I was actually planning on using 50 gallons worth of tank space as room for 
plants. I've read and been told that they're good at taking care of 
nitrates. Thoughts?

"MB"  wrote in
news:kvKR9.15097$9N5.1422154{at}newsread2.prod.itd.earthlink.net: 

> I heard of people using shotgun wads.  CPR sells something that looks
> like Easter grass.  Toys R Us probably has interlocking "bristle
> blocks" similar to bio balls.
> 
> I wouldn't use Legos - would trap water if upside down
> 
> You wont have ammonia problems, a trickle filter is very good at
> processing this to nitrate.  You will need to do water changes to keep
> you nitrates under control.
> 
> "Moose"  wrote in message
> news:Xns92F8BDCD55164Anonomoosehotmailcom{at}24.71.223.159...
>> When making a trickle filter and sump for a series of freshwater
>> tanks, what is the best algae growing medium, and what will be good
>> enough? I've looked at bioballs, but they're really expensive. I've
>> heard lego suggested, or nylon netting bunched up. Today at a LFS one
>> of the staff suggested that I use filter inserts (just the big white
>> fuzzy things). 
>>
>> Any noted advantages or disadvantages to any of these?
>> Will bioballs really contribute to amonia and nitrate spikes?
>> Anything else I should take into consideration?
>> TIA
>>
> 
> 
>
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