Bio Wheel Filter Trouble

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Rustemeyer83

Registered Member
Mar 1, 2006
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I'm having issues with a bio wheel filter. I purchased one earlier today and had to return it because it would work for a few minutes then quit. Just installed the new one a few minutes ago and it has the same problem. Did I just get a bad batch, is this a common issue with bio wheel filters, or am I doing something worng? Any input or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
 
it is a common issue its usually fixable by wiggleing the intake tube around
 
Before I stated it was common, I'd like to know the specific brand of filter.
 
It's the Marineland Penquin Bio Wheel Filter. It's the smallest one they make, for up to 20 gallons. I tried wiggling the intake tube around and no go. It works for a few minutes then just stops for no apparent reason.
 
Is it just the wheel that stops turning, or the pump is no longer drawing any water? If it's just the wheel, that's fine. They don't actually turn perfectly and evenly, but halt and start. If it's the water suction, try removing the impeller (the thing at the bottom of the intake tube that has blades and rotates) and replacing it firmly in its seat. More often than not, that has fixed power filter suction for me.
 
It's the actual pump that stops. I've filled it up with water myself and I've left it empty with the same results, it works for a minute or less then it stops working. I thought it may have been the substrate(fine sand) in the tank but I tried in on another tank and it does the same thing. Any suggestions before I return this one to purchase a different brand?

Thanks,
Joe
 
try removing the impeller (the thing at the bottom of the intake tube that has blades and rotates) and replacing it firmly in its seat.
Click to expand...

I second this. I had this happen to a mini biowheel a few weeks ago, it turned out it was the magnetic part (?) that had wiggled loose. Take it all apart, and reassemble, really stuff the impeller in (but dont break it!). Otherwise, try a different store to buy a new one, maybe they are a bad batch?
 
I had the same problem with my penguin, I have no idea why, but simply filling it would not get it started, I had to totally submerse it to get the pump primed, then I carefully moved it to the back of the tank, tilting it so the intake stayed submerged.
 
You have to keep priming the filter. Even though you fill it with water to prime it, it takes time for the water to get drawn up the filter intake and finally go through the filter. Just keep filling it for a few minutes, eventually the flow will go on it's own. I own several Marineland 400's and 280's and this happens often.
 
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