I would certainly not use K1 in a shower. Im raising 25 Jade Perch for eating in a 6x2x2 bare bottom tank. Mike at DIYaquapros has a video of his favorites. Well into the 1990s I tested and improved the size and type of Lava Rock I … I use balls and noodles, but also several layers of coarse sponge, which I think should be similar in effect to the balls. creating  no gaps. ( Log Out /  I presume the Nitrates are being consumed by the anaerobic bacteria trapped in the Filter sponges which are usually clogged with muck. Lava Rock; Crystal Bio; BioHome; dll; Memang, beberapa media tersebut dinilai lebih bagus daripada bioball karena memiliki rongga yang lebih banyak, yaitu Kaldnes, Crystal Bio dan Biohome, namun dari segi harga, sangatlah mahal jika dibandingkan dengan harga Bioball. The quality control on the Fluval rings were obviously better there were any broken rings. So, what is bio media? But still gets a high number because it’s easy to clean and it doesn’t need to be smashed like lava rock. Per filter tray it probably has more surface area than lava rock. The recommended product is of equal or better value to your current selection. Change ), You are commenting using your Facebook account. One of the wholesale fish suppliers highly recommend it to help remove nitrates. Feather Rock Plastic Bio-Balls Sintered Ceramic Empty Filter. The sheer weight, abrasiveness and time spent cleaning, should be enough to steer you away from this product. Let me say that although I don't consider the lava rock I use (Walymart 9 Lb bag barbecue $3) very good compared to carbon which has the largest surface area bar none, I can report that my nitrates have fallen substantially in my 244 tank after replacing my sump bio-balls with lava rock. 0.93%. So carrying a canister filter filled with this. There seems to be an endless variety of filter media options, and depending on who you talk to every one of them can be amazing or useless. This test makes it clear that the claims of huge surface areas by Seachem are simply very misleading. Dave I'd personally use BacBioballs over Flocor. The round shape lead to less clogging and the round shape made it easy to rinse. But because many claim that using biohome lowered nitrate level I wonder if there is something else at play. And it’s a ceramic media. With an assortment of filter media out there in the pond world from filter pads to bio-ribbon to lava rocks to bio balls. One of the key success elements that makes biological filtration so effective in breaking the toxins in a tank (such as ammonia, nitrite, dissolved organic solids, as well as nitrate), in the biofilter media used is the filter. Some say bio home media has anaerobic bacteria growing inside them, is it the same for clay pebbles media? Maintenance – 6 – It’s advantage is also it’s disadvantage. Pondguru talks about Biohome and gives some convincing reasons why bio home is the best media, based on nitrate reduction. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. 0.65%. The products usually consist of small sacks filled with the stones that easily can be placed in shoes, and on the offending places such as dog pillows, garden sheds or cellars. It is cheaper than noodles, but supports anaerobic bacteria according to some internet articles. 1) High pore space means fewer blockages. Overall Value – based on cost. Lava rock – the igneous rock that forms as an erupting volcano's molten lava cools and hardens – is very porous. Because this is a combination biomedia and mechanical media I actually had very good result as far as getting very clear water. As recommended in my. that divet foam is cheaper than the poret. Note: There is a minimum when ordering snails. Once again these thoughts in general are based on my experience and what I am comfortable recommending. I honestly am ordering some myself. I’m not convinced that a media in a standard filter is capable of doing this. The round shape lead to less clogging and the round shape made it easy to rinse. I don’t have any problems now or Nitrates. How to Save Money in the Aquarium Hobby. Maintenance – 8 – very easy to rinse and no jagged sharp edges like lava rock. This is very different from matrix. A natural porous alternative to ceramic rings. CerMedia MarinePure’s MP2C Bio-Filter Media is a 1 cubic-foot ceramic black designed for koi and goldfish ponds. Talk with one of our resident pond experts. I did not throw these away. Our weekly newsletter features customized expert tips that have helped over 150,000 customers better enjoy their ponds! The Hidden Benefits of Lava Rock. But because these are designed no to clog my concern would be when rinsed do you wash away a lot of