Should I Replace My Biowheel?

[GuppyGoddess]

Just treated my betta with melafix and now I tested the ammonia and it's very high and so I did two water changes. I'll be putting the carbon filter back in tomorrow. . .I'm wondering though if the biowheel is permeated with melafix to the point it won't grow beneficial bacteria.

Thanks.

 

[helterskelter]

Melafix should not kill off the bacteria.

But do u know why the ammonia is so high?
The carbon pad will remove the ammonia, but then remove the carbon as it will starve the filter and kill odd some bacteria again.

Water changes is the best option, doing several 25% changes is what i would do.

 

[hobbsthepuffer]

I have been told, and this may be wrong, but remove the wheel and keep it wet if you do any treatements, and then put it back in. Replace it only if it gets completly dried out.

 

[helterskelter]

As soon as u remove it bacteria will soon start to die off.
It should be kept in water with a good flow at all times.

As for replacing it if it dried out, why? As this would be exactly the same and the current one.

 

[drobbyb]

You should never have to replace the bio-wheel. I have a biowheel filter that has been running for over 8 years and have yet to replace them.

Melafix won't affect your nitrifying bacteria, so no need to take it out.

 

[hobbsthepuffer]

As soon as u remove it bacteria will soon start to die off.
It should be kept in water with a good flow at all times.

As for replacing it if it dried out, why? As this would be exactly the same and the current one.

I thought that the dead bacteria were bad for the tank? or do they not die, just go into hibernation?

 

[helterskelter]

Once they have dies off nothing is removing the ammonia, that's the problem, it's nothing to do with the dead bacteria polluting the water

 

[hobbsthepuffer]

Once they have dies off nothing is removing the ammonia, that's the problem, it's nothing to do with the dead bacteria polluting the water

Oh...now I feel silly. Does the same go for sponge bio filters? Or do they need replacing?

 

[drobbyb]

sponges should be gently squeezed in tank water or dechlorinated water. That's all for maintenance on sponges

 

[hobbsthepuffer]

sponges should be gently squeezed in tank water or dechlorinated water. That's all for maintenance on sponges

sweet, thanks...and my guppy babies thank you lol