Biowheel

acpoweradapter · 06/05/2007, 06:41 PM

Hey, I'm really new and I was wondering if one of those filters that hangs on the side of the tank (I can't remeber the name Biowheel or something like that) would substitute for a protein skimmer if I didn't have the money to get one now. It would be on a 20-30 gallon reef tank with maybe 3 fish.

coast2coast7390 · 06/05/2007, 06:47 PM

nope theyre just a normal hang on the back filter...dont skim or anything

MR PALM BEACH · 06/05/2007, 06:49 PM

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Produc...&N=2004+113771

EdKruzel · 06/05/2007, 06:51 PM

The biowheel is used to culture bacteria and break down waste material, ammonia to nitrite and further to nitrate. After that it up to the hobbyist to conduct a water change in order to remove the nitrates.

A skimmer is another process, and while it seems similar in filtration, it is not. A skimmer captures undissolved proteins and removes them from the system as well as adding oxygen and increasing the redox potential of the system.

I would run the tank without the biowheel and depend on sand and rock as my biofiltration. A skimmer is a nice piece of equipment, however is not a necessity; you can keep your bioload low and conduct frequent (weekly) small water changes (about 10%) and remain very successful.

Saltwater_Dog · 06/05/2007, 07:40 PM

Take the biowheel off the hang on filter and remove the filter inside and put some live rock rubble in it. You could also just run some carbon in it.

GreenPuffers · 06/05/2007, 09:03 PM

I have 2 HOB's on my 20. one runs carbon and the other has rubble rock. Toss the wheel.

sam1174 · 06/05/2007, 09:32 PM

You can also buy a "Jebo" skimmer on Ebay for about $50 or $60. There are several threads on this board talking about them. Some people love them, others say they are junk. I just installed one and the jury is still out.

Or, you can buy a Via Aqua Skimmer for $95. They are huge skimmers meant for use in a sump. Here is a link:

http://www.aquastealth.com/index.asp...ROD&ProdID=114

Like the Jebo, some people love them, others say they are junk. I'm just trying to show you that you don't need to spend $250 on a skimmer.

acpoweradapter · 06/05/2007, 09:50 PM

Thanks, ya'll, I think I might end up going with the jebo skimmer from ebay.

06/05/2007, 06:41 PM	#1
acpoweradapter Registered Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Alabama Posts: 527	Biowheel Hey, I'm really new and I was wondering if one of those filters that hangs on the side of the tank (I can't remeber the name Biowheel or something like that) would substitute for a protein skimmer if I didn't have the money to get one now. It would be on a 20-30 gallon reef tank with maybe 3 fish.

06/05/2007, 06:49 PM	#3
MR PALM BEACH Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Jupiter, Fl Posts: 802	http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Produc...&N=2004+113771 __________________ And I thought buying an puppy would be to expensive! Current Tank Info: 23" LCD with Windows Aquarium screen saver.

06/05/2007, 06:51 PM	#4
EdKruzel Premium Member Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 7,384	The biowheel is used to culture bacteria and break down waste material, ammonia to nitrite and further to nitrate. After that it up to the hobbyist to conduct a water change in order to remove the nitrates. A skimmer is another process, and while it seems similar in filtration, it is not. A skimmer captures undissolved proteins and removes them from the system as well as adding oxygen and increasing the redox potential of the system. I would run the tank without the biowheel and depend on sand and rock as my biofiltration. A skimmer is a nice piece of equipment, however is not a necessity; you can keep your bioload low and conduct frequent (weekly) small water changes (about 10%) and remain very successful. __________________ When you find yourself in "Deep Water" it's best to keep your mouth shut! Current Tank Info: 65RR Cube Mixed Reef

06/05/2007, 07:40 PM	#5
Saltwater_Dog Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Grand Isle, Louisiana Posts: 375	Take the biowheel off the hang on filter and remove the filter inside and put some live rock rubble in it. You could also just run some carbon in it. __________________ GO TIGERS!!!!! Current Tank Info: 100 gal, 160 lbs Live Rock, 120 lbs Live Sand, Octopus HOB Skimmer, PC Lighting, 2-Koralia 3's, 2-Max Jett 900's, Filter Guys Ocean Wave + RO/DI 75gpd

06/05/2007, 09:03 PM	#6
GreenPuffers Premium Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Colorado Springs Posts: 519	I have 2 HOB's on my 20. one runs carbon and the other has rubble rock. Toss the wheel. __________________ If you choke a smurf, what color does it turn? Current Tank Info: 20g with fish that swim and coral that grows.

06/05/2007, 06:47 PM	#2
coast2coast7390 Moved On Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Garden Grove Posts: 3,627	nope theyre just a normal hang on the back filter...dont skim or anything

06/05/2007, 09:32 PM	#7
sam1174 Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: North Carolina, USA Posts: 117	You can also buy a "Jebo" skimmer on Ebay for about $50 or $60. There are several threads on this board talking about them. Some people love them, others say they are junk. I just installed one and the jury is still out. Or, you can buy a Via Aqua Skimmer for $95. They are huge skimmers meant for use in a sump. Here is a link: http://www.aquastealth.com/index.asp...ROD&ProdID=114 Like the Jebo, some people love them, others say they are junk. I'm just trying to show you that you don't need to spend $250 on a skimmer.

06/05/2007, 09:50 PM	#8
acpoweradapter Registered Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Alabama Posts: 527	Thanks, ya'll, I think I might end up going with the jebo skimmer from ebay. __________________ ~ Elos Mini ~ Alabama Reefers