I bit the bullet

Well I finally made the decision and p/u a new filter. I got the penguin bio wheel filter. Instead of using the stupid insert media I'm going to continue using my media bag for the aquaclear. I'm just going to place the bag of carbon in the area the insert would go and should I put the bag with phosphate media on top of it? This should be okay right, there is a good amount of room in there for a bag on top of a bag. I hate those cheapy insert media's barely any carbon for anything. With the biowheel, does it need to be cleaned or replaced? Thanks

 

i dont see any reason why that would not be ok. a biowheel acts the same as bioballs but a different way of doing it. but i belive you need to replace the wheel every so often im not sure. im sure someone else will chime in on this one. im thinking about doing something simular but in my sump. it would be a nice way to hold bags of goodies.

 

you leave the wheels in there forever or until they no longer turn.i don't see them useful in a reef tank though.the live rock has all the bio you need.

 

I'd wouldn't even use the biowheel. I've heard claims that they are just about the worst nitrate trap there is

 

Bio-wheels are fine unless you allow them to gunk up (or as mentioned earlier, to stop spinning), they will only house bacteria, not produce nitrates.

 

my hang on the back skimmer had a bio wheel with it . I used it for around 1 year and had no worries . I have now taken it out and have filled the void with LR rubble and sand.