Bio wheel

[Dorkhedeos]

where can i get a biowheel, not the whole filter, just the wheel. i was thinking about attaching it to my current filter, a top fin 10. once the wheel is established, can i just change the old filter with a new filter instead of just rinsing it out? or will i get a spike?

 

[DannyBoy17]

Most LFS stores sell them seperately, or order one from Marine Land. If the BioWheel is established, yes you can change the filters without a spike.

DB

 

[Dorkhedeos]

ill modify my filter this weekend, i want to replace my filter asap. after i have the wheel installed, do i just rub the filter floss on it? does it matter if the water flows over it?

 

[DannyBoy17]

ill modify my filter this weekend, i want to replace my filter asap. after i have the wheel installed, do i just rub the filter floss on it? does it matter if the water flows over it?

Nooo, you must let it run for a few days before you get a colony of beneficial bacteria. Throw the flow in the new filter, that will help.

DB

 

[canarsie11]

Never touch the wheel.

 

[sammydee]

Can you add a biowheel to a normal filter?

 

[yvez9]

installing a bio-wheel to a filter would be quite a challenge if you want it to be efficient...

I'm not sure why you would do this but any pet store that sells marineland filters will have them in hand

 

[BobK]

Marineland sells the biowheels as a stand alone option that runs off of a powerhead or other pump. Like someone mentioned it would be tricky to modify your top-fin filter for a bio-wheel and it may or may not work and you could damage the filter.

Here's the link to the Bio-Wheel Pro http://www.marineland.com/products/consumer/con_bwpro.asp

 

[Dorkhedeos]

well, im a cheap guy rather modify something i have already instead of buying it, unless i cant. ive read that as long as its spinning, itll be fine right? doesnt seem that hard to attach it. ill post some pictures when i start. where do i keep my filter while im modifying it? should i keep it in a bucket of water? or just leave it in the tank?

 

[Dorkhedeos]

got my biowheel today, and i attached it

what do you guys think?

 

[pnyklr3]

If the color darkens over time, you are good to go! (It's when the bacteria are there).

 

[Dorkhedeos]

do you think it will be more effective if i cut the half of the return chute and place it so the bottom of the wheel is where the lip used to be? will copper wire be safe for fish? im afraid the paperclips might rust so i might have to replace it with a different wire

 

[fishycomics]

if you are creative like others you can get away with some plastic

 

[pica_nuttalli]

will copper wire be safe for fish?

No. Depending on the species, some fish are extremely sensitive to copper poisoning while others are only slightly sensitive. Don't risk it.

I can't think of an alternative off the top of my head, but definitely no copper.

 

[Dorkhedeos]

what about stainless steel wire?