I am thinking of starting a nano reef. I have a 20 long and an extra bio wheel around. What should I do with the bio wheel as far as filter media and filter floss? If I understand this correctly filter cartridge can cause all kinds of problems with nitrates? I know that live rock and water changes with a skimmer, and a power head is the best way but this is what I have right now to work with. I Was thinking that I use some chemi pure elite or Purigen or a combo of both with a little filter pad and keep up with water changes. If anyone has any better ideas on what to do with a bio wheel I would love the learn abut it.
starting a new nano reef with a bio wheel?
- Thread starter marine430
- Start date
reeffreak
Reef pro
First,I would run it without the bio wheel.They are known as nitrate factory.Running some media(carbon,chemipure etc.) will be fine.You can have a successful tank with just live rock,lots of flow and diligent water changes.Of course you will need decent lights if you are going to keep corals.You may even be able to convert the filter into a mini refugium with a little rock rubble and chaeto.
Sakura2282
Reef lover!!!
+1 They will become a nitrate factory.
d2mini
Reef enthusiast
What if you remove the wheel and stick some of this in there?
http://www.cermedia.com/marinepure-products.php
I just ordered some of the balls for the compartment in my nano. Been wanting to try it out.
http://www.cermedia.com/marinepure-products.php
I just ordered some of the balls for the compartment in my nano. Been wanting to try it out.
d2mini
Reef enthusiast
Supposedly they have a ton more surface area. Same principal, more effective. Supposedly. Without the "nitrate factory" effect of bioballs or similar. Supposedly.
But in your filter i would try maybe one of those flat ones if they fit???
ErinCahir
Sausage Wrangler
Sup boys.
Them balls look pretty awesome.
I just have rock rubble in the back chamber of my nano. Pretty much the same principal as an HOB filter. (And definitely lose the biowheel.. you can do carbon filters or other media if you change it out every week.)
Them balls look pretty awesome.
I just have rock rubble in the back chamber of my nano. Pretty much the same principal as an HOB filter. (And definitely lose the biowheel.. you can do carbon filters or other media if you change it out every week.)
reeffreak
Reef pro
Even better I think.....more surface area the better.I may add some to a compartment in my nano.
Thanks D2
Newbs64
Go Oilers!
I have a 20 long also, I have a hob on mine currently. I run a emporer 280 and left the bio- wheel in have had no issues with nitrates. I took the filter and carbon pack out and put rock rubble and a carbon bag sitting on top of rock rubble. I know some will ask what test kit I use, I use salifert.
