Filtration

[hellasinc]

Looking for some advise as im new to the hobby, I have a question in regards to how to fun my filter media, in the middle chamber I'm running some filter floss and bioballs but the problem is that in order to change the floss in need to take out the case that has 3 parts to remove the floss which means i need to constantly remove my Reefled light in order to change the floss. Question is should i remove it and leave the bioballs at the bottom and just stuff the chamber with floss ? or just put the floss on the top part of the case and the bioballs in the 2nd compartment and leave 3rd compartment empty ?

 

[Quietman]

Live with it a while and try out different setups. Everyone's different on what they think PITA things are and how their tank will respond. Me, I hated filter socks after running for a few months, when to sponges and liked that a lot. Few years later, out came the sponges. Just stopped seeing much benefit (unless just after cleaning) so out they came.

Not a big fan of bio balls (if they're the plastic kind). I do like some pond matrix just to have some media fully cured if I need to setup a quick tank for quarantine or something. I suppose they add some biological filtration but it's not the main reason I have it. Have it wrapped up in old onion plastic mesh bag I cut up.

 

[jbhydroman]

I have my saltwater aquarium set up as follows: My bio balls are at the bottom and middle, I want a lot of surface area so that the bacteria can make its home in these balls. I place the filter floss or filter pad on top of the chamber, so it can catch any junk flowing from the inlet. If you have enough surface area for the good bacteria to grow you will have a great eco system for your tank. I use Bio balls, and Marine pure Biofilter blocks and balls to create this, good stuff. I have had my aquaria up for 4 years this way and not one problem yet. Knock on wood.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

I don't run any floss or any mechanical filtration, many people don't, mostly because its a pita to clean. The bio balls are not needed either, unless you want the media for another tank or something, but the rocks provide the biofiltration. Quietman gave a good answer, there's many ways to run a tank, try a few different things see whats works best for you and your tank.