how to use bio balls, can i just set a few at the fish tank, or does the water HAVE to be flowing throgh it?

Question:

i have read that bacteria will grow in these very well, and i can get 20 for 5 bucks on ebay, but i only have a filter that hangs on the side, so i was wondering if they would work if i placed on in the bottom, i have a 10 gallon fish tank, and if i need more than one, and if i can put them in the gravel to hide them, please answer all of those questions, if you can, thanks

Answers:

Another option besides bioballs would be to get a foam filter [the kind of filter media used in AquaClear filters] and cut it to fit inside your present filter. The foam gives the bacteria more room to grow and the water will flow through it too. So a foam filter works just the same as bioballs, but it also helps trap particles in the water like a filter. Depending on the size of your tank, you might be able to buy a 3-pack of AquaClear foam filters of these for around $5-$6.

If you need another filter, your tank is overstocked. Even with more filtration, more waste builds up in the tank when overstocking, and while more filtration offers more space for bacteria to technically allow for heavier stocking, more bacteria means more nitrates and faster water quality decline. All though a common one, it is a mistake to think more filtration really allows for overcrowding, at least not with more diligent aquarium maintenance.

if so, i would highly recommend that you stay away from bio balls. they are nitrate factories and will cause more issues down the line. i do suggest that, instead of bio balls, you use live rock rubble. this is a more natural and more effective source of aquarium filtration in that the live rock has greater surface area and will provide a home for all sorts of tiny organisms like amphipods.

water must have to be flowing through them and your tank is small to have sump filter so i think don't mind , just leave that bio balls filtration alone and buy a power head filter it will clean your aquarium very well and along with having power head buy under gravel filter too it will help to reduce algae bloom