Biowheels: Advantages And Disadvantages

[Bullrock74]

I wish I knew enough to write an article on it, but I don't. I have also searched using the keyword biowheel and saw the pinned topic, but it didn't discuss them in great detail. So, could you please help me come up with a list of advantages and disadvantages to help me get a better grasp on them? I use Emperor HOB filters that use biowheels and know some of their advantages, but really am not aware of the disadvantages.

 

[andywg]

Big disadvatages are the possibiltiiy for clogging and the fact that as the wheel is often exposed to air it will lose the bacteria colony at a fair old rate in a power cut.

 

[confusion]

I've found that mine are quite frustrating. I think the intention is to implement a bio filter similar to how some of the large sewage processing plants use, where a large media drum is contantly rotated through the water and up into the air, providing the bacteria with air to aid in digenstion (I'm inferring).

The problem with bio wheels (at leat my 6) is that they get stuck almost constantly. I don't believe, even a little bit, that if I removed the wheels that the effectiveness of my bio filter would be effected in the least. From that angle, I have to ask "what's the point?".

Anyhow, just my view on it.

 

[Bullrock74]

I've found that mine are quite frustrating. I think the intention is to implement a bio filter similar to how some of the large sewage processing plants use, where a large media drum is contantly rotated through the water and up into the air, providing the bacteria with air to aid in digenstion (I'm inferring).

The problem with bio wheels (at leat my 6) is that they get stuck almost constantly. I don't believe, even a little bit, that if I removed the wheels that the effectiveness of my bio filter would be effected in the least. From that angle, I have to ask "what's the point?".

Anyhow, just my view on it.

I have been running emperors for two years and have not once had my biowheels get stuck. They have an adjustable spray bar which allows you to set the angle at which the water strikes the biowheel. I too, have wondered just what would happen if the biowheels were removed, but I just leave them to spin constantly. They do make for very quick cycles on new tanks, though.