Is it possible to have too much biological filtration?

[ozone]

I was reading through a list of mistakes that newbies make. One of the points is using too much biological filtration and not enough mechanical filtration, no further explanation was provided. I think I understand not having enough mechanical filtration ie not using a protein skimmer, but how is it possible to have too much biological filtration?

 

[reefman]

example: 100 lb live rock in a 20 gallon tank.:smile: ie anything that inhabits bacteria that breaks down organic matter (amm/nitrite/nitrate) is consider bio filt.

 

[ozone]

That's kinda stating the obvious. Nothing more too it than that?

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

Ummmm the answer is no.

 

[LeslieS]

100 lb live rock in a 20 gallon tank.:smile:

Other than no room for anyone else, how does too much live rock provide too much bio filtration? Is there such thing as too much?

 

[Josh]

Other than no room for anyone else, how does too much live rock provide too much bio filtration? Is there such thing as too much?

As long as the rest of the tank is running right (water conditions in check) and you are not adding items too quickly, the bacteria population will self regulate based on the amount of food (ammonia, nitrite) in the water.

Too much bio filtration? The only thing I can see is that your rocks and sand will have lower concentrations of bacteria so they are not quite as "alive" as 1lb of rock in a 100g tank (on a per rock weight or surface area basis).

 

[jrodjordan]

Josh is correct.... In addition, The problem with too much rock in your tank is that you will have areas where water doesnt flow or flows too slow. These spots can often allow for algae, pests or bacteria to grow and your (ammo, n'ate, n'ite) levels are often hard to keep under control. You need a good amount of rock, but dont put too much in you tank