BIO-Wheels

[fishieperson321]

How long does it take them to build up enough bacteria to stop completely? I have a 170 on my 20 gallon and I just replaced the BIO-Wheel as it was damaged. I haven't used it in a while and can't remember. While I was on the phone with Marineland, I asked them and they said never. I know that they have to slow down to a halt eventualy. There is no way it can turn forever with no maintenance.

 

[Nic]

just swish them arround in some tank water its not bacteria that make them slow just build up

 

[softturtle]

I used to shake them around in the tank water while doing water changes.

 

[fishieperson321]

I know how to fix it, but I was wondering how long it takes to get so cultured that it no longer spins.

 

[dmopar74]

never, if it stops spinning then the impeller and intake tubes need to be cleaned or filter changed, ive ran mine for 2 years and it has never stopped yet.

 

[MilitantPotato]

The emps have a spraybar, so unless the intake clogs they'll never stop. Cheaper filters with bio-wheels will stop if the media clogs, but they should never stop spinning because of bacteria, maybe slow down to a jerky motion.

It took about a month and a half for mine to slow down a noticeable ammount, after 4 months they still spin fine.

 

[Dr Joe]

I know how to fix it, but I was wondering how long it takes to get so cultured that it no longer spins.

That's not how they work.

When a bio-wheel is fully cultured, it won't have 1/100 oz. of bacteria on it. It will have several types of algae, dirt and general gunk(technical term). The amount of bacteria and the time it takes to cycle depend directly on your bio-load and filter sysem.

Bio-wheels don't need to be replaced unless there is physical damage. Bearing surface wears out, paper in wheel deteriorates or damage incured during maintenence.

The bio-wheel can & will slow down or turn erratically (out of balance), this is caused by improper maintenence...Algae and technical gunk have built up faster on one side of the wheel, they just need to be rinsed in used tank water and if it doesn't come off use a soft bristled art brush to remove the build-up being careful not to damage the wheel.

Hope this gets you back on track.

Dr Joe

.

 

[Potts050]

That's not how they work.

When a bio-wheel is fully cultured, it won't have 1/100 oz. of bacteria on it. It will have several types of algae, dirt and general gunk(technical term). The amount of bacteria and the time it takes to cycle depend directly on your bio-load and filter sysem.

Bio-wheels don't need to be replaced unless there is physical damage. Bearing surface wears out, paper in wheel deteriorates or damage incured during maintenence.

The bio-wheel can & will slow down or turn erratically (out of balance), this is caused by improper maintenence...Algae and technical gunk have built up faster on one side of the wheel, they just need to be rinsed in used tank water and if it doesn't come off use a soft bristled art brush to remove the build-up being careful not to damage the wheel.

Hope this gets you back on track.

Dr Joe

.

Biowheels get coated with a bacterial film that will also contain some types of filamentous algae similar to spirulina. This combination of flora and fauna is a symbotic complex that will improve the nutrient removal capability of the biowheel. If it becomes too clogged with this .....'aufwuchs'.....then try placing the wheel in a fry tank and let the young fish harvest this nutritious food. Dont waste it by trying to clean it off.

Keep a couple spare wheels around and rotate them through an 'Emperor dual core- biowheels and more filter'. Recycle your nutrients and feed your fry a better quality starter food!

 

[fishieperson321]

Biowheels get coated with a bacterial film that will also contain some types of filamentous algae similar to spirulina. This combination of flora and fauna is a symbotic complex that will improve the nutrient removal capability of the biowheel. If it becomes too clogged with this .....'aufwuchs'.....then try placing the wheel in a fry tank and let the young fish harvest this nutritious food. Dont waste it by trying to clean it off.

Keep a couple spare wheels around and rotate them through an 'Emperor dual core- biowheels and more filter'. Recycle your nutrients and feed your fry a better quality starter food!

That seems to be some very useful information!!

 

[RadleyMiller]

Clean them the same way you would clean gunked up bioballs, a quick dunk in TANK water and they should be good. They won't slow down because the amount of bacteria on them is negligible. You are going to have to cycle your tank now, since you got a new biowheel. Dr Joe, I don't think the gray media in the wheel will desinegrate because that would be impractical.