problems with pengiun bio wheel mini

[godwin lee]

I have a 10 gallon tank with two angels and three guppy's, and one small algae eater equipped with a visi-term dexuxe 50 watt heater and a penguin mini bio wheel filter. Before this setup was served by a aquaclear mini (provided 8 good years of service until it failed in november) the water never smells, now that I have a penguin bio wheel, the water smells like crap! It became so unbearable that I had to change all of the water because of this.

My questiion is: is there something that I am doing that is not right? or is it my filters problem? or should I go back with aqua clears?

[SayersWeb]

I've got bio-wheel filters on many tanks and never have trouble with the water smelling. Did you change foods recently? Is the tank not covered as well as it used to be? Is the bio-wheel turning properly?

Very strange.

[godwin lee]

No it was always the same food I fed them, Big als staple flakes. The water only started smelling when i changed the filter to a bio wheel mini.

[often dignified]

The bio wheel shouldn't smell at all... check to make sure nothing is lodged in the filter... old food, a fish maybe?

[godwin lee]

Originally posted by often dignified
The bio wheel shouldn't smell at all... check to make sure nothing is lodged in the filter... old food, a fish maybe?

I checked everything scoured the gravel, checked the filter, nothing unusual. I guess I will give it anohter try and see what happens.

[Soulcoffr]

Since you completely replaced your failed Aquaclear with the Penguin, I'm thinking that it might take a while for the bio-wheel to get established and start doing it's thing. Had you been able to leave the AC in there while starting up the Penguin, you may never have noticed a difference.

Although it shouldn't take too long with your tank being established already for the Penguin to work properly.

Changing all the water and scouring the gravel might also set back the establishment of bacteria in the filter as well.

Just some thoughts on the subject...

[godwin lee]

Originally posted by Soulcoffr
Since you completely replaced your failed Aquaclear with the Penguin, I'm thinking that it might take a while for the bio-wheel to get established and start doing it's thing. Had you been able to leave the AC in there while starting up the Penguin, you may never have noticed a difference.

Although it shouldn't take too long with your tank being established already for the Penguin to work properly.

Changing all the water and scouring the gravel might also set back the establishment of bacteria in the filter as well.

Just some thoughts on the subject...

hmmm, well it seems to work better now, we will have to see in a couple of days.