Shotgun wads as biological media

aandon · #1 09/10/2007, 02:13 PM

I've heard that shotgun wads (the plastic pellet casings) can replace bio balls for biological filtration media. Shooting ranges acquire tons of the stuff and just throw it away so I have discovered a potential source for free bio media. The only problem is the used wads have lead residue on them. Has anyone ever tried to use used wads before or does anyone have a good idea for how to get the lead residue off easily (I'd rather not sit there with a toothbrush and scrub thousands of them)?

rcypert · #2 09/10/2007, 02:56 PM

Bio balls are so cheap why would you risk using something that no one has used before? As a after thought why would you even need bio balls? The live rock and sand will accommodate all the bacteria you need.

kevinohio · #3 09/10/2007, 03:37 PM

not worth it, dont do it. Why risk the fish or coral. There is no way you would get it all, Plus like was stated enough live rock and sand will do the trick.
I started with bio balls but have long since removed them with no issues at all

Aqua_expert19 · #4 09/10/2007, 03:57 PM

THEY HAVE LEAD IN THEM. THATS WHAT SHOOTS OUT OF IT. LEAD PELLETS

not worth it. there is no posible way to get all the lead out of it.

dogstar74 · #5 09/10/2007, 05:23 PM

Just buy a bag of reloading material that have not been shot. No mess, and it can't be the most expensive part of the shell.

kevinohio · #6 09/10/2007, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by dogstar74
Just buy a bag of reloading material that have not been shot. No mess, and it can't be the most expensive part of the shell.

The bio balls are not that costly either. If you aree going to use that type oe media just use the bio balls. They are desingned to maximize surface area,and I am sure will function much better than sot gun wadding.

123and456 · #7 09/10/2007, 06:47 PM

here is a link to some wads its very cheap and could be a good alternative. I would not use wads that have been used under any circumstance. I had not until this point thought about using these but im thinking that I will give it a go now. I need some new bio media anyway.

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpag...981&t=11082005

Gander Mountain is a good place to get these to save on shipping

rivdog · #8 09/10/2007, 10:17 PM

im sure u could find a cheaper source of of material to grow ur bac on. Perhaps a sunken aircraft carrier

waverz · #9 09/10/2007, 10:31 PM

I've used plastic scrubby pads, they have waaay more surface area than bio balls and you get get then super cheap at dollar general stores.

mortimersnerd · #10 09/11/2007, 04:01 PM

I used shotgun wadding in a high end freshwater planted tank and it worked great. I wouldn't use fired wadding under any circumstances. Ended up being a bunch cheaper than bio-balls.

Big Boy69 · #11 09/11/2007, 05:11 PM

go to the dollar store a buy a big bag of green army men.

arts007 · #12 09/11/2007, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Big Boy69
go to the dollar store a buy a big bag of green army men.

Not a good idea, they could make a lateral flank attack on the west side of the live rock

woz9683 · #13 09/11/2007, 06:00 PM

Yeah, you've got to get the tan ones as well to hold them at bay