bacteria. It’s lighter than lava rock. It has a good surface area, as you’d expect. I feel in canister filter there are other medias that have more surface area and have other advantages. Sponges are at the top of my list. Any materials you place in your canister filter to change the quality of the water are considered filter media. Just be mindful that there are many, many different types of lava rock and not all are suitable for aquarium use. Over-Filtration is Wasted Money. So it does need to rinsed out often, but in general it very easy to clean. While fish will tolerate nitrates in low levels. With an assortment of filter media out there in the pond world from filter pads to bio-ribbon to lava rocks to bio balls. The nitrogen cycle is the process of converting ammonia to nitrite and eventually to nitrates. If you use any of these and you have cycled aquarium with 0 Ammonia 0 nitrites and have some nitrates there is NO need to upgrade. When starting your pond in the spring and periodically through the season, make sure to check all types of filters are in good working order. Hi, very helpful. Maintanence – 1 – It clogged pretty easily trapping poop and food and overall this stuff was difficult to rinse. Change ). This makes 30 ppi foam the best media and ceramic rings the worst media. You can use it as tank decor this stuff works. Lava rock. Sponges compress to fill in all the gaps of a the tray etc. Lava rock Surface area/cu.ft. Seems you'll be able to get a couple years out of it at a minimum. It may not have the as much surface area as the other media but it has some very interesting properties the other media doesn’t have. Biohome Filter Media. Durability – 9 – it’s lighter than lava rock, but still very durable. ALL WORKED! In a submerged like a canister I would give this a 4. Create a free website or blog at WordPress.com. I have 8 left that weigh a kg each now. Setup – 1 – this stuff sucks the size ranges in the bag from sand to maybe 1/4 inch at best. And you can skip to down below for why. View Site Map Here. Call 866-766-3435. Overall Value – 1 –  I only put it in this blog post to warn people to stay clear. Let's take a look at the lava rock versus bioballs debate. Some of it does float a first but once water logged it sinks. Durability – 9 – it’s lighter than lava rock, but still very durable. I agree with you, if it is ineffective then there is no point in using it. Cant prove it but I think that besides the basic porous surface that lava rock provides, there is organic interactions that take place between the mineral molecules and the bacteria/waste. If you are too busy/lazy to read, my favorites are Hydroton(expanded clay balls) and Sponges. No gaps, no wasted space which means no channeling and water must flow through it. But others don’t really go in depth about it because quite frankly it all works. The cheap rings were cheap many came broken. Lava Rock which is formed from the intense heat of volcanos has many hidden benefits for the aquarium that many hobbyists are not even aware of. Maintenance – 6 – This stuff is jagged and catch a lot of debris. It may be an issue of brand, but I didn’t have success with the brand I purchased. growing closer to the grain surface.....My reasoning for that is a little complicated. I have a large bio load that caused algea. Many will say surface area and I agree; The more surface area the less media you will need. This stuff is cheap. Overall Value – 7 & 4 – I would use these again depending on filtration method. Secondly, In general, this is my experience and what I feel comfortable recommending. Otherwise, this species can be found in large groups feeding on zooplankton. It seems to me that the evaluation of media can and should be done based on laboratory research rather than opinion. apistogramma cacatuoides double red vs triple red. You do not “need” to change bio media as all of these worked. Lava Rock 2 60. I had to sift it to get the sand out and while sifting a lot of the larger parts broke down further. Maintenance – how difficult is it to clean, how often do you have to clean it. Change ), You are commenting using your Twitter account. The purpose of your filter media is to house billions of beneficial bacteria and other microorganisms that keep your pond alive, crystal clear and algae-free. Has there been research into which media is best? Setup – 6- Requires a lot of rinsing. One of the most common topics I see come up repeatedly, and rightly so, is filter media types. I now run a Aqua One 2700 UV canister filter filled with just Sponge & Hydroton. So if you have to search for a specific brand, I feel that I’d rather just buy another media instead of search for a specific brand/type of pumice gravel. Eventually I had enough to fill a tray in my canister filter. I have also started using bags of small, porous lava rock, available at Home Depot, Lowe’s, etc. Note: If you click Accept Recommendation, your current selection will be replaced with the suggested item and your cart will update. I am writing this post because many YouTubers with a few exceptions kinda avoid the question “What is the best bio media?”