Do bio-wheels cycle a tank faster?

I dont think so.

I would get the bio-wheel, you dont have to worry about going through a mini-cycle when you change the filter pads.

I agree that it won't go any faster. Bacteria tends to grow at a certain rate. The variables are heat, oxygen etc... but the surface doesn't make any difference on how fast they grow.

I use Aquaclears as I don't personally liek the biowheel, but many people do swear by them. Either choice will do the trick.

Several differences

The Penguin will be noisy eventually, both from impeller noise and from splashing as the water level lowers. Keeping the impellor really clean helps. Flow rate is good, not too much, not too little, IMO (I've had this 330 on a 29 gallona dn on a 105 gallon) When the power goes out, the penguin will always come right back on. During a large water change the siphon will lose its prime but just pouring water in the back will fix that. When the penguin is dirty it overflows into the tank. The biowheel is nice, especially if you need to switch an old one to a new tank, instantly cycled. Cartridges contain carbon, great for crystal clear water but expensive. If you want cheaper cartridges you can buy a clamshell type frame that will hold cut padding for cheaper replacements. If you get the 330, there are internal baskets for extra media like peat or whatever.

The Aquaclears seem to be generally a bit quieter (I only had one for a short time on loan so I cannot say that for sure). Flow rates seem high which means that mechanical filtration is better and biofiltration is a bit less. I've read of some issues with the filter overflowing onto the floor when dirty or overfilled with media. If you use two sponges you can maintain bacteria by alternating cleaning of each sponge, and you can move one sponge to a new tank to help in cycling.

blueturq said:

I am planning (hopefully within the next few weeks) to get a filter for my new 37 gallon, and am still debating with myself on whether I should get an Aquaclear filter or a Penguin filter.

If I end up getting a Penguin filter (which comes with bio-wheels) I was wondering, do bio-wheels cycle a tank faster?

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Bio-wheels are very good but *new* filters will not cycle a tank faster. Now an already cycled bio-wheel loaded with bacteria should speed things up a bit.

I have a mini that works great. I'll be starting up a 20 gal high soon and bought an Aquaclear 30 for that one to try out, I hear they are excellent.

Tom

Congrats on the free find. If you would like to add a bio bag to your Aquaclear, they sell the media bags from Aquaclear that has the ceramic media already inside. I think your filter is now called an Aquaclear 50. Why they changed the names I do not know. http://petsolutions.com/product.asp_Q_pn_E_15511370_A_Aquaclear+Biomax+Insert_E_

The aqua clear sponges are all that I use in mine. 2 in each filter. Of course I also have tons of plants as well so that also helps to filter things.

gsk177 said:

Congrats on the free find. If you would like to add a bio bag to your Aquaclear, they sell the media bags from Aquaclear that has the ceramic media already inside. I think your filter is now called an Aquaclear 50. Why they changed the names I do not know. http://petsolutions.com/product.asp_Q_pn_E_15511370_A_Aquaclear+Biomax+Insert_E_

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I think it was because consumers are too "ignorant" to know what tanks to put an AC 200 on. The new 50 is indicative of tank size in gallons, I believe. So, an AC 500, now called 110, will fit tanks up to 110 gallons. Personally, that's under filtered to me, but I'm picky.