BioWheel (maybe canister?) and F8 Sensitivity

[MatthewLaw]

Greetings All- I have a Biowheel 200 in my 15g tank. I have used the same filter/biowheel since the tank was first started in June. Now the biowheel of the whole system slowly turns. it has not come to a dead stop but is moving rather slowly. i have checked the intake tube and it certainly is sucking in the water (presumably no impeller issue).

I have read/been told that as long as the wheel has SOME movement then it is doing its job. I have also read/ been told that removing the biowheel and putting a new one in is pretty much like taking all the good bacteria out of the tank (aka NEW CYCLE).

The 15g tank has recently been turned brackish for a F8 Puffer (named Hynotic for his spots...)..

What does everyone suggest? (Cannister??) I assume I would have to run the cannister at the same time as the biowheel so it could build up media. Any fear of a bacteria bloom from the new cannister? The tank was cycled with the biowheel system almost 8 weeks ago.

Thanks!!

[Agnate]

If you wanted to swap over to a canister, than you would do as you suggested: run the canister and biowheel at the same time, then eventually remove the biowheel (take out the wheel first, leaving the filter for a couple weeks, then remove the whole thing).

You're also correct in saying that, as long as the biowheel is turning, it's doing it's job. If that's your only reason for switching filters, I wouldn't bother switching. There's no point in wasting money on another filter if you've already got a good filter that's doing it's job.

If you're worried, just check your ammonia and nitrite periodically (every couple of days or something) and make sure things are spot on (which I imagine they are).

[MatthewLaw]

thanks for the help.

my biggest fear is I wake up one morning and the wheel is DEAD stopped!! and then bam im up the creek with a 'dead wheel' and then when I do get the cannister, I will have to recycle the tank (possibly resulting in death of F8).

some people have recommended cleaning the impeller and other removable parts. i did a quick cleaning last night and the wheel seems to moving a bit faster. this morning the wheel had not slowed down, so im hopeful.

[Agnate]

Even if the wheel stops, there's still two of the "flaps" that are in the water. Remember, your filter isn't the ONLY thing that beneficial bacteria grows on. The bacteria is on your substrate, decorations, plants, walls, heater, etc. I wouldn't worry too much about it, especially if you keep a sponge in there and whatnot. Might not hurt to have a smaller second filter, though. I try to keep extra filters on my tanks just to be safe.