Ceramics As Filter Media

[psycho-killer]

is it ok to use ceramics as filter media ?

 

[Lynden]

In a word, no. In my opinion anyways; they trap large debris too easily. If you can rinse them frequently under water from the tank they came from, then they should work.

 

[alexlark]

Much better to use LR rubble and ditch the ceramics

 

[steelhealr]

Agree with the above. It is hard to keep up with maintenance when life gets busy. The ceramis DO need to be rinsed clean and pulling apart everything once a week or more frequently is a pain. SH

 

[andywg]

I'm going to disagree here. It is not going to be once a week that ceramics need rinsing, probably more like once every 2-4 months. If you ensure you get a decent flow around the ceramics (like you do with live rock) then there is a fair chance that almost nothing will get caught on them. Their reputation as a nitrate factory came from people using them and never cleaning them out.

The most important thing to consider is exactly what you want the tank to contain. I would want ceramics or bioballs in a trickle tower if I am keeping large predatory fish, but the smaller bio-loads of nano tanks makes them less beneficial.