Bio balls replacements

[DonnaMae50]

Hi, am new to this site. Are there any acceptable replacement materials to use instead of actual bio balls? Has anyone had success when switching over to a new media?

[ref0716]

At one point, years ago when bio balls were new and super expensive, I used 12 gauge shotgun wads with success in a saltwater sump. Just a thought.

Richard

[Pices]

I use matrix in a little netted bag. Works good!

[bluelagoon]

I use matrix too.You can use many things.Dollar store plastic scrubbys can be used.

[Neptune]

plastic dish scrubbers. use them all the time.

[Adam S]

What are you using them for? Trickle filter?

[bluelagoon]

Those plastic dish scrubbies can be used in any filter for media.They have lots of area for BB to establish on.

[fishbubbles]

Ditto on the matrix

[Hidan]

Hi, am new to this site. Are there any acceptable replacement materials to use instead of actual bio balls? Has anyone had success when switching over to a new media?

What are you looking for? Cheaper media or more efficient media?

I use Seachems Matrix that is excellent and not that space consuming (probably more expensive that bioballs, though). As other mentioned you can use plastic dish scrubbers and even regular filter media (sponge) works as a material for the bacteria.

You need to specify your criteria for switching over from bioballs for us to advise you.

[kalawai]

Seachem Matrix...

[pitdogg2]

Matrix here as well. I've used about everything on the market in the past 35yrs.

[Filip]

Quality and professional bio media suggestions - Sera siporax , Fluval Ceramic rings , Seachem Matrix etc.

DIY sugestions- Crushed Lava stone , L.E.C.A.- clay products from Flower shops or garden supplies , Scrubbies , Bio Sponges etc.

Try Doing partial and gradual replacement in a couple of weeks to avoid mini cycle and Ammonia / Nitrite spikes during the proces of replacement .

[gators111]

I've had good luck with Marinepure.

[JamesW]

Poret foam

Also Pond Matrix is the same but is more like the size of a bioball (a little smaller) so it doesn't need to be put in a bag.