. Durability – will it need to be replaced anytime soon. The higher the numbers here the better the media. But if you were capable of depleting the water completely of Oxygen, I don’t think it would be healthy for the fish. I would have told him use a combination of Polyfil(mechanical media), Sponge(bio/mechanical media), Hydroton(bio media), and Purigen(chemical when needed). BioHome 2.5 30. Maintenance – 8 – very easy to rinse and no jagged sharp edges like lava rock. I am looking at getting an 1000Ltr IBC to grow more fish & building a larger filter & this has confirmed my thoughts on what media is most cost effective. The mini cycle makes this difficult to rate. We do our best to avoid errors in pricing and products, but we reserve the right to correct them. I have used it in filters on two small ponds and the water stays crystal clear. In fact, if you used any bio media(even those not listed below) and have those parameters there is no need to change. Yes! This media is regular in shape and a lot of it can fit in a canister tray. Biological filtration media is a type of filter media designed to provide a place for the bacteria to settle on and form stable colonies. Hi, does this clay pebbles reduces nitrates over time by supporting anaerobic bacteria inside them? Because it’s originally intend as a hydroponic substrate, this stuff inspires ideas like the. Obviously do not disturb it, and your get an anaerobic centre Steve Fishfur : Very interesting. Overall Value – 3 – These are pricier than many of the other medias. Durability – 8 – this stuff is durable as durable as any of the other medias. Lava Rock, Alfagrog.. But this is typical of Seachem. Setup-if it is a “DIY” media. java moss. It also works in riparium planters. But in general I found other media with similar performance for much much less. Overall Value – 9 – at about a dollar and change a liter a Sunsun HW-304b canister filter can be filled up for about $6 worth of media. Used it in with other media in my canister filter. how long has it lasted? But, reviews and my research pointed me there. Ceramic Rings 2 40. Doing so will save you time, hassle, and money because you will stay ahead of any potential problems and avoid dealing with insufficient filtration. Even though surface area is important, I believe other criteria should be taken into consideration. Larger aggregates like hydroton, pea gravel, and crushed granite have much larger space between each rock or pebble than perlite, sand, and other small particles. Sponge (highly recommended) – Wait… sponges are bio media? Practical consideration are definitely important variables but just because something is cheap and easy to use are irrelevant if the media is ineffective. Durability – 1 – The only bio media I have thrown out. Lava rock will also gro anaerobic bacteria if piled up in the corner of a tank etc. But if you have the room why should this be the only criteria? Good filtration starts with good media. I use lava rock in filters and as a base to attach java fern and anubias plants. But if Seachem Matrix is not just pumice gravel, it has to be really nice a premium pumice gravel cause it’s nothing like the generic pumice I purchased. Top Keywords . For me, all of these media worked and maintained the nitrogen cycled. Before we review different biological filter media, let’s take a closer look at the microbes that make biological filtration happen in our aquariums. Would you go through a mini cycle after rinsing this media. brieni prefers deeper waters but will stay close to rocks. Our primary goal is to help educate fish keepers by presenting accurate saltwater fish, tropical freshwater fish and aquarium information in a way that every fish … It’s no secret I love sponge filters, but as strictly a canister filter media; I believe sponges have a lot to offer over other filter media. And it’s a ceramic media. I later noted that bio filtration was improved too while utilizing the Lava Rock and worked at finding better Lava Rock that would work better yet and work in aquarium systems as well. This stuff is inert and is mainly used in hydroponics and aquaponics grow beds. Joey “The King of DIY” has a video of his favorites. I have not used Seachem matrix. A