bio wheel or no bio wheel

Well unfortunately I am still using a hob filter on my tank. And I'm wondering if I should run it with a bio wheel or not. I'm currently just running the standard filter cartridge and fluval polishing pads in there as well. I took it apart and cleaned it today and the inside of it was filled with I think they are sponges there white little blobs. And please don't give me crap for running a hob filter I'm aware it isn't the best thing to be using but until I finish my sump setup this is what I have to work with. Thanks

 

There is absolutely NOTHING wrong with HOB's. As long as they are maintained properly they are more then sufficient(if you practice good husbandry).I wouldn't use the polishing pads as they will foul quickly.The white blobs are probably pineapple sponges.Harmless filter feeders.Pics will help identify them though.

 

Oh and yes by all means use the biowheel.Its a great way to seed new tanks in the future or use in emergencies.Lifesavers biowheels are.

 

Your probably the first person who has said hob filters aren't bad or crap. It seems like every time I talk to someone about my tank they ask do you have a sump?? And I tell them I have a hob filter and the conversation goes straight to how I should have a sump and how crappy hob filters are. Same with protein skimmer. And its always people who have these elaborate setups with hundreds of dollars spent on equipment. I never seem to get taken seriously because of it which I think is pretty sad and unfortunate. Anyways thanks for the info ill be keeping the wheel on there now. I just heard from some people that bio wheels are nitrate factory's.

 

LOL... I know the feeling.

Been into SW for forty years, and I'm still using UGF and HOB filters. As Vinny said, with proper husbandry and maintenance, they still work perfectly fine.

 

well, there you go! If it's working for you then use it. I guess I've been giving bad advice in terms of recommending not to keep the biowheel on there. Why would you want to have the biowheel if you're primarily using it for mechanical filtration? I would think that it would be a place for nitrate to build up, if you have sufficient rock?

 

We use rock because it is porous.(lots of surface area that is mainly undisturbed) This does not mean all your biofilm is growing there.It will grow on any hard surface.The biowheel is a great way to culture this biofilm so why not use it? In a bare tank the biofilm would have to develop on the glass and sand mainly and wiping the glass would probably cause a cycle (depending on the load and size of the tank.)But it can be done.Hope this makes sense I am tired.lol
P.S. If used for mechanical filtration maintenance is essential but you don';t have to run floss if you don't want to.

 

Old Fart........;D

 

A narrow mind is an empty one.
You can have pristine water using nothing but a tank,heater,and a powerhead as long as you practice good husbandry.Its not about fancy gadgets.Its about consistency and making responsible choices.

 

That is wise old fart to you Vinny.