Can I Put Bio Balls/ceramic Rings

[Gillymore]

in a Fluval 3 filter. It currently has a basic foam filter pad. Would balls and rings give more surface area ? Dunno if there is a compartment or owt for these, but I could either cut holes in the foam and fill them or cut the foam in half lengthwise and "sandwich" bio balls between the 2 halves. Or would I need a specialist filter for these?

 

[Colin_T]

bioballs and ceramic rings might give a little more surface area for bacteria to live on but they don't hold dirt. You are better off leaving the sponge in there and using a seperate compartment or filter for the bioballs if you want to use them.

 

[Gillymore]

Thanks Colin_T. I don't really know if my filter has a compartment for bio whotsits..have managed to lose instructions. Will have to wait until I do my first sponge clean and have a good look at the setup inside.

 

[Colin_T]

if it's an internal filter then it will only have room for a couple of thin sponges and you won't be able to put bioballs or ceramic beads in it.
When you do clean it, wash the sponges out in a bucket of tank water so you don't upset the filter bacteria.

 

[Gillymore]

if it's an internal filter then it will only have room for a couple of thin sponges and you won't be able to put bioballs or ceramic beads in it.
When you do clean it, wash the sponges out in a bucket of tank water so you don't upset the filter bacteria.