question about a CPR bak-pak

[benneb1897201vw]

I currently have a CPR protein skimmer. I have had it up and running about 4 months and the bio-bale really needs cleaning. I was wondering if I should just go ahead and take the bio-bale out completely, or clean it and put it back? Any pros/cons to either route? Your advise is greatly appreciated.

Ben

 

[Marcosreef]

Do you have live rock in the tank? A deep sand bed? If so, ditch the Bio Bale. You really don't need it (IMO). CPR makes a new (newer) protein skimmer for reef tanks without the bale...

 

[Tybond]

Hi Ben,

I would take it out if I were you.

I have a BP2 on my 55g reef and removed mine after 6 months. Same story as yours. junk just packs up in the bale.
I took mine out because of an increase in phosphates and a few other qwirks and my problems went away. I honestly think it was all the crap build up in the bio bale.

One word of caution.

Remove the bale slowly over a few weeks.

Just cut off about a 3rd each time for 3 weeks and use that empty space for a heater. It makes a great hidding spot for it!

The reason I say to remove a little at a time is because if you just pull it all at once, you are going to have a algea outbreak on your hands guaranteed.

The benificial bacteria that has established itself on the bio-bale is acting as part of your systems biological filter and if you pull it all at the same time, your system will not be able to contend with the nutrient levels until new bacteria colonize to deal with it. This means gunk for you to deal with scrapping and cleaning the tank.
By taking small chunks, the system will adjust easier to the change by only needing to change a little each time.

HTH
ty

 

[Chucker]

FWIW, the following is from CPR's website-

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr> The Bio-BaleTM should be cleaned every three months, or as needed. Remove the Bio-BaleTM filter media and place it in a bucket of saltwater. Swish the Bio-BaleTM around in the water to remove any algae or detritus. Shake off any excess water before returning it back to the bio chamber of the Bak-Pak 2sm. Never use detergents of any kind on the Bio-BaleTM and do not allow it to dry out. Make sure not to pack the Bio-BaleTM too tightly when placing it back into your Bak-Pak 2sm.

<hr></blockquote>

 

[benneb1897201vw]

I have close to 100 pounds of live rock and about a 6" sand bed, it is a 46 gallon tank. Should I still do the slow gradual remove of it all? If so, could I clean what I keep in there for the time until it is all removed slowly? or would I run into the same algae problems if I attempt to clean it. Thanks to everyone for the advice so far.

Ben

 

[Marcosreef]

Tybonds suggestion sounds good by removing it gradually. At 100lbs. of LR, no Bio Bale can match that biological power. Not to mention the waste accumulation on the bale can't be that great if CPR's website "Recommends cleaning it every 3 months."

 

[pscheel]

Ty is right when he says take it out gradually. I took mine out all at one and had an outbreak. Even though you have 100 Ibs. of live rock, its better to be safe than sorry.