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I am busy setting up sump tanks for all my tanks. I have done my QT/HT and it works great. My sump tank is on-top though as my canopy has quite a bit of space in it, and I dont want to drill neither of the tanks, due to cost and effort.
The big tank I am busy with now is 1,5 X 0,5 X 0,5 (375l) and the sump is 0,6 X 0,13 X 0,1 (78l). Depending on how good this sump works I might add another sump same size at the other end.
The question I have is what type of bio balls do you guys use? My lfss have different opinions on this. They recon the plastic will last longer with less change of nitrate spikes, where as the ceramic pipes will have a much better bacteria growth.

I use the plastic personally.

What sort of tank are you setting up, FOWLR or a small reef tank. IMO trickle filters are nitrate factories and you will never be able to get your nitrates below 5ppm. Why not replace your bioballs with some live rock rubble. Something like the attached pic (just a rough pic but you get the idea)

Just a suggestion, but this is what I use
Ausie Fish attached this image:
[img]http://www.fishprofiles.net/attachments/392883.jpg"]

Add 2 or 3 inches of sand to that and you will cut back nitrates to nearly zero.



Dan

Or add some Caulerpa taxifolia to the sump and cut it down to zero

Thanks, I have seen that type of setup at my lfs. I was thinking of doing both. Having 4 chambers in my sump, 1 for sponge, 1 for charcaol, 1 for bio balls and then 1 for live rock. Will that not be better? But, I have a new problem which has taken all my attention on one of my other tanks, Ph problem, I am adding a topic for it now hoping somebody can help.

I do not have too much faith in the LR that we get here, I bet your guys LR much be great looking at the photos. Most people I have spoken to here also have mentioned that our live rock is far from what it is suppose to be. Thats why I would combine the bio balls with LR. My sump tank is also quite small, but I am thinking of doing two sump set-ups, one your way and the other with bio balls.

Your live rock will gain the bacteria that you need......thats all the bioballs will do.....no need for the bioballs IMO.