Tony G.

Just wondering what they were for and how they work... My new filter cam with some so i left them in there, should i take them out?

bolivianbaby

I'm not sure what they are. I've never heard of them. However, if it's a place for beneficial bacteria to grow, I'd say leave them in there. And it may be part of the actual filtration system. Another member could probably say for sure.

Maybe they're beneficial bacteria balls that stay in there if you have to change the filter cartridge or does it come with a filter cartridge? I've never seen anything like it.

Tony G.

Its basically like tiny balls with wholes in them where the bacteria colonize. the wai it is in my filter is there's a tube that holds the balls in place, and then the sponge goes around it..

bolivianbaby

Sounds like they should stay in there. Anything that grabs the beneficial bacteria. You never know when MTS is gonna hitcha

Tony G.

lol
ok i will leave them in there then

aquarist48

Hello Tony. Bio Balls are indeed bacteria collectors. If they came with your filter then I suggest by all means use them. I have 5g's worth of bio balls in my wet/dry system. They've been in there for 10 years, never cleaned. I only clean out the bottom of the filter. You can rinse them in siphoned tank water just as you do any other bio media if you like. Have a good night!
Ken

Tony G.

Thanks ken
do they collect more bacteria than sponges? or are they like the same..

aquarist48

I don't have any scientific information as to which might contain more bacteria Tony. I use the bio balls, sponges, ceramic bio cubes. It all seems to work well as far as I can tell
Ken

Tony G.

lol ok thanks ken

gmen4life

yeah they come in many forms mostly for use in canister filters they do grab beni bacteria

Slug

Basically the more surface area you have, the more bacteria they collect. Thats why the bio balls are hollow in all sorts of places. Its hard to beat a sponge's surface area. Lots of pores.

Tony G.

ok
so i have both haha so lots of bacteria