How to Remove Bio Balls From Bio Cube 29

The Oceanic Biocube series of aquariums feature a single piece of bent glass for the front and sides and a built-in filtration system behind the display area. The aquarium comes with a pump, tubing, filter, sponge and bioballs. Bioballs are plastic balls with increased surface area that help convert ammonia and nitrite into nitrate, thereby making the water safer for the fish. However, bioballs are usually not desirable in saltwater aquariums and should be removed.

Things You'll Need

  • Biocube 29 gallon aquarium
  • Butter knife
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove the top of the aquarium and set it aside. There is a door over the filtration system, but removing the top will give you added room to work.

    • 2

      Using a butter knife, pry off the plastic screen covering the bioballs. The bioballs are in the middle section of the filter covered by a piece of black plastic with holes in it. The plastic is not glued on and will come off, although it may require some force. The butter knife will give you some leverage. Alternatively, you can press down on one side and insert the butter knife under the opposite side.

    • 3

      Remove bioballs using your hand. Rinse the bioballs off, let them completely dry and keep them, recycle them or give them to another aquarist.

    • 4

      If you want, put the plastic screen back in place. Without this screen, the water flowing from the primary filter will make a loud splashing sound as it pours into the secondary compartment. Some people leave the screen off and place a ball of chaetomorpha marco algae in the compartment with a light over it (for saltwater fish).