Shoulda stuck with Aqua-Clear....

[elevatethis]

I just set up a new tank and was at the LFS contemplating what I was going to do for filtration.

I've used AC filters in the past and loved them, but never tried any of the bio-wheel filters so I thought I'd give them a shot.

I can not tell you how annoying the mechanical noise from this thing is in my living room. Also, you'd have to stuff this thing so full of extra media to even come close to the surface area that comes with the AC right out of the box.

I also don't like how you don't have a choice about using carbon when you replace the cartidges...you'd think that the manufacturers would catch on to the fact that carbon isn't necessary 99% of the time....

Its going back to the LFS today and I'm exchanging it for an AC filter.

 

[toehead11183]

i like the biowheel, ive used it on my last 6 tanks. I dont mind the noise, it helps me sleep at night, i only use carbon on my 150 to keep the fish smell down, the other tanks only get carbon after medication. as far as surface area, ur right, but i just hose off the media and put it rght back. you cant beat the biofiltration with the biowheel. If the low mechanical filtration is a problem, i just use a small canister filter

 

[cichlaguapote]

Yeah I prefer AC as well...

 

[elevatethis]

i like the biowheel, ive used it on my last 6 tanks. I dont mind the noise, it helps me sleep at night, i only use carbon on my 150 to keep the fish smell down, the other tanks only get carbon after medication. as far as surface area, ur right, but i just hose off the media and put it rght back. you cant beat the biofiltration with the biowheel. If the low mechanical filtration is a problem, i just use a small canister filter

I don't know how you deal with it...maybe I'm just used to a quiet filter...I use AC and Eheim...

 

[unstopable4700]

what size bio whell did you get? i have 2 400's on my 125. got almost 3 box's of bio max in the media containers. not shabby?

 

[navygirl76]

i have used biowheels in the past, but i prefer to use the aquaclears..

 

[gomezladdams]

You must have stuffed too much in there I have 3 emp 400s in my living room and they are dead silent when running properly.When clogged or when the water level is low they make some noise.You dont need to stuff them. They need less biomedia to do the same job,thats the point of the biowheel.By stuffing them full of media you actually decrease the effectivness of the filter.I put ceramic rings in the baskets and use replacement floss pads I make myself and call it good.When the wheel slows down,clean the pads,never have any problems or noise.