Better media for Biowheel 350?

[toehead11183]

I got 2-350gph biowheels and a canister filter on my 150g. Is there any way to prolong the life of my Mechanical media on my biowheel or maybe use something else instead of the regular media? I bought 2 of those Superchargers for one of them but it doesnt seem to help. I'm trying to find a way keep from having to buy more replacement cartridges for my 350s. I'm already rinsing them out with the srayer on the sink and reusing them 4-5 times before they wear out.

 

[Dr Joe]

Make your own or check ebay for generic replacements.

Which 350? brand.

 

[toehead11183]

marineland

 

[l3raD]

Are they Actually good? i might consider Buying one

 

[redturq]

You can buy some White \ Blue Poly filter pads and cut them the same size as the supercartridge pads and insert them instead of the carbon pads that Supercartridge came with. http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+4136+4231&pcatid=4231

 

[toehead11183]

You can buy some White \ Blue Poly filter pads and cut them the same size as the supercartridge pads and insert them instead of the carbon pads that Supercartridge came with. http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+4136+4231&pcatid=4231

thats a good idea, didnt think of that, thanks

 

[toehead11183]

Are they Actually good? i might consider Buying one

I love mine. My last 7 tanks all had biowheels. I only back them up with a canister filter if i need more mechanical filtration

 

[Bderick67]

I have found the sponges made for AC70s fit well. It will take 4 total, 2 stacked for each side. The bottom sponge fits snug the top will require something wedged in with it, such as the handle from a plastic spoon or fork.

You can easily wash the sponges on a weekly basis.

 

[redturq]

I love mine. My last 7 tanks all had biowheels. I only back them up with a canister filter if i need more mechanical filtration

Canisters are PITA when it comes down to cleaning. As an example Eheim recommends cleaning their filters every several months in the mean time crud accumulates and decompose inside the filter and turning it basically to a nitrate factory.

At least these type of filters I can swap the pads whenever I feel needed without disturbing the bio colony.

 

[toehead11183]

Canisters are PITA when it comes down to cleaning. As an example Eheim recommends cleaning their filters every several months in the mean time crud accumulates and decompose inside the filter and turning it basically to a nitrate factory.

At least these type of filters I can swap the pads whenever I feel needed without disturbing the bio colony.

sorry but i disagree. I clean mine every 1st of the month and it does a great job for mech filtration. You dont have to wait several months just because it said so. also, if you keep up with your water changes, you dont need to worry about nitrates. plus the longer you leave them, the more nirtifying bacteria grows inside and the more stable your tank is. Yes, its a win lose with the Nit Bact or Nitrates but like i said, if you keep up with your WCs, no worries.