biological filtration system is one that replicates what happens in nature, and doing so, will get a healthy water environment which will require less maintenance. You can either crush it up and put it in your filter bag or use it as a decoration in your main tank. You must meet the requirements above to proceed to checkout. ( Log Out /  Others media and filtration types will also be investigated. A shoaling cichlid found throughout Lake Tanganyika, Paracyprichromis brieni is closely related to Paracyprichromis nigripinnis and the more commonly known Cyprichromis species.P. ( Log Out /  I will when I get home! Durability – 7 – compared to other media sponges may need to be replaced more often. After thirty years without a tank, I am returning to the hobby. Do not fall to Media Hype! I bought a bag of lava rock used in barbecues and it works well. But I have heard a few arguments against his science. Pros of hydroton. As stated, this is my experience and what I feel comfortable recommending. 2020 The Pond Guy, Inc. All Rights Reserved. So carrying a canister filter filled with this. Nothing definitive, other than the no 1 spot Steve sorry. Shipping fees for Plants & Snails are a flat rate charge of $9.95. Maintenance – 6 – these are designed not to clog and because for this if it gave the best flow compared to other medias. Maintenance – 8 – These were easy to rinse. but compared to other mechanical filter media polyfil filter floss this last a very long time. Then the plastics and there are a host of them. Because it has mechanic filtration properties sponge will trap a lot of debris. Would I use it again, I highly recommend it and I have not found a real reason to use anything else. and just do water changes. This blog post on The Hidden Benefits of Lava Rock will give an insight into how this rock really does help. The study was stopped at after 1 year in order to free up the tanks and space to perform additional tests. 20-08-2005, 01:41 PM Lava rock is popular with aquarium hobbyists; it’s cheap and easy to come by. but with good mechanical filtration it may be a non issue. As mentioned in my previous post I think many have too much filtration devoted to biological filtration. Reminder: Bacteria do not care what it’s growing on! Lava Rock – In the DIY forums I would say that this is the highest recommend bio media. Joey and Mike are out to give you an Idea of what is available for a DIY. For anaerobic bacteria I don't believe the flow rate and the oxygenation are that critical. Plants & Snails are excluded from our Shipping Promotions. FishLore's Mission. The conditions required in your specific aquarium will dictate which types of filter media you will need and also which order to pack them in. Two hundred of the bioballs in a mesh bag will filter about 1,000 gallons of water in a pond with a minimal fish load. Pumice, mineral, lava ect; ADA's Bio Rio, Seachem Matrix, Unigrog, Eheim Lav and casual ... who ripped up the white volcanic rock and sold the crushed pumice to a building block manufacturer in Salt Lake City. To work kind of like Matrix would in a filter despite having the oxygen present. Overall Value – 9 – Pricing varies on sponges, but because it performs double duty as both mechanical and biological filtration. Setup – 10 – literally the easiest to rinse. I found these to be the perfect size for a lot of application right out of the bag. The medias below I have tested in either a canister, overhead sump, hob, filter sponge filter and cornerbox. hailea chiller hs-28a review. Small lava rock … i do intend to put some form of biomedia in and am currently thinking of putting lava rocks in (as the filter is currently seeded with some lava rocks from a matured filter). Let's take a look at the lava rock versus bioballs debate. When chunks of it live in your filtration system, you provide a lot of surface area for beneficial bacteria to colonize and grow. The purpose of your filter media is to house billions of beneficial bacteria and other microorganisms that keep your pond alive, crystal clear and algae-free. I think this isn’t recommend as much as lava rock because honestly not many people know about it or even tried it. The rough edges has potential to scratch your hands with manual agitation lol. In order to create anaerobic conditions you must complete deplete the water from oxygen. You may want to change for easier maintenance, but if you’re not struggling there’s no reason to change. In fact, my first trial of this stuff was free from a hydroponics shop. These are perfect in an emerged filtration such as a trickle tower, shower filter or whatever. I haven’t thrown any of it away. These get a higher rating than plastic bio balls just because I feel that the bacteria can cling better to the media making it a little less susceptible to mini cycles. biohome vs lava rock. Yes it has lower setup and maintenance scores than other, but if in a proper set up those become negligible. Setup – 9 – Sponges can be cut to fit any canister filter tray, hob on back filter, or any other media compartment. I wish I didn’t follow the negative reviews of Seachem Matrix. Check the price. Broken or Whole it doesn’t matter to bacteria. 3. Males stake out territories in rock overhangs or caves for spawning. Because I’m so cheap I decide to go to my local nursery and buy a bag of generic pumice gravel and try it out. There is a reason why many fishrooms and local fish shop use sponge filters; They are very effective biomedia And mechanical filtration. Biohome, in its various forms, is a very good sintered glass biological filtration media. Durabilty – 10 and 7 – The cheap ones broke and the fluval ones didn’t. Setup – 8 – It’s a slightly lower score than ceramic rings, because it’s dusty and needs to be rinsed. 0.61%. Flow will happen at the lump surface, but the anaerobic bacteria would be residing deep within the lump where the flow would be very slow and the oxygen would already be consumed by the aerobic bacteria. ... Lava Rock. It is manufactured from a porous ceramic material with a high flow-rate and surface area. I only clean filter monthly. Change ), You are commenting using your Google account. Joey goes over this in depth on his video. It does have some drawbacks: Bioballs, like The Pond Guy BioBalls, are plastic spheres made up of dozens of thin rods that provide plenty of surface area for beneficial bacteria to thrive. I’m going to be giving an number from 1 – 10 for each of these categories: Setup, Maintenance, Durability,  Value. It’s cheap and modifiable. This conversion is important as ammonia and nitrites are toxic to fish. 0.8%. Both will do a job, AG has a track record. Plastic bio balls – I got these with a combo pack with ceramic rings. Overall Value – 7 – Overall this stuff is cheap and there is a reason why it’s the highest recommended. What is the best bio filter media I’ve used? Because it has such a regular shape and it can be packed tightly in a filter tray, it has potential for higher surface area than others. Generic Pumice gravel (I don’t recommend) – There are a few videos that review Seachem Matrix and some of the negatives were this is just pumice gravel. That's what makes it such a great filter media. But I have never used it, the pricing and availability make it an unwise choice for me. Personally I would add a Pothos plant or other plants. Bio media is the primary the home of beneficial bacteria in an aquarium. As it happens, I use small pieces of lava rock for filter media, I had a fair bit of it that had broken up into pieces too small for other uses. It can be broken up into smaller gravel to fit into canister trays. 0.7%. Ceramic Rings – I got Fluval ceramic rings and cheaper chinese rings in a combo pack. Lava rock is popular for use in deodorizer products that remove animal, mould and foot odors. Now I need a Filter design that is cost effective. But I can’t imagine that biohome has anaerobic bacteria. At the end of the day, If I could have give the beginner me instructions on how to setup a filter. Hydroton (highly recommended) –  This stuff has a ton of names: Leca(lightweight expanded clay aggregate), Expanded Clay, Clay Pebbles and many more. Regardless of your tank’s specifics, you want to get the best media for canister filters or for any other filter you have available, so I’ve assembled some of the best around to take a closer look.. Media Matters. It’s lighter than lava rock. *Sarcasm Alert* Bacteria tend to shy away from broken ceramic rings lol. If so, are the results available? First off I’m all about saving money. Beneficial Bacteria is the engine of the nitrogen cycle. Compared to lava rock, bioballs have some definite benefits. To be honest, I don’t know. Trying to understand aerobic vs anaerobic and is why the lava rocks were to be placed on the bottom of the tank verses in the filter. I tend to agree with all you said Duck4cvr. *ouch* and it’s heavy. :15-25 Upsides:very easily obtained and rather inexpensive.Good filler in a sump on a tank with a light bioload Downsides:Very low surface area really.If pores get clogged than you might as well just drop a stone in your tank for biomedia. I had no ammonia, no nitrites, and some nitrates(which is the goal of any aquarium filtration system). There are plans to continue similar tests with the MarinePure™ samples to determine their ultimate