Bio-wheel filter - maintainence regimen

[shw104]

Hi everyone,

I have an Emperer 400 bio-wheel filter running on a 40 gallon, planted community tank.

So far, I'm very impressed with the filter and have been running with the stock filter media.... 4 of the carbon/blue mesh filter cartridges. It comes with two refillable cartridges that I haven't been using as I wasn't sure what to put in the cartridges. It also has two bio-wheels.

What does everyone use for their media cartridges? What are my options and advice for my tank (planted, community)?

Thanks for the advice.
Scott

[BettaFishMommy]

i have a biowheel 350 on my planted tank. took out the stupid cartridges and shoved a chunk of sponge from an Aquaclear hob in each side, using the plastic frames from the cartridges to keep the sponge in place. rinse the sponges in tank water about every 2nd water change and the wheels i dunk in tank water about once a month to get any chunky crud off (which slows/stops the wheels if left to build up).

[excuzzzeme]

In the media containers I use felt and behind them I use poly-fil. Gives me superior clarity and filtration.

[pjrichar]

ya dont ditch the charcoal pads they sell completely,, but your really dont need them... I use on occasion if i get scum in water,,, etc etc,,, just go to lfs etc,, find some good filer material. it will work great and you wont pay so much for those dang replacement filters pads... they make it sound like you have to have them but you dont... 10 or 11 bucks for three,, no way

[VickiesZoo]

In the media containers I use felt and behind them I use poly-fil. Gives me superior clarity and filtration.

Felt and ploy-fil from the fabric store?? I can picture me sitting at my sewing machine making tank filters. :)

I'm glad Scott started this thread. I've very curious was others use.

[megoto]

I use these as I am gone alot for my job and it is easier for my wife to use and they do a good job.
http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+4136+13371&pcatid=13371

[excuzzzeme]

Felt and ploy-fil from the fabric store?? I can picture me sitting at my sewing machine making tank filters. :)

I'm glad Scott started this thread. I've very curious was others use.

Yes, I get them from my local JoAnn Fabrics or Walmart stores. Depends who has the best sale going on. I spend $20 and it lasts 6 months to a year. I buy large amounts at one time while on sale to save money and also because I can't get to the stores much. No sewing to it. Cut a piece of to fit inside the media containers or stuff it with the poly-fil. Since I have oscars and plecos, it works better to place the felt in the media container and pack the space behind with the Poly-Fil.

I use white felt due to no dyes to leach.

[gmh]

I use these as I am gone alot for my job and it is easier for my wife to use and they do a good job.
http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+4136+13371&pcatid=13371
You can use the plastic sleeves to hold DIY media in place

[sealily2020]

In reguards to the filter media,I use the Super Cartdridge SC6 for my Emperor 400 filters.These are a perminate filter,with Bio Fins.. Check them out at Foster and Smith Aquatics.They are not expensive.I run 2 400s on my 65 Discus tank.Have used these for several years. Was going to change back to Fluval canister,but why change something that is not broken!
SeaLily