Do I need to get a new Bio-filter?

Question

I have had my 5 gallon tank for almost 2 months and my Bio-Filter is running really slow, it is almost about to STOP. LITERALY. My filter cartrige is new, and the intake tube is clean. I have been spraying the Bio-filter clean...no change. Is it time to get a new Bio-Filter

I already said I tryed to clean it.

The wheel is stopping

Answer 1

If you are referring to a Marineland bio wheel, sometimes the Teflon connections that fit into the axle of the bio wheel get a calcium build up, try and clean them or even replace them with Teflon tape.
If you water flow is slow, this too will effect the wheel, so make sure your impeller and impeller socket are clean.
Make sure your pick up tube is clean, clean this with a fox tail brush.

Make sure your cartridge is also not slowing the flow if it is dirty.
Finally, never wash the wheel or any other bio media such as a sponge in tap water as this will destroy beneficial bacteria.

Also a note here, a sponge pre-filter attached to ANY HOB filter vastly improves bio filtration and allows for less debris to collect inside the unit and slow the filter down, a pre filter also prevents fish fry from getting stuck in the intake.

For much more filter information, plase vist this site:
http://www.americanaquariumproducts.com/Aquarium_Filtration.html
Or for more information resources:
http://americanaquariumproducts.com/Aquarium_Information.html

Answer 2

As long as it is moving, even if it stops for a few seconds at a time then it is still doing its job and getting a new one or cleaning it in anything other then dechlorinated water would mean you would have to build up all those beneficial bacteria again which can cause you to have a bump in your cycle. Have you checked the wheel itself? Not the part that collects the BB but the part that lets it spin, the little piece of plastic? They can get covered in slime and other things and may cause it to slow down.

I just reread your question and are you talking about the motor is stopping or the wheel? Ok good, make sure the brackets that hold the wheel in place are there and clean and that the little knobs that sit in the brackets are clean.

Answer 3

You shouldn't need to, filters should last more than 2 months. Try cleaning the impeller. Actually take the filter off the tank, bring it to the sink and dissassemble it, and rinse all the parts. You'll probably find some really gunky parts that were causing the problem.

Also, in the future, don't replace your filter cartridge unless it is falling apart. I know they say to replace it every few weeks but you do not need to; in fact, each time you replace it, you are killing the "Bio" part of your filter.

Answer 4

Sounds like you got an inexpensive one as part of a package. Cheap ones don't last long. Buy a new one. While upgrading filter consider getting at least a 20 gallon tank. 5 gallons is very small. You can have more fish and they will be healthier in a larger tank.

Answer 5

I have an Emporer 400 on my 75gallon that has two bio-wheels. They don't have to spin very fast, as long as they are kept moist they're fine. Also, you should never replace the bio-wheel.

As for the filter medium, you shouldn't need to replace them, just lightly rinse them off in the water from your water change. Do not rinse them off in tap water, you'll kill the beneficial bacteria in them.

Answer 6

If you're referring to the Bio-wheel, not the filter part then you don't want to ever replace it unless it gets slow like yours has and cleaning doesn't help. You need to take the filter off and clean the pins that hold it on and the holes they go in, no just spraying it. Also, you should check your impeller b/c it may not be moving the water like it used to for some reason. See this web site for more info about impellers:
http://www.petsmart.com/global/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524441780302&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302030564&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=2534374302023693&bmUID=1165588589001&itemNo=0&Ntt=whisper+parts&In=All&previousText=whisper+parts&N=2

Answer 7

it is suggested to contact the concerned supplier from where u bought this equipment. get his opinion becoz he is the relevant person to give u proper suggestion. dont get opinon from unskilled persons........ masood toor.

Answer 8

Try clean it first and then....

Answer 9

i really think its time to change...