medias have their benefits and drawbacks. However I was wondering if anybody could give me some advice because I have not dealt with filtration for large tanks before. My ideal media would be extremely low maintenance, keep water changes(nitrate) to a minimal, and be able to handle a large bio-load for its size and then some for added insurance. I currently have a 550 gallon tank that I am finishing up the plumbing and sump on. My stocking list will most likely consist of a freshwater stingray(Marbled or Motoro most likely), 6 discus, an silver Arowana, and a Ornate Bichir. I have up to this point been cosidering a fluidized bed with k1 kaldness, however the air pump energy cost is a small drawback. I have also heard great things about matrix but I am weary about any product that claims to do it all in a small cheap package. Bio-balls are neat idea, but I have heard if they are not cleaned abundantly they will increase nitrates heavily. Anybody with experience with large tank filtration have any opinions/advice?
The best Biomedia, period.
- Thread starter DIFish
- Start date
Best ever? Well, you will get a lot of K1 comments, but for me, Eheim Effisubstrate Pro....I have about 18L in a filter specifically for bio and I open that filter once a year....just to see whats going on...always just a little sediment and that's it. Strong comsistant biological activity.
I have used pumice before and it is outstanding bio-media as well. I like lava rock too...
Ceramic (blocks or rings) and scintered glass, are, in my opinion, probably the best for virtual maintenance free bio-media.
I am having some good results so far pulling nitrates out of my tank. I am still experimenting
With a RFUG 5 gpd. Waiting for a small dosing pump to arrive. So perhaps my flow will remain precise.
I have one cubic foot of pumice sand too 38 gallons.
About 500 gph flow thru trickle filter.
With a RFUG 5 gpd. Waiting for a small dosing pump to arrive. So perhaps my flow will remain precise.
I have one cubic foot of pumice sand too 38 gallons.
About 500 gph flow thru trickle filter.
Hello; This is my understanding as well. I use water changes and have live plants in tanks to help control nitrates.
Some have posted other methods that I have not tried. One member recently had a thread in which sugar dosing and an anerobic chamber were in use. He/she was experienced in waste water treatment managment and applying this experience to a home aquaria. It was not clear that it worked as the thread indicated a very high nitrate reading in his tank.
CerMedia Marine Pure or Bio Home are the best submerged medias, IMO. Eheim Substrat Pro is also very very good.
I have studied sugar/vodka dosing a denitrator. Easier to change lots of water. They can die on you and poison the system.
