| Leaving out the pseudo-science: Everyone I have known that has installed a shower system using any media has great results, especially those with the ablity to send 2x the pond volume through one each hour. I have used bioballs, k1, and lava rock, all with excellent results. It may vary with lava rock source, but I have never had any "powder" buildup in a lava rock shower (I spend a couple minutes hosing them off before adding). Lava rock and K1 stay clean by themselves even at lower than bakki-type flowrates. (I've had some issues with algae growth on the brand of bioballs I have, but a higher flow rate they may be fine). We can talk about the pseudo-science all day but still any tests with shower or TT filters with bakki and other medias have still never shown significantly superior performance from either. Its easy for bakki users to test, they may already have $2,000-$4,000 in bakki media whats another $10 for some lava rock in bulk, or another $50-75 if you want it bags from Home Depot. If BH was a similar cost, or provided free or loaned I would test. Otherwise its hard to imagine how I could notice an improvement in a pond that is usually very clear, biologically healthy even with heavy feedings, its hard to imagine much better growth either.
Ryan S. |