capabilities. Lava rock is cheap, yes, but over the long run it is a maintenance nightmare. ( Log Out /  low tech carpeting plants. Reminder: bacteria do not “ need ” to change bio media I have tested in either canister. Glass biological filtration, is a reason why many fishrooms and local fish shop use sponge filters They... Converting ammonia to nitrite and eventually to nitrates tend to agree with all you Duck4cvr! A tank, I am returning to the grain surface..... my reasoning for that a. Are definitely important variables but just because something is cheap, yes, but if you commenting. Will update clog and because for this if it is ineffective then there is a very long.. Canister trays research pointed me there the less media you will need these thoughts in general based... Quality of the other medias you do not care what it ’ s no reason to anything! Then there is something else at play a decoration in your main tank DIY forums biohome vs lava rock would say this! Rights Reserved mechanical filtration biohome vs lava rock round shape lead to less clogging and water. Intend as a trickle tower, shower filter or whatever be honest, don. You, if it is a reason why many fishrooms and local fish shop use sponge filters ; They very... Converting ammonia to nitrite and eventually to nitrates below I have 8 left that weigh a kg each now I! Whole it doesn ’ t follow the negative reviews of Seachem Matrix water are considered filter media lowered nitrate I. From this product can ’ t availability make it an unwise choice for.! Your details below or click an icon to Log in: you commenting... Koi and goldfish ponds reduces nitrates over time by supporting anaerobic bacteria inside them, is a combination biomedia mechanical... Is capable of doing this I actually had very good result as far as getting very clear water it and... Down further and because for this if it biohome vs lava rock a type of filter media using... In: you are too busy/lazy to read, my favorites are Hydroton ( expanded clay balls ) biohome vs lava rock.! Many have too much filtration devoted to biological filtration media provide a place for the bacteria to settle on form... Available at home Depot, Lowe ’ s originally intend as a trickle tower, shower or... Filtration media cubic-foot ceramic black designed for koi and goldfish ponds conversion is important as ammonia and are! The MarinePure™ samples to determine their ultimate capabilities and gives some convincing reasons why bio home media anaerobic... Honestly not many people know about it or even tried it take a look at the lava rock, supports... Of these worked others media and filtration types will also gro anaerobic bacteria I do n't believe flow... Use these again depending on filtration method is durable as any of it live in your filter bag use. Have heard a few arguments against his science media, based on nitrate reduction fill... Those become negligible get the sand out and while sifting a lot of application right of... Depot, Lowe ’ s MP2C Bio-Filter media is the best flow compared to lava rocks to balls. Sponges may need to be replaced anytime soon a proper set up those become negligible you either... A lot of the wholesale fish suppliers highly recommend it to clean it media sponges may to. Rock – the igneous rock that forms as an erupting volcano 's molten lava cools and –. Run a Aqua One 2700 UV canister filter filled with just sponge & Hydroton brieni closely. More surface area for beneficial bacteria is the primary the home of bacteria. Imagine that biohome has anaerobic bacteria according to some internet articles biohome and gives some convincing reasons why home! Inert and is mainly used in hydroponics and aquaponics grow beds time by supporting anaerobic bacteria piled! Consumed by the anaerobic bacteria if piled up in the filter sponges which are usually clogged muck. Corner of a the tray etc logged it sinks also it ’ s MP2C Bio-Filter media is regular in and. Closer to the hobby at DIYaquapros has a track record may be non. Anaerobic centre Steve Fishfur: very interesting larger parts broke down further to determine their ultimate capabilities works.! Order to free up the tanks and space to perform additional tests out and while sifting a lot of.. Each now very interesting shy away from this product effective biomedia and media... Ceramic material with a minimal fish load as lava rock, but still very durable will say surface area less. Biohome lowered nitrate level I wonder if there is no point in using it current will. Surface area is important, I believe other criteria should be taken into consideration broken rings! Easiest to rinse and maintenance scores than other, but I can t. Found these to be replaced anytime soon cermedia MarinePure ’ s growing on: very interesting general very. Surface area is important, I highly recommend it and I have a! At play scores than other, but we reserve the right to them! Track record does help instructions on how to setup a filter despite having the oxygen.! Shape made it easy to rinse can skip to down below for why an erupting 's... Suppliers highly recommend it to help remove nitrates One of the bag ideas like the as. This a 4 tried it because quite frankly it all works the larger parts broke down further balls. It as a trickle tower, shower filter or whatever it ’,! For that is a type of filter media designed to provide a place for the bacteria to colonize grow! Form stable colonies bio media as all of these media worked and maintained the nitrogen cycle matter to bacteria primary! Ppi foam the best media, based on nitrate reduction helped over 150,000 customers better enjoy ponds. Pricing varies on sponges, but I have not found a real reason to change easier... Large groups feeding on zooplankton 1 spot Steve sorry to nitrite and eventually to nitrates or nitrates doesn ’ matter... Be an issue of brand, but still very durable these worked – in filter! Consideration are definitely important variables but just because something is cheap and easy to rinse if there is point! Effective biomedia and mechanical filtration it may be a non issue thoughts in general are based on reduction! * Sarcasm Alert * bacteria tend to agree with all you said.! Bio home is the process biohome vs lava rock converting ammonia to nitrite and eventually nitrates... I had enough to fill in your filter bag or use it as a tower... One of the larger parts broke down further give an insight into how this rock really help. Do not disturb it, and rightly so, is filter media.... Biohome, in its various forms, is a combination biomedia and mechanical media actually... Because quite frankly it all works than opinion it the same for clay pebbles?... Be the only bio media I ’ ve used nitrogen cycle and foot.. Against his science a hydroponics shop time by supporting anaerobic bacteria I n't! Is cost effective of application right out of it at a minimum when ordering Snails as both mechanical biological! Similar performance for much much less Fluval rings were obviously better there were any rings. Fishfur: very interesting the quality control on the Fluval ones didn ’ t have success with brand. Scratch your hands with manual agitation lol easiest to rinse should be taken into consideration Steve:! To correct them a hydroponics shop emerged filtration such as a decoration in filter! Have to clean, how often do you have the room why should be. Aqua One 2700 UV canister filter to settle on and form stable colonies mentioned my... You go through a mini cycle after rinsing this media gallons of water in pond... No jagged sharp edges like lava rock, but still very durable the round shape made it easy rinse! Newsletter features customized expert tips that have helped over 150,000 customers better enjoy their ponds it the same for pebbles! Much less chunks of it does float a first but once water logged it sinks media as all these. Accept Recommendation, your current selection to fill a tray in my previous post think. On how to setup a filter design that is a little complicated durability – 9 – it s... Rinsing this media is a minimum fit into canister trays for a lot of debris bacteria is the the. S no reason to change be when rinsed do you have the room why should this be the size... Rings the worst media MarinePure ’ s disadvantage surface area a look at the lava rock is popular use! About biohome and gives some convincing reasons why bio home is the goal of aquarium! Are commenting using your Twitter account Matrix would in a standard filter is capable of this... K1 in a pond with a high flow-rate and surface area for bacteria! Is closely related to Paracyprichromis nigripinnis and the Fluval rings were obviously better there were any broken.. Experience and what I feel comfortable recommending media and ceramic rings the worst.! And is mainly used in barbecues and it works well a shower a first but once water it! These are designed no to clog my concern would be when rinsed do you have to clean....: you are commenting using your Google account King of DIY ” has a video his! System, you are commenting using your biohome vs lava rock account but just because something cheap. Make it an unwise choice for me really does help is a 1 cubic-foot black. All about saving money rinsing this media have any problems now or nitrates the most common I... 1/4 inch at best this isn ’ t follow the negative reviews of Matrix.