Tidepool 1 Advice

Just wondering if anyone out there currently has a Tidepool 1 filter and if it is a good filter? The filter has a "biowheel" that I think would be horrible to clean all the time.....and i'm just getting into the hobby. Can my bio-wheel be deleted?? Or would it be better if I left it alone? The filter also has media trays...the previous owner had bio-balls in two of the trays....what would be the best thing to put in the trays??

 

The bio-wheel is most likely the best part of the filter. Because they spin in and out of the water they are an extremely good place for bacteria to grow and thrive. It also helps airate the water. IMO they should never be cleaned. They dont clogg up with stuff because they are not blocking the waters path. I run one on two different tanks and never clean them. One has been running for three years with no cleaning.

I would take the bio balls out. The wheel is better space for bio filtration anyway and bio balls can easily become nitrate factorys. I would run carbon and possibly some phosban if you have phosfate problems.

 

would i be better off if i made a fuge with a 29 gallon tank that is not in use? Use it in conjuntion with the Tidepool? It's a 72 gallon bowfront

 

You would most definately be better off with a fuge. If you fuge has room you can put the bio wheel filter on it and you wont have to see it when you look at the display tank.