Filter Questions

[folyet]

So I have a 2213 Eheim filter in my tank...that is my main filter
I also have a a Penquin 100 Bio Filter, that I currently have as added filtration, as well as a Tetra Whisper Filter. Both are HOB filters
Both are only rated for small tanks and I initially bought them for my 2 10 gallon tanks that would be used as a med tank or a quarantine tank

Questions: By currently running the penguin filter on my tank for extra filtration, is it actually helpful, or a waste of time. My tank is 46 gallons
Also on the tetra whisper, where does the beneficial bacteria grow...is it on that black mesh in front of the floss material?

Also, amd I correct in assuming that on the Bio wheel, the bacteria is actually on the wheel? If that is so, how do they actually eliminate the ammonia as the bio wheel turns around. One other question, if I removed the foam piece that has the charcoal and just had the filter running with the bio wheel, and no medium to catch any larger particles, would it still be effective in removing the ammonia

Lots of questions as I try and figure the filter aspect out

 

[Noahs ark6]

Hello

The beneficial bacteria colonises on any surface in the filter where theres a good water flow (on the actual media itself, by media i mean the sponges,floss, everything in the filter) and on the mesh and bio wheel.
Running the penguin filter with no media in it is kind of pointless whilst there will still be bacteria on the wheel that will process some ammonia, the amount of help it will do for the tank isn't even worth the cost of running it. You may aswell keep some media inside it.

Yes there is bacteria on the bio wheel. I'm not entirely sure how long the water needs to be in contact with the bacteria for, for the ammonia to be processed, but obviously not long