Ceramic or Plastic Filter Media ?

[Cliff]

Just read some info that has got me thinking. Now I’m wondering if there is any real difference between ceramic biomax rings and the plastic bio balls? I know the plastic version will obviously last a lot longer, but is there any difference when it comes to growing BB ?


The below line shows a example of the plastic bio balls I’m talking about.

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I’m not thinking of changing anything in my tanks, just curious.

[Sarkazmo]

Most say that ceramic is better. Neither will "wear out" in your lifetime so that's not an issue but the ceramic will last a LOT longer.



Sark

[jaysee]

I like ceramics.

[tanks4thememories]

Yes something like "Biomax" has significantly more surface area and thus will hold more BB.

[Scrup]

I prefer ceramics (crushed terra cotta pots) over bio-balls. Much higher surface area.

[taralm13]

I prefer ceramics (crushed terra cotta pots) over bio-balls. Much higher surface area.


Seriously? I have a bunch of broken pots - but they used to have plants in them - can I use them instead of buying this stuff?

[Oskar]

Seriously? I have a bunch of broken pots - but they used to have plants in them - can I use them instead of buying this stuff?
Yes.
Nylon pot scrubbers work too.

[tanks4thememories]

Seriously? I have a bunch of broken pots - but they used to have plants in them - can I use them instead of buying this stuff?

Yes but it wont be as effective as the commercial stuff. The commercial stuff is specifically formulated to have the highest surface area possible & before you ask yes the difference is very big....lol

[Crispy]

+1 for ceramincs.. not sure why, I just prefer them. :)

[Northernguy]

Aqua clear bio max has a porous surface and terracotta pots do not.That will make a difference in the surface area.The broken terracotta pots will still work fine for media.
Many also use the pot scrubbies as mentioned.
I like the AC sponges and the bio max.I also use filter floss for polishing.
It can all be rinsed and reused.
The only time it needs to be replaced is when the sponges start to fall apart,and they can still be added to a silk or nylon bag and used for longer.lol

[ippielb]

I got a bunch of those pot scrubbers in my home made sump, seem to work fine.

[Cliff]

thanks for the replies everyone

[190MPH]

I use ceramics also. As NG said, when growing BB, it's all about the surface area. The porosity of ceramics allows it to have thousands of areas for it to grow on/in. That's why the scrubbies work well too, lots of little pores adds to the total surface area.

[jaysee]

I believe I read somewhere that each piece of biomax has the surface area of a football field.

[Northernguy]

I believe I read somewhere that each piece of biomax has the surface area of a football field.
I sure would be interested in reading about that. That is a lot of space!
Not doubting it because there is a lot of surface counting the inside of every hole.Send me a link if you happen to find it please.

[jaysee]

I sure would be interested in reading about that. That is a lot of space!
Not doubting it because there is a lot of surface counting the inside of every hole.Send me a link if you happen to find it please.

I don't know where I would have gotten that from had I not read it, but I couldn't tell you where....

[Northernguy]

I have heard that expression too, that is why I would like to read it.:22:
I found this statement from Hagan.
Each ceramic ring contains at least 100 square feet of surface area providing more biological power than a traditional cartridge.

I think a small box of biomax contains the same square ft as a football field.

[Scrup]

Aqua clear bio max has a porous surface and terracotta pots do not.

I was referring to unglazed terra cotta. In essence, it is just ceramic shards. Not as neatly shaped as the factory stuff, and probably not as effective but still quite porous (ever tried to clean grime off of a terra cotta pot? next to impossible once it gets in all the pores). Also quite a bit cheaper to get 25 gallons of terra cotta VS 25G of biomax.

[Northernguy]

I didn't say it would not work.lol Its just not as porous.:19:

[Sarkazmo]

American Football Field

including end zones - 57,600 SqFt (160 W X 360 L)
without end zones - 48,000 SqFt (160 W X 300 L)

That's a LOT of area.

Sark