Ugly Bio-Wheel problem

Please clarify, are the entire filters dead, or just the boiwheel not spinning? If it is the biowheel, they do get water logged and slow down dramatically, which is normal, if they are not moving at all, they may be on wrong.

I suppose you've got a bad bunch from the same assembly line? Try mail-order or a different brand.

Do yourself (and your fish) a favor and buy an Aqua Clear filter for your tanks,they are much more durable and very versitile in regards of media choices . Just my 2 cents worth !!

Have you inspected the impeller on the filter?

I have had a penguin MINI with biowheel stop spinning. After monkeying around with it for a week, I disassembled the filter to find that there was a bunch of plant matter clogging up the intake and interfering with the impeller movement.

Just take it apart, inspect it, and then put it all back together and it should work fine 99% of the time.

I also agree that AquaClear filters are superior, but I too am stuck with a bunch of Penguin/Emperors that i have to keep running.

Sometimes when that happens just pull the intake tube up just a bit and it'll start working. I noticed that if I push it in to far that it won't run at all.

If the filter doesn't start, lift the intake tube and the impeller housing out of the filter. Remove the Magnet Impeller Assembly. Use tweezers to remove any stringy or hairlike material that may have twisted around the metal shaft. Hold the assembly by the endcaps and spin the magnet. If the magnet doesn't spin freely, rinse it under a jet of tap water to "unlock" it. Now hold the magnet and try to spin the impeller one turn in either direction. If the impeller does not spin freely, try rinsing under a jet of tap water to "unlock" it. The blades should spin 359 degrees in either dirction, but no more than that. If impeller is broken, e-Mail Marineland @ www.marineland.com. Just follow the links under Customer Service. Just clearly tell them what happened.


If you have replaced the assembly and the filter still won't start, it is possible that a piece if carbon or gravel may be lodged at the bottom of the motor. To remove, pour water directly into the motor cavity, then dump out vigorously while shaking. Also you may insert a drinking straw - not a metal instrument - inside the motor well to break up any sediment. Reassemble the filter and try to restart.


To determine if the motor is functional, plug into an electrical outlet and hold the magnet impeller assembly against outside of filter box where motor is. If you feel the magnet attraction, the motor is functional, if it is not, replace the complete filter assembly or the filterbox. Call or e-Mail Marineland for more assistance. If it is still under warranty, call or e-Mail Marineland and tell them your problems. They will fix them or replace the filter. Good Luck!!!

<><<<<<< :idea: