need help with a couple of problems

[AndyH24]

My 37 gallon tank has a penguin 200 filter on it. The biowheel has almost quit turning. It will spin slow and stop and then start again. I'm thinking of getting another filter, would a canister filter be better? Also I got a python water changer from amazon. It leaks in 2 different places where the hose connects to the tee and where the top of the tee connects to the faucet adapter. The connections are tight and it only leaks when filling. Anyone else have problems with this?

So far, I have only had 1 death and that was 1 of my electric green glofish tetras. The other fish ate his eyes and fins after he died I guess!

Thanks!

 

[authmal]

Personally, I'm not a fan of biowheel filters. I'd say you can still use a HOB, just make sure to use as much intake length as you can. I'd say AC 50 or 70 (bigger is better) because they're quieter than most of the competition and are very customizable as far as media use is concerned, or possibly a pair of 50s. A canister is viable, but it's not as highly advisable on a 37 as it is on larger tanks. If you did go the canister route, be prepared to find that there aren't a ton of options for sub 40 gallon tanks, in comparison to the choices available for 55 gallons and up.

Of course, I'd get one new filter and run it in conjunction with the biowheel for at least a month, to seed it with the good stuff. In the meantime, pour a few drops of vinegar into the notches where the biowheel rests, and on the spindles that go there, to remove mineral build up. That'll at least enable more rotation.

 

[Brian Anderson]

Of course, I'd get one new filter and run it in conjunction with the biowheel for at least a month, to seed it with the good stuff.

Very important if you want your fish to live. But you might be ables to take your current filter apart and clean it really well (not the actual media, just the moving parts) and have it back I'm action.




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[Vincenia]

I have the same filter on my 37g. The biowheel shouldn't stop moving, it would slow down. I had he issue of the biowheel not spinning much and it'll stop after awhile, so I cleaned the moving parts in the filter itself. Everything is back to it should be. I had this filter for 2 years now and it's still going strong.

 

[OrionGirl]

Make sure you have a good gasket on the python--and try adjusting the water volume. It doesn't need to go full blast.

 

[rastoma]

My 37 gallon tank has a penguin 200 filter on it. The biowheel has almost quit turning. It will spin slow and stop and then start again. I'm thinking of getting another filter, would a canister filter be better?

I don't remember exactly where, but somewhere in their documentation they (Marineland) states that slow and erratic behavior of the biowheel over time is basically normal. If it does stop all together don't panic. You're only losing a small portion (if any) of biological filtration. Some have even argued that the biowheels contribute nothing to the biological filtration process (that's a whole different argument though for another place/time

So it slowing down and stopping some times probably had nothing to do with your fish dying. The Penguin filters are not bad and do a good job if the right size filter is on the tank. But as mentioned, the AquaClear filters are probably the most popular HOB filter around (especially here on this site). So if it concerns you, I would look into the AC filters. They are cheaper to operate also because you don't throw away the filter media until it gets really worn out. They use a sponge that you just simple squeeze out several times in tank water (when you're doing a water change). Just take some out with a clean cup or something since you're using a python to change water with. You'll find you probably won't have to buy another sponge for 6 months to a year. So you'll save a bunch of money every year in just filter cartridges.

 

[Daveunkefer]

I don't remember exactly where, but somewhere in their documentation they (Marineland) states that slow and erratic behavior of the biowheel over time is basically normal. If it does stop all together don't panic. You're only losing a small portion (if any) of biological filtration. Some have even argued that the biowheels contribute nothing to the biological filtration process (that's a whole different argument though for another place/time

So it slowing down and stopping some times probably had nothing to do with your fish dying. The Penguin filters are not bad and do a good job if the right size filter is on the tank. But as mentioned, the AquaClear filters are probably the most popular HOB filter around (especially here on this site). So if it concerns you, I would look into the AC filters. They are cheaper to operate also because you don't throw away the filter media until it gets really worn out. They use a sponge that you just simple squeeze out several times in tank water (when you're doing a water change). Just take some out with a clean cup or something since you're using a python to change water with. You'll find you probably won't have to buy another sponge for 6 months to a year. So you'll save a bunch of money every year in just filter cartridges.

+1

I have a penguin 350, and i am looking to add an AC 70 or 110 on my 55. Apparently they are the ****. My penguin slows down a lot. It has 2 wheels, i've checked it and both wheels have stopped before, it doesnt hurt anything.

Normally my problem is there is not enough flow through the filter media/ the filter media is clogged, and there isn't enough pressure to push your wheels.

I normally adjust my media to see if that helps, or if its just completely clogged i rinse it in some tank water. I bet if you completely took out the media cartridges (I'm assuming you are using them) the wheels would spin like it was brand new. BUT, they are far more important than the wheels spinning. Clean them, adjust them, if it bothers you they aren't spinning. :nilly:

 

[Slappy*McFish]

Often times, the little gray plastic 'slots' that the bio-wheel end tabs rest in, begin to wear through. This will eventually prevent the wheels from spinning. Prying out and inspecting these little plastic pieces should verify if that is the problem.

 

[Dobber]

With the Python....I found the design of the lime green adapter to the faucet was flawed...after 3-4 times or so, the seal just below the faucet would begin to spew water and soon after split off.

I tried a different company's (I have no idea the name) adapter that is dark gray in color and its been MUCH better. No issues with the seal by the faucet.

The threading by where the hose attaches into it are starting to wear, and it does take some touch to get it to cinch just right to minimize leaking from that site, but not really much of an issue and I think if I measured and found a rubber gasket for that area it would likely help and be a very inexpensive fix.

 

[FreshyFresh]

There's a bunch of threads on here in regards to slow or stopped wheels on penguin biowheel filters. Like said above, If it's not an issue with the axle on the biowheel or axle slots on the filter, you need to do a thorough cleaning of the filter itself, namely the impeller area and suction tubing.

Clogging hinders flow through the filter = slow biowheel.

They're a decent HOB IMO. The cartridges are well made, fit very well and are inexpensive. Plus a cartridge change takes all of about 5 seconds.

Are they the best HOB? No way.