Bio-balls, ceramic rings and filter media.

[KevinOpperman]

Hi all!

My wife bought me a Boyu TL550 for my birthday.

I read a few posts, but can't find the info I need.

Someone said that the ceramic rings and bio-balls should be removed. I also was advised by the LFS to also remove the sponge.

My tank was set up a week ago. I added live rock yesterday. I also added special blend and was advised to do this daily for the next week to start cycle the tank.
I put some live rock in the right hand chamber at the back and in the tank.
I have my heater and water pump in the left hand chamber. The protien skimmer is in the 3rd one.

Here is my questions:
Why should I remove the bio-balls and ceramic rings.
What filter media (apart from the live rock) should be used.
What is the 2nd chamber from the left used for?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Dizi]

Do you have a skimmer?

 

[KevinOpperman]

Do you have a skimmer?

Yes, the protien skimmer is in the 3rd chamber from the left.

 

[jimilutz]

I would put the heater in the first or second chamber, the water level on the last two chambers drops with evaporation. The skimmer should also be in one of the first two. Leave the skimmer off while the special blend has a chance to disperse in the tank otherwise you will just skim it out again.

 

[KevinOpperman]

I would put the heater in the first or second chamber, the water level on the last two chambers drops with evaporation. The skimmer should also be in one of the first two. Leave the skimmer off while the special blend has a chance to disperse in the tank otherwise you will just skim it out again.

Thanx!

Still, why should I remove the ceramics and bio-balls?

 

[jimilutz]

A lot of people complain they accumulate detritus. I don't think they are too bad. In freshwater tanks we don't use as much porous rock so ceramics are useful place for bacteria , which break down ammonia, to live. In marine tanks we normally have lots of live rock which does the same job so the ceramics and bio balls less useful. You can put sponges in the extra comportment if you remember to rinse them frequently.

 

[RiaanP]

If you maintain the bio-balls and ceramic rings regularly, then yes, they can stay. Guys do replace them with other options like Seachem Matrix. Maybe using filter wool in first chamber to catch the most of the detritus will also help. Although that is another item to maintain. Long ago when the nano still had its back compartments, it used to have filter pads then filter wool in first chamber. Skimmer in second, Live rock pieces (golf ball and slightly smaller pieces) in third and forth. Heater in third, never in last.