Your Experience with the Bio-Wheels?

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May 11, 2003
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I've read countless opinions here, as well as other literature online, about the efficacy of the bio-wheel method of biofiltration. It is definitely effective. However, when you made the switch, did you notice any practical improvements in your biofiltration?

If your previous filter was getting the job done, did your new biowheel do a much better job, enough for you to notice? Did the change make your fish healthier?

I'm just wondering. I switched to an Emperor 400 recently, in a tank that was not having any problems. Basically, I was running three hydrosponge filters. Then two of the air pumps gave out. So, rather than replace the Tetra Tec air pumps, which can get pricey, I just bought an Emperor.
 
Since biowheels provide biological filtration, unless one was having a problem with insufficient bio-capacity, you would be unlikely to see much of a change. Biowheels tend to handle fluctuations in bioload pretty well, and I like the fact that they allow separation of mechanical media from bio media, so you don't have to worry about killing your biofilter when you do maintenance.

HTH,
Jim
 
I really like biowheels for smaller aquariums (75 gal and less). I ran 2 pengiun 330's on a 55 gal full of cichlids and never had a problem. The filters and biowheels seemed to provide me a large amount of biofiltration and steady nitrate, ammonium, and nitrite levels even when I got a little lax with water changes every now and again. Plus the pengiun and emperor filters have nice set ups and baskets to compartmentalize your filter for different media yet have slim hang on filter. That's why I actually use two emperor 440's on my 75 gal reef tank and it's cleaner than anything I got with my 100 gal rated canister filtere. I plan to go sump sometime soon to remove all my plumbing from view, but for now my corals and fish are triving.
 
my eclipse hood has a bio wheel and when I was starting out it worked wonderfully getting the cycle going when I only knew about doing it with fish.
I did add fish slowly but even so it seemed to easily keep pace with my introductions.

I did have some amonia but I think it cut my work in water changes to keep those levels down.

no lost fish for that first tank.
 
All my tanks are high on bio-filtration capabilities, and I really can't say that the bio-wheel made a noticeable difference( I've been using them almost since they were invented and my memory is short), but I can say that I have never experienced mini-cycles, or problems when one was in use. I have done some pretty stupid things over the yers with filter cartiges, tank stocking, etc. When I dove onto plants and Co2, one of the hardest things for me to do was make myself pull the bio-wheels. I trust them and really like them, and am nervous without them despite huge bio-filtration elsewhere in the tank system. They are IMO really good insurance and peace of mind. The only HOB I would even consider running as a stand alone filter is the emporer models everything else will always have a second filter with it. I probably won't run the Emp stand alone, but do feel I could with confidence.
dave
 
I have an emperor and it works just great.
The nitrifying bacteria that are essential for eliminating ammonia and nitrite require oxygen to survive. The DO or dissolved oxygen must be kept around 2-3 mg/L in order for order for the bacteria to flourish. Since the biowheel exposes the bacteria culture to both air and water, it makes it superior to most other biological filters. If anyone knows of any other biofilters as good as this, I'd like to know about it.
 
bio-wheel

I am definitely a newbie... got my daughter a 2 1/2 gallon and within a week had her a 29 gallon (October 27). Wife is still a little upset, but what the heck. Anyways...

I converted a Regency 20/40 into a Penguin 170 (made in same factory). I just ordered the bracket, bearings and wheel and it fit right on the Regency. Before I had purchase the conversion I bought a Penguin 125 Bio-wheel. It almost immediately eliminated all ammonia and nitrites. I am sold on the Bio-wheels. I have never had mini-cyles when adding fish and only change 25% water per week.

I read a lot about the bio-wheel and for the reasons others in this thread have stated, it is VERY effective. I too would not be without them. that being said, with my being a newbie I have never used canisters, bottom-filters(or whatever they are called), etc.

But I figure, if it aint broke don't fix it... and with the success I have had I will not use another biological filtering device until these bio-wheels fail me (or should I say my fish?).

The one drawback I have heard some people state is the noise factor. They do seem to "trickle" and as the water level decreases, the noise increases. That does not bother me, as I rather like the noise... it is soothing to me.

Hope this is helpful.
 
guess no better place than the current to post on this.

I had standard PetSmart brand hob filters when i first set up my tank and have recently made the move to Penguin Bio-Wheels and LOVE THEM!@@!

The filtration was superior to the old ones, not to mention the ammonia spikes are non existant even with my big ole sloppy eating pl*co and Oscar making as much a mess as possible in the tank.

The noise was also an issue with me, however, I just hooked up my TWO BRAND SPANKING NEW Penguin 350's and LOVE THEM even more than the old ones. I know it is not an Emperor but these things are flat out sexy looking, not to mention the spillway hangs much lower in tank to eliminate all waterfall noises generated from the running water.

These things get an A+ in my book and I will never go without, unless I upgrade to an Emperor or 2.
 
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I've been useing whisper power filters,and they do a fine job w/mechanical,bioliogical filtration.
 
I have a Penguin bio-wheel and like it. It's the only thing I've ever used, so I can't compare it to anything else. It sounds like someone left the faucet on. I think it's soothing, but that's just my opinion.
 
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