Starting a nano reef with a bio wheel?

I am thinking of starting a nano reef. I have a 20 long and an extra bio wheel around. What should I do with the bio wheel as far as filter media and filter floss? If I understand this correctly filter cartridge can cause all kinds of problems with nitrates? I know that live rock and water changes with a skimmer, and a power head is the best way but this is what I have right now to work with. I Was thinking that I use some chemi pure elite or Purigen or a combo of both with a little filter pad and keep up with water changes. If anyone has any better ideas on what to do with a bio wheel I would love the learn abut it.

 

Take it from a guy who has a 20 gallon sps tank. Save up until you can afford a sump. Do it right the first time. I had the same idea as you. Hob filter, water changes and GFO. Believe me, if you want great success and less headache, install a sump.

I did not. I had aggressive algae issues that caused me to tear it down and start over. Then I started it back up and couldn't get a thing to grow. Installed a sump and 8 months later mini colonies of sps are beginning to form.

 

It depends on what type of reef and how many fish you want. If you're planning on stocking to the limit in a SPS-dominant system, then Kevin is spot on- You'll need all the filtration you can get. A HOB won't cut it. OTOH, the bio-wheel will work perfectly fine for a couple of small fish in a mostly softy tank, but you'll need to change the filter pad(s) at least once per week.

 

Check out my tank build.I have 2 small fish(for now) and lps and softies.While the sump is a good choice;the biowheel/hob if maintained properly is sufficient and I am sure you could grow anything you want. Keep up with the weekly pad changes/wc and you should be fine.

http://www.3reef.com/forums/show-off-your-fish-tanks/25-gallon-cube-151605.html
Check out Mr. B's tank as well.old school baby!!!!;D8)