What filter media to use ?

[NotoriousTop]

So i am building my own filters for some time now, and this is a question that still bugs the hell out of me.
I've used all 3, but which is best in the end in your opinion, please reply and tell me what you think so i can make up my mind on this..

1) Bio-Balls
2) Ceramic Rings
3) Active Carbon

1 and 3 together, maybe 1 and 2 together or 2 and 3 together,
What do you guys advise..

Thanks in advance,
- Mike

 

[Robertchrisroph]

I use all three. plus sock on skimmer. Just the way I am

 

[gaz]

Either one with AC CR and BB pretty much do the same thing

 

[arman]

youd better use bio balls in your water fall that water and air be around the bio balls.
you can use as much as possible ceramics in your sump.
for starting up your tank you have to add bacteria too.
its necessary that the ceramics you use be qualified cramics

 

[NotoriousTop]

Robert: would you have an example of it ? like a picture what i could use as a reference ?
on how you would use the sock.. that is

 

[NotoriousTop]

youd better use bio balls in your water fall that water and air be around the bio balls.
you can use as much as possible ceramics in your sump.
for starting up your tank you have to add bacteria too.
its necessary that the ceramics you use be qualified cramics

The ceramics i use are qualified..
Why air with the bio balls tho ?

 

[gaz]

The only reason I would use either is if I didn't have any live rock or sand it's only to culture friendly bacteria

 

[arman]

because bbacterias living in bio balls need oxygen to survive,otherwise they dont do their best and the tanks wastes stick to them and they just reproduce NH3 and NO2

 

[gaz]

Unless you're having a article reef don't bother or it could turn into a nitrate factory

 

[Robertchrisroph]

I use the filter sock coming out of my skimmer. I change and wash every 2 to 3 days. I use a carbon reactor to clean water. I use bio balls in sump. And I have a eheim filter with the ceramic things inside. Lol my water is drinkable

 

[Robertchrisroph]

 

[Robertchrisroph]

Here is my sock

 

[NotoriousTop]

amazing.

 

[backpack]

Bio balls work pretty well if your carbon dosing.