i bought one yesterday and it says that youre never even supposed to clean it. washing it defeats the purpose because it house all the beneficial bacteria.
Aqua-Tech 30-60 Bio-Filter
- Thread starter Radar
- Start date
This is correct. If you were to RTFM you would have seen the part to NOT rinse or remove it. You cannot just add a biowheel to the AquaTech filters with out first adding a bracket, bearing kit, bio-wheels, and a new cover. You can find replacement parts for them online although it is difficult. You can also just cut down an AquaClear or Fluval sponge to fit inside the holder. I believe some of the Tetra bio sponges will fit also.
Mine came without the bio-filter (some one gave it to me with the tank I bought off them), and I replaced it with some bio-glass in a media bag. It doesn't seem to get gunked up too badly at all. Works like a charm. In fact I use blue bonded pads instead of the carbon/floss cartridges also, which also saves me money.
I had the same problem and called aqua-tech and they are mailing me the bio-fibers free of charge. the number is 1-800-423-6458.
Steel wool will rust and you can pitch the sponge if you have an established tank and can't get a replacement. They aren't supposed to be rinsed - ever. Tetra uses it as does a few other filters and I pitched all of them. It's a different gimmick from the bio-wheel and yes they will grow bacteria as intended. I received some used filters that did not have them and I never bought new ones for it. I have never had any problems related to not having it.
Once you have a well-established tank, it really isn't that important. People put far too much credibility in the ability of filters to carry bacteria on surfaces other than the media.
I have even pulled bio-wheels off and found they do not equate to a substantial amount of bacteria. Sure they help some, but far less than their hype. A properly cycled tank simply does not need them.
As far as the conditions of my tanks go, many fellow members have been to my house and seen the condition of my tanks. I believe they will support that I speak from experience and not something I read somewhere.
Yes you can buy all the parts to convert your Aqua-tech into a true penguin type (It is a penguin sans bio-wheel) but by the time you get done, you might as well have bought a Penguin to begin with.
You will need 2 brackets, 4 bearings, 2 bio wheels, 2 lids.
Once you have a well-established tank, it really isn't that important. People put far too much credibility in the ability of filters to carry bacteria on surfaces other than the media.
I have even pulled bio-wheels off and found they do not equate to a substantial amount of bacteria. Sure they help some, but far less than their hype. A properly cycled tank simply does not need them.
As far as the conditions of my tanks go, many fellow members have been to my house and seen the condition of my tanks. I believe they will support that I speak from experience and not something I read somewhere.
Yes you can buy all the parts to convert your Aqua-tech into a true penguin type (It is a penguin sans bio-wheel) but by the time you get done, you might as well have bought a Penguin to begin with.
You will need 2 brackets, 4 bearings, 2 bio wheels, 2 lids.
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I wouldn't waste the time or money to add the bio wheel.
it's too easy to use the existing frames from the filter pads to use to help scrub the water and add bio media.
I have several of the bio tech filters ..none of them have bio wheels.
it's too easy to use the existing frames from the filter pads to use to help scrub the water and add bio media.
I have several of the bio tech filters ..none of them have bio wheels.
