How fast should my bio wheel actually spin? Mine spins very slowly, sometimes even stop for a second or so, then slowly spins again.
I thought it was build up in the filter, so I took the filter apart and cleaned it (didn't clean the bio wheel obvisuly). Replaced the filter too, so I know its not a restrictive factor.
Is this normal?
2007-02-16 14:28:17 · 6 answers · asked by mr5oh 3 in Pets ➔ Fish
It only needs to move fast enough so that it doesn't dry out on any segment. It doesn't need to spin fast at all to work. Jerky spinning where it stops periodicly is normal.
Its there to provide a large surface area to volume ratio material for bacteria to colonize on. As long as its wet, its working. If it spins fast, it will add additional airation of the tank water, which isn't much of an additional benefit, especially if you have an air pump, or the water level an inch below the water output, either of which get the job done equally well.
2007-02-16 14:53:58 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
As biowheels become loaded with bacteria, they turn more slowly. If the filter cartridge is old it can get clogged and it will impede flow which will also make the wheel spin more slowly. Also if the impeller(motor) is dirty or it has algal or slime buildup that will also impede water flow. but as long as the bio wheel is actually spinning (no matter how slowly) it is serving its purpose. If you would like to see it spin faster, shake out the wheel in siphoned tank water for a few minutes, to release some of the bio buildup. One more thing you can try is to scrub the intake tube (in tank water) with a small bottle brush, or intake brush.
2007-02-16 15:10:30 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No its not. We have a 75 gal and a 55 gal..biowheels are not cheap eitehr...I would definatley take it back and say you want a new one...You woulnd't want a AC that worked half *** yeah know...Fish need gooe enviroments...not to mention the money you spent on it...Ours spins a little slow when we do our water chagnes and turn it back on...but once its been on forl ike 10 seconds its spinning away...i woudl take it back who cares what they think they didnt pay for it!
2007-02-16 14:40:56 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
I have seen some run as you describe and some run quite fast. I have never found a good reason other than minor differences in manufacturing and have never seen a difference in over all performance.
MM
2007-02-16 14:36:25 · answer #4 · answered by magicman116 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
From some product reviews I've come across, this is a common problem: http://www.aquahobby.com/products/e_penguin.php
2007-02-16 15:10:21 · answer #5 · answered by copperhead 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
as long as it keeps the water moving it should be okay.
2007-02-16 16:55:39 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