Bio Wheel

Hey guys,
I was wondering if a hang on filter with a bio wheel (Marineland) would be beneficial/harmful to a reef tank. I've had my tank for almost a year and it's been doing ok with just live rock and a skimmer, but I've always been under the impression that a bio wheel always helps (at least for freshwater tanks). Will a bio wheel help, hurt, or not make a difference in a reef tank?

 

Hi and welcome to 3reef!

If your tank's been doing great for this length of time with your present setup I would leave things be. I'm of the philosophy "If it isn't broken, don't fix it".

I would tend to believe that a bio-wheel filter would be a nitrate magnet and therefore need constant attention. You can still use the filter to run carbon when the need arises. I used to have a filter (canister) which I disconnected a few weeks ago because of nitrates build-up in the filter media. I think that my skimmer and LR should be sufficient in terms of filtration because my water quality hasn't suffered since then.

If your water parameters are good with LR and a skimmer then don't touch anything.

Just my 2 bits worth.

 

A bio wheel will help by growing heterotrophic and autotrophic bacteria used to break down ammonia to nitrite and nitrite to a less harmful nitrate...but that is as far as it goes thus many times their is a build up of nitrates in peoples water due to bio-wheels, bio balls etc.

 

I have used a biowheel in the past on my SW tanks. But not anymore. If your doing fine with a skimmer and LR why bother.

 

So you guys are saying I'm better off without one because the more bacteria build up on the wheel, the worse it is for my tank? I thought that was the whole purpose of the bio wheel. I thought it was there to store the good bacteria that helps get rid of harmful bacteria, that's why they never have to be replaced.

 

What I am saying (personally) is if your water is just fine and dandy with your present setup I would leave it alone.

This is JMO (just my opinion).

 

NO, what I'm saying is that the wheel is only good for the break down of ammonia to nitrites and then nitrites to nitrates...then it ends there!!!!
Therfore many times you will get a build up of nitrates and also an excess of phosphates!!!!!
I got rid of my wheel and since haven't had any problems with my nitrates or phosphate level!

 

thanks guys. I'll get rid of the wheel. I'll probably keep the filter on with no media in it just for extra water flow and circulation.