I need help with my Bio-Wheel!!

mazeman22

Marine Biologist in the MAKING!!!!
Jul 31, 2006
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0
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34
Missouri
Hello, Well i need some understanding and help with my new 150b Pengin (mispelled) Bio-Wheel. Just yesterday i finally got my biowheel in the mail, and i got it all set up. Well i'm new to this fish stuff, so i want to know when it will start destroying ammonia and nitrites? I make about 2 15-40% water changes a week and my nitrites will not come down. The weird thing is that my fish aren't that different, only once in awhile one of my fish will sit at the side and just float, but in about 5 minutes or less it's back to normal. And here are my stats: i have a 10g tank with 5 barbs and a silver dollar, a 150b biowheel, and a 5-15 whisper filter. If anyone can please help please do, I would greatly appreciate it!!!! :help:
 
Is this a new tank?

Lose the SD as DD said. The 30-50% weekly is great for routine maintenance.

What are your nitrite and ammonia readings? If you do not have a liquid test kit, please get one. I'd do 50% changes every day to keep Ammonia/Nitirte <.25
 
It will start to work on the ammonia and nitrites when it has started to grow bacteria on it. It will take a little time.
 
Jericho said:
It will start to work on the ammonia and nitrites when it has started to grow bacteria on it. It will take a little time.
it certainly will. it took my old BioWheel about a month or more before it started to get dark, and not that white paper color anymore. that means the bacteria have colonized it. in the meantime, you must keep up with water changes to remove harmful ammonia and nitrites which will make your fish sick or even die.
 
ok

sorry you guys... i got some help from a very reliable site and my tank is now just fine... thanks though
 
AquariaCentral.com