NOLAunderwater

Every now and then, I notice that my Biowheel has stopped turning. Whats the deal with that? I have to wiggle the filter cartridge and it starts spinning again. But who knows how long it goes motionless before I notice it. Which is definately compromising my water.

Anyone know whats causing that or how to fix it?

voiceless_kat

Marineland says that as the beneficial bacteria build up, it can rotate slowly, sluggish or stop altogether for short blips of time. They advise to rinse it very carefully in dechlorinated tank water and then replace it. Don't scrub it at all.

Also ensure the intake is clean and water is flowing regularly over the cartridge filter pad.

Mine have all done this, and after rinsing, they are fine.

Hope this helps.

Val

COBettaCouple

Yea, I'd swish the biowheel and the filter media in a container of treated tap water. Also, see how well the water is flowing through the filter.

Kribensis12

That happens when you dont have clean filter pad's, or there is ristricted water flow.

Drea

Also, periodic cleaning of the impeller (in the top end of the intake tube) helps cuz, even though you do wc's, filter pad changes, depending on how long it's been up and running, it can get gooey and slow the water flow down

COBettaCouple

True and the intake tube can get gooped up too. I use the handy turkey baster to force any goop out of the tube, with it under water in a container.

Trpimp147

i clean my filter assy every other water change to ensure its clean seems to do good.

jsalemi

And one more place gunk can build up is in the wheel bearings -- they're the little blue or purple things the wheel slides into in the filter housing. They're removable by just sliding them up, and can be cleaned with a q-tip and rinsed. They can also be easily replaced if they wear out (though it would take a LONG time for them to wear out ) or become too encrusted that they won't come clean.