Filter that actually works?

The new BioWheel 100 filter I bought last week has already stopped spinning. I've tried everything I could find online to get it to work. Is there a filter that actually works? I'm planning to upgrade from the 18 gallon to a 40 gallon. The under gravel filter is still working and nitrite, nitrate, and ammonia all okay for now.

 

Sponge filters. May not look the best but they are simple and very effective.

 

Aquaclear with a pre filter sponge. Never had an issue with it.

 

Sponge filters, super effective and impossible to break. (Though the air pumps can but I've had the same one I've been using for 5 years.) They can look quite ugly, but if you have a piece of wood or plants, they are more hidden then even a HOB filter.

 

Had a wheel stop spinning, raised the water level in the tank half of an inch and its spinning again

 

Actually just about any filter that doesn't use a bio-wheel. It seems lots of folks have trouble keeping them spinning. You don't really need the wheel so just remove it or leave it there and don't stress about it not turning. As long as the filter is pumping water out of the tank and it is still flowing back in the tank, it will do its job.

 

Actually just about any filter that doesn't use a bio-wheel. It seems lots of folks have trouble keeping them spinning. You don't really need the wheel so just remove it or leave it there and don't stress about it not turning. As long as the filter is pumping water out of the tank and it is still flowing back in the tank, it will do its job.

Sadly, it's just sitting like a stump - no water flow.

 

I don’t see what’s so ugly about sponge filter. I guess in a bigger tank they might be uglier, but I actually like the look of mine. Maybe I’m just weird LOL

 

Aquaclear with a pre filter sponge. Never had an issue with it.

Thanks for the links. Ordered the filter and sponge and they will come on Monday. Meanwhile, what happens with cycling? Should I put the media in water to keep it wet and see if I can put it somewhere in the new filter?

 

Aquaclear/Fluval HOB filter (with a coarse prefilter) is the best in my opinion. You can fit all kinds of filter media in the basket and the water flow is great as long as you maintenance the filter at least once a month.

 

Sadly, it's just sitting like a stump - no water flow.

That's certainly not good. Sounds like you ended up with a lemon. I know a lot of folks recommend the AquaClears so I have to think they are reliable filters. Personally I use penn-plax Cascades. Mostly the 300's. I've never had a minutes trouble with them. My oldest one is at least 15 years old.

 

Sadly, it's just sitting like a stump - no water flow.

I'm not familiar with that brand, but I have an AquaClear that occasionally stops pumping. I can move the intake tube over and stick a small wooden skewer down between the impellers and give it a little turn and it will start running again.