new w/d filter questions

[matt_wahoo]

I finally got a wet/dry filter system for my 25 gallon reef. The set up I have has this stuff called bio bale its kind of like bio balls. I have heard that bio balls cause unwanted water peramiters, is this true with the bio bale? Also should I add anything like carbon to my filter, I know that it was in the bio wheel set up I had before? Any wet/dry filter tips and help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!

[jsheffel]

Bio bale will have the same issues as bio balls. While a w/d filter can be effective for a fish only system with no live rock, most on this forum prefer the systems with live rock (and consider it indespensible if you are going to do a reef). All is not wasted though. Just pull out the plastic media, put in some macro alge in its place and throw a light over it and you have a perfectly functional refugium.

[Samper]

I wish that you would have skipped the wet/dry and gone directly to a sump/fuge but like J said you can convert it. If you don't, keep it clean and watch your nitrates and plan to get rid of it at some point.

[matt_wahoo]

I wish that you would have skipped the wet/dry and gone directly to a sump/fuge but like J said you can convert it. If you don't, keep it clean and watch your nitrates and plan to get rid of it at some point.

Yes I would have liked to have done that as well. THe problem is that I dont even have enough room for a 10 gall on tank under my stand. It is only a 25 and with a stand my from 2x4s and 3/4 oak ply wood there is not too much room. When I convert to my 55 gallon I will have enough room to put a 20 long which will be a sump/fuge. Thanks for the help