Bio-Wheels... am I just really unlucky?!

maronov

AC Members
Dec 14, 2006
356
0
0
New York, NY
I either have the worst luck ever or Bio-Wheels are just a really crappy product.
First Penguin 100 - silent, but piece of gravel got stuck and the thing never started up again. Thought it was my fault, so I bought a second. Second one made mechanical noise, but still worked. Tried everything short of part replacement, and just ended up giving it to a friend who didn't mind the noise. Bought a third and, suprise surpise, it's noisy! I'm going to return it, obviously, but I'm really frustrated with the wasted time and money. Am I just really unlucky or have people had similar experiences with Bio-Wheel filters? And since I'm too mad at Marineland at the moment, I want another filter. I've heard good things about the Aquaclear 20 (then again, I heard good things about the Penguin 100), but I'm willing to hear other suggestions for HOB filters.
 
Hmm..are you speaking of the splashing from the wheels being noisy? If so you have to give them time to break in...get saturated with water and bacteria... then they will be silent...

Blue
 
Hmm..are you speaking of the splashing from the wheels being noisy? If so you have to give them time to break in...get saturated with water and bacteria... then they will be silent...

Blue

No, no. I mean the headache-inducing mechanical scraping that no reseating of the impeller motor can fix. Splashing is fine.
 
I purchase 2 29 gal tanks that came with penguin bio-wheels..mind you I am also an advocate of the AC's. the guy gave me the filters because they quit working..he bought new ones but kept them to use on his new tanks.

I took them home and while cleaning the tanks(letting them soak with bleach) I decided to clean the filters..I found burrs on the impellers. buffed them off put the filters back together.PRESTO..they worked.

and they are as quiet as my AC's(except for the mild splashing sound..which actually lulls me to sleep)

before you decide to trash'em check that out..if you still wanna trash 'em let me know:dance2:
 
No, no. I mean the headache-inducing mechanical scraping that no reseating of the impeller motor can fix. Splashing is fine.

Ahh...i have all penguin HOB's, Ive never had a prob with the mechanical noise...

Blue
 
Got 2 myself. Work great.
 
Guess I've had bad luck. Still wouldn't hurt to try something new. Any other suggestions besides the Aquaclear?
 
shhhhh... I do have one whisper that is quiet and does a good job on a ten g..

LOL..it doesnt have the wheel..but a bio foam pad in the media compartement. Havent had any troubles with it..

Blue
 
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