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Bioballs: The basics


To put it simply – bio balls are a filtration media that allow all the good bacteria you need in order for a fish tank to live – a place to live. They’re designed so that they create as much surface area (thus why they have so many grooves) as possible so bacteria can find plenty of places to cling to, live and thrive. This makes them far more useful than simple spherical balls.

The added benefit of course – is that they help keep PH balances neutral for longer times – and that allows for the consumption of poisonous ions. Long story, short – if you need a really efficient way to dramatically improve the water quality in your tank – bio balls might be your best bet. 

How many do you need?

The number you need largely depends on the size of your tank, the size of your external filter canister and even your sump pump. If you’ve got a sump pump, use as many as you’d like. These won’t harm your tank so long as you do a good job of caring for them. The general rule of thumb to most is 2 gallons of bio balls for every 100 gallons of water. Stay in that range and you should be fine. 

How do I use them?

Bio balls are not necessarily FILTERS in a traditional sense. They exist to HOLD beneficial bacteria in your tank. They are not however- there to remove wastewater from your system. Most recommend that you use bio balls after the water flows through filter foam. The filter foam will catch waste, ensuring that your bio balls don’t end up clogged with waste. Don’t use them before they hit the foam as waste build up can adversely impact your tank. 

Cleaning bio balls

We recommend that people rinse their bio balls in the actual fish tank water itself. This helps to protect the beneficial bacteria that’s built up over time in your tank. If you wash them in outside water, you run the risk of killing off that bacteria, which can have negative effects on your tank. Cleaning your bio balls should be done any time you do a water change over or tank cleaning. Simply rinse the bio balls, don’t scrub them as scrubbing can also be a good way to kill all that beneficial bacteria that’s built up on the bio balls.

Hopefully – you found today’s blog helpful! If you’re looking to purchase bio balls for your tank, give us a call today and we can help give you a free consultation on the ABC’s of what you need to know. Until then – good luck!




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