1St Timer With Bi-Wheel Question

[FSNut01]

I am in the process of setting up my first saltwater tank and have a question about the Bio-Wheel. I have a 30 Gal tank with a Penguin 150 Bio-Wheel filter. The filter was previously used for a freshwater tank and has not been used for approx 1.5 years. I stopped by my LFS yesterday and they were very helpful in explaining how to set the tank up and what to get to get started. They strongly suggested a new bio-wheel (the wheel itself) but did not have the proper size in stock for this model. Everything I have read so far though says to NOT replace the wheel. Should I or should I not bother? There doesn't seem to be anything wrong with the original one but considering it was used for fresh water and has not been used in some time would I be better off starting with a new one?

Thanks

Doug

 

[seffieuk]

to TFF and the salty side of the forum.

What sort of tank are you going to have, are you having live rock as your filtration? If so, why do you want to use the biowheel filter? But if you do and your trop tank never used copper meds in you would not have to replace it, sounds to me like your lfs are just trying to sell you something

Lets us know your plans and we will help you set up your tank and enjoy doing so as well

Seffie x

 

[FSNut01]

Thanks for the welcome and the fast reply!

I am starting out with a FOWLR setup. I bought 15lbs of Tonga live rock. LFS said due to it's lighter weight compared to size it should be enough. I am also using Aragonite for a substrate. I don't think any copper additives were used but don't know for sure.

 

[seffieuk]

Ok, so what are you intending using the filter for, housing media such as phosphate remover?

Seffie x

Would you start a journel, so we can follow your progress and help out - they are also a great record of your tank

 

[FSNut01]

Well now you have me wondering. I just assumed it was necessary and all the freshwater tanks I have had used one. You are leading me to think it isn't needed? Obviously I don't know enough about filtration in a live rock environment. So far I am a bit overwhelmed by all the reading I have done and am a bit confused!

I will start a journal as soon as I can. Great idea and I am now perusing the existing ones.

 

[seffieuk]

Excellent - really looking forward to reading it.

Ah ha, Just think of the live rock as the heart and lungs of your tank and the heat and flow as the blood pulsing through

An external is not needed except to add water volume (if large) and to house phosphate remover etc

Seffie x