Biowheels and CO2

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Dec 8, 2002
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I am finally starting to setup my new 55 gallon tank with 110 W lights, flourite, pressurized CO2 and filter. I have seen a few comments about biowheels and CO2 but have not figured it out if they are compatible. I just bought an Emperor 400 for the tank thinking it would take care of my needs, though I have never used a filter with a biowheel. I am familiar with agitation on the surface not being good for CO2, does the biowheel agitate the water? Will this filter work with CO2?

Thanks for all of the suggestions in here. I have 29 galoon planted tank right now that is looking great- now I get a bigger one!
 
As long as your water level is high enough that the return isn't creating a waterfall into the tank, kicking up too much turbulence, you should be fine. I've got a Penguin 170 HOT filter, the water passes under the bio-wheel then cascades onto a small outcropping on the filter, on it's way into the tank. I just fill my tank so that the outcropping is at water-level.

HTH
 
Biowheels are major wasters of CO2 for planted tanks. If you are using pressurized gas and don't mind the extra refills, it is your choice. Most folks consider biowheels and CO2 supplemtation incompatible.
 
Really? I hadn't heard that. Is it because of the turbulence issue, or are the bacteria on the biowheel consuming the CO2?
 
The biowheel increases the O2 contact with the water surface. This is the reason that the bacterial cultures are so much more effective.

Unfortunately this also increases the amount of gas exchange which can occur between the water and air, and in that process CO2 escapes the water and is replaced by O2.

Add to this the aforementioned "waterfall effect" and you are gassing out alot of c02.

At least that is my understanding of it.
 
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