jar05g

Hey all...so I have an Emperor 280 power filter with a bio-wheel. I've heard that all it does is collect nitrates and that you really don't need it in. But then I've heard that it stores beneficial bacteria that my tank needs. Should I leave the bio-wheel in, or take it out?

sirdarksol

The Bio-Wheel is necessary. It is the part that the beneficial bacteria colonize.
The part that isn't necessary is the carbon in the filter. I have filled mine with ceramic planting medium in order to provide extra biological filtration (and a backup in case the Bio-Wheel stops turning).

COBettaCouple

The bio-wheels don't collect nitrates, just good bacteria. I've never heard that about nitrates before.

jar05g

Thanks guys! I guess I'll just leave it in. I just have a big load in my tank...more fish than I probably should...but I've been doing weekly water changes (5 gallons and it's a 30 gallon tank). Nitrites and Ammonia stay at 0...but Nitrates get up around 15...but not higher...I would just like to see them at 0 at some point.

Tavel

my tap water has 5ppm nitrates in it, so my tanks will never ever in a million years go lower than that. maybe you're in the same boat?

jar05g

Maybe...I'll have to give it a test. I know that the pH is naturally high in it...but a pH buffer fixes that. I guess as long as it's not over 40 it's safe...I just want the best water conditions for my fish lol.