Is it a good idea to put some bioballs inside a protein skimmer ?

Question

My idea is to provide more obstacle for the water flow inside the protein skimmer tube to increase the air bubble/water contact time while the bacteria on the bioballs get a lot of air to breath at the same time.

Answer 1

If you have a downdraft skimmer, which should already have bio balls, then do not do it. The chamber and pump size and venturi setting have all been calibrated withourt bioballs.



They could be a trap for debris which will add to the bioload and defeats the pupose of the skimmer. If you want more air, consider an adjustable venturi or needle valve so you can adjust bubble density and size.

Answer 2

How exactly do you want to do this? Are you thinking of something that the AquaFuge or the CPR Bak-Pak's do? If your going to simply dump some bio balls into your protein skimmer, you are reducting the oxygen contact and also hindering the skimmers main ability : to skim. If you want more bio load along side of your skimmer try one of the following products out. Also depending on your tank size.

http://www.cpraquatic.com/products/index.html



Usually the bioballs are added after a protein skimmer as already taken out the excess protein and added oxygen to the water, making it better for the bio to work. If you already have a hang on protein skimmer there are other quick option to add a refugim & bio which will make use of your system much better. But everything is varied depending on what you have in your tank and what you want to do.



Keep in mind you are trying to make an entire atificial eco system. So, even the tiny things count.

Answer 3

If you have a protein skimmer and decent water flow, then the limiting factor of the bioballs isn't dissolved oxygen, it's surface area. Supposing that you want increased biofiltering, you'd be better off with MORE bioballs somewhere else, than shoving a few into the skimmer and robbing it of performance.

Answer 4

I don't think you should put anybody's balls in a protein skimmer. After all,.. that's a major source of protein I get from my boyfriend.