Newbie* Filtration Q? here!

[ORKO]

Great site, people, and information.
My question deals with my filtration system in the sense that my biowheel has slowed down alot and the water is flowing over the tube space and into my tank. Is this because the filter cartridge is clogged or something and if so what is the best way to clean it with out messing with the beneficial bacteria?

I am brand new to this hobby and already beating (I think) my ICH problem with the help of this site.
30 gallon FW tank with Power Filter and Power Head. Thanks!

 

[Blinky]

If the water is exiting over the tube, your insert is probably clogged - this happened to me when I was using Aquaclear filters and the media clogged up.

You can change the insert without losing many bacteria, because the majority of the bacteria is on your bio-wheel. They'll be fine as long as you only rinse it in old tank water if/when it requires cleaning.

The wheel slowing down or turning irregularly is normal and means your wheel has built up a nice population of bacteria.

 

[ORKO]

Okay now it seems that my Bio-wheel has completely stopped. I have taken out the cartridge cleaned it in old tank water as well as cleaned any slimey goo around the wheel and nada. I have a Penguin 125 on a 30g. All I want to know is this normal, should I worry or am i not looking at the right place?

P.S. Thanks Blinky!

 

[Blinky]

If it's stopped all together, something's not right. Check to make sure the cartridge isn't interfering with it (happens all the time with my Penguin 170 if I'm not careful how I put it in). If it's free to turn but just doesn't, you may want to check the little blue caps on either side of the wheel - mine stopped once, and I took off these caps and cleaned them, put them back on, and it's been fine ever since.
It's important for the wheel to turn, or the bacteria won't survive, so I hope you can fix it.
I found this old post, it might help.