Ceramic Bio Media

[bmr]

I didn't want to Hijack the Bo Balls thread but it spurred a question for me. I was going to add ceramic biomeadia to my refug. Do they have the same problems as the bio ball? Would you avoid them also?

 

[Loki]

I just ordered the marine pure ceramic plate from bulk reef supply. I am setting up a tank with no live rock or substrate. I am going to use this and see what happens . I feel that it will work just fine.

 

[Loki]

As for the problems. From the BRS video the plastic bio balls dry out in a very short period of time. Where the ceramic ones will hold water for a longer period of time.

They have a much greater surface area and (from the videos) less of a chance of failure.

 

[bmr]

I was going to use it because I used less than the suggested amount of rock for my tank. I purchased mine from BRS also.

Thanks

 

[Loki]

Yeah I say have at it. It says to make sure there is a decent amount of flow through it. Just toss it into a high flow area of you sump and call it good.

 

[SeahorseKeeper]

I would just monitor it for detritus build up. IMO, even live rock can become a nitrate factory if detritus is allowed to build up on it. Also, if you decide to do a cleaning of it don't do it all at once. This can disrupt the balance that is going on.

 

[GregAW]

I know this is an older thread but I assume you've received and put into use the MarinePure Ceramic Biomedia. I was wondering what you thought about its performance? Is it worth the money? I've been looking at it, Thanks

 

[yort265]

I, too, would like to know how it's worked out. I'm going for a minimal aquascape, so I'll probably not have the appropriate amt of live rock in the display tank, so I was thinking about adding the bio media by marine pure to the sump... in theory this should work, right?

 

[AquaCox]

Bump this thread...Anybody using these ceramic plates/blocks out there?

 

[Maximus]

I'm using the 8" blocks and so far so good. I just tested nitrate last night and it tested 0 nitrates. I feed 3-4x/day and use Acropwer amino acids and Reefroids too. I also use all ceramic rock so I say go for it!

 

[AquaCox]

Nice...I seen the blocks on brs awhile back and was interested but the price is a bit crazy in my opinion. Just found em on DFS for a lot cheaper so might get some...
What kind of ceramic rocks do you use? whered you get?

 

[Maximus]

Wow, fantastic price at DFS! I use Vida rocks at this site: VidaRock Artisan Shapes | Aqua-Tecture

 

[AquaCox]

interesting stuff! I am gonna need some more rock for my new build, I may just try some of that instead

 

[qterry22]

I run ceramic media in my sump and would not be without it. Initially before the ceramic media balls I couldn't get my nitrates below 8. Since adding the Bio balls no only do my nitrates 0 out but my water quality has been fantastic. I don't believe these things are magic. They just give you more surface are for bacteria to grow than most live rock. I still have 75lbs or more of live rock and rubble in my 65 gallon systems that holds roughly 90 gallons of total system volume. There is no drawbacks to adding them....NONE. Only positive benefits.

As for detritus build up I would say it depends where you put them. If you put them in a high flow area then no. If you put them somewhere that will allow detritus to settle on them and have little to no flow then yes. I would absolutely recommend adding these to your system especially if you don't have the extra space for lots of LR or if you just want to add additional filtration to your system.

Again these things aren't a magical solution to bad tank husbandry but if you use them correctly they could be an immense bonus to the overall health of your system. Just keep them in a high flow area. I wouldn't put them in a refugium personally. I put mine in a 1 gallon container that sits directly in my sump where the overflow drains. Incredible flow and amazing results so far with this method.

Hope this has been a help.

 

[NanaReefer]

Here's what I plan on using in my sump. CalmSeaQuest is using it in his and him I trust

 

[qterry22]

Those are exactly what I have in my sump. The ceramic balls offer more for your money. I love them.

 

[AquaCox]

Just a heads up...These are on sale now at DFS!