How do you clean bio balls?

[Empty Bottles]

I'm aware of the pros/cons of having a wet/dry filter, but it was the cheapest sump I could get for start up of my tank. I plan on getting a sump setup if and when it becomes a problem.

My question is this. I bought a used wet/dry filter and plan on cycling in the next 2-3 weeks. How should I clean the bio balls before I start cycling?

I should mention it's for a FOWLR set up.

[HaKs310]

Why not run without the bio-balls?

But to answer your question, I would personally just rinse them in some vinegar for a bit and hose them down after.

[ctdaniels]

I keep them in a garbage bag in my closet. They stay pretty clean that way, but I'm thinking about using them for some sort of art project for my mantle. At that point, I'll probably dust them occasionally with a Swiffer.

[gmoney243]

I hire a ball washer!! Wash my balls!!

Sent from my Vortex using Tapatalk 2

[nbelohlav]

best way to clean them is to simply toss them in the trash... youll be completely clean of bio balls then...

[abowling001]

Just add some live rock rubble and some micro algae you will be good to go

[lmsmith]

Originally Posted by ctdaniels

I keep them in a garbage bag in my closet. They stay pretty clean that way, but I'm thinking about using them for some sort of art project for my mantle. At that point, I'll probably dust them occasionally with a Swiffer.

Mine live in a box in my dining room. They're used as cat toys, so they don't often need cleaning, although occasionally break, at which point I sweep them up and toss them.

[bnumair]

mine live in city landfills, replaced them with live rock

[ctdaniels]

Originally Posted by lmsmith

Mine live in a box in my dining room. They're used as cat toys, so they don't often need cleaning, although occasionally break, at which point I sweep them up and toss them.

A cat! Good idea.

[Empty Bottles]

HAHA. I got some clever answers. I've been reading on the cons of them and I can't figure out how rubble wont catch debris just as bad.

[HaKs310]

Bio-balls will catch debri...and that's about it. That debri will then break down and add unwanted nutrients to the tank.

Where as LR rubble contain The beneficial bacteria that will turn those unwanted nutrients into slightly harmless nitrate.

[Palting]

Originally Posted by Empty Bottles

I'm aware of the pros/cons of having a wet/dry filter, but it was the cheapest sump I could get for start up of my tank. I plan on getting a sump setup if and when it becomes a problem.

My question is this. I bought a used wet/dry filter and plan on cycling in the next 2-3 weeks. How should I clean the bio balls before I start cycling?

I should mention it's for a FOWLR set up.

I had a tank for 5 years, with fish, a few live rock, some softies.........and a wet/dry filter with bioballs. Never had a problem with algae or nitrates, quite a successful tank for the 5 years I had it.

Isn't it amazing that when you ask a question with bioballs in it, no one here actually answers your question? Aside from Haks310, most of the responses are silly and inconsequential. Even after you already told them you already know the pros and cons to it. LOL!!!

As Haks310 said, you can do a first rinse with just plain tap water, then I would soak them in plain white vinegar overnight, then rinse them well again. After that, they should be ready for use. Bioballs are unbeatable in breaking down your dangerous ammonia to nitrate. Rubble is worse. Good luck!!

[Empty Bottles]

Originally Posted by HaKs310

Bio-balls will catch debri...and that's about it. That debri will then break down and add unwanted nutrients to the tank.

Where as LR rubble contain The beneficial bacteria that will turn those unwanted nutrients into slightly harmless nitrate.

Please explain to me how that is different than rubble. Bio Balls have the same bacteria in them. By no means am I trying to imply that I know more than you, especially since I haven't had an aquarium in 9 years.

Thanks for the advice Palting. I figured since I'm just getting back into the hobby if I'm going to have to a problem with something in a FOWLR it should be nitrates until I get a better sump or a hob skimmer. I've got a lot more wiggle room there instead of having nitrite or ammonia spikes.

[jerseygurl]

[QUOTE=Palting;20282964]I had a tank for 5 years, with fish, a few live rock, some softies.........and a wet/dry filter with bioballs. Never had a problem with algae or nitrates, quite a successful tank for the 5 years I had it.

Isn't it amazing that when you ask a question with bioballs in it, no one here actually answers your question? Aside from Haks310, most of the responses are silly and inconsequential. Even after you already told them you already know the pros and cons to it. LOL!!!QUOTE]

IKR...That's the one thing that buggs me about these forums, some people just never answer the question asked! Someone will ask how to seal a leaking tank, and the answer is always buy a new one. Well, he doesn't want to buy a new one that's why he's asking how to seal the one he has, duh!

Anyway, I'd rinse them really good then give them a boil to make sure they're clean. Then if you periodically give them a good rinse in salt water to get all the crap out of them you'll be fine.

[HaKs310]

Originally Posted by Empty Bottles

Please explain to me how that is different than rubble. Bio Balls have the same bacteria in them. By no means am I trying to imply that I know more than you, especially since I haven't had an aquarium in 9 years.

Thanks for the advice Palting. I figured since I'm just getting back into the hobby if I'm going to have to a problem with something in a FOWLR it should be nitrates until I get a better sump or a hob skimmer. I've got a lot more wiggle room there instead of having nitrite or ammonia spikes.

No, it's okay; no worries.

Bio-balls are not fully submerged in water and are not porous as LR; they will not harvest the beneficial anaerobic bacteria found within LR. While they both will harvest aerobic bacteria, two kinds are better than one.

You will also have to deal with cleaning out the bio-balls regularly, which might be a pain with your schedule; I do not know.

If you watch your bio-load and feeding, while taking it slow, than I do not see you running into any serious problems with a nitrate or ammonie spike down the road.