Filters

When I bought my 55 from a yard sale it came with some cheap Walmart filter that absolutely sucks..I have used Tetra Bio filters in my 20 and they worked well, but I'm interested in the Bio Wheels...has any body used either of these on this size tank?...and which size should I use...I'm currently having a water clarity problem and an Algae problem and I think it is due to the filter...I have a Gar, Perch and Warmouth,...so if you can help me...PLEASE DO.

When I bought my 55 from a yard sale it came with some cheap almart filter that absoluteoy sucks..I have used Tetra Bio ilters in my 20 and they worked well, but I am interested in the Bio Wheels...has any body used either of these on this size tank?...and which size should I use...I am currently having a water clarity problem and an Algae problem and I think it is due to the filter...I have a Gar, Perch and Warmouth,...so if you can help me...PLEASE DO.

Is the tank cycled? What is you water quality like? How often do you rinse the filter pads? Is the water cloudy or just off color?

I'm not thrilled with the biowheels. I use AquaClear filters.

I have a couple biowheels and they work great. Much better than whisper but they are kinda loud filters. If the tank is going to be in your living room or bedroom I wouldn't use a biowheel. I agree with aquaclear though. I absolutly love all of my aquaclears. I have them on 3 of four tanks and they do an amazing job. They push tons of flow and clear the water quick.

Chad

I love my biowheels I have two 2wheel biowheels on my 55 and I think I could have a trout in there if he water wasnt 79F

Hi, I'm new to the forum but have been keeping tanks for many years. I have always used Aquaclear filters for a couple reasons. The first is that the motors seem to last and keep their power for a long time. I've come by many used that were several years old and still kickin'. Second is that the filter sponge offers a good amount of surface area for biological contact it is and is very very easy to clean and can be reused indefinately. The Charcoal and ammonia packets are the only things that you amy need to purchase. although I have been making my own little charcoal pouches to save some $. For a 55 gal I wouldn't go any smaller than an AquaClear 300. Especially with predatory fish that pass a lot of protien and other nutrients. that's my two cents

Biowheels won't be of much benefit unless your tank is overcrowded. All they do is convert ammonia to nitrite then nitrate more efficiently. You will still have the same amount of nitrite as before, and will still have to do the same amount of water changes. They will also not help at all with water clarity or algae problems. Interestingly, many plants preferentially uptake ammonia over nitrate (which can be useful info for a planted tank).

I don't use biowheels in my tanks, and if the filters come with them I take them off. My favorite filter type is actually a powerhead with a chunk of sponge wedged onto the intake end.

I'm not thrilled with the biowheels. I use AquaClear filters.

I second (Third? Fourth? Fifth?) the use of AquaClear filters. You won't use a different filter ever again.

Biowheels are total junk.

When I bought my 55 from a yard sale it came with some cheap Walmart filter that absolutely sucks..I have used Tetra Bio filters in my 20 and they worked well, but I'm interested in the Bio Wheels...has any body used either of these on this size tank?...and which size should I use...I'm currently having a water clarity problem and an Algae problem and I think it is due to the filter...I have a Gar, Perch and Warmouth,...so if you can help me...PLEASE DO.

I have found that the bio-wheels can stick and when they stop turning, the biological cycle is interrrupted, making them not very effective.

Harry Knaub

Hi, I'm new to the forum but have been keeping tanks for many years. I have always used Aquaclear filters for a couple reasons. The first is that the motors seem to last and keep their power for a long time. I've come by many used that were several years old and still kickin'. Second is that the filter sponge offers a good amount of surface area for biological contact it is and is very very easy to clean and can be reused indefinately. The Charcoal and ammonia packets are the only things that you amy need to purchase. although I have been making my own little charcoal pouches to save some $. For a 55 gal I wouldn't go any smaller than an AquaClear 300. Especially with predatory fish that pass a lot of protien and other nutrients. that's my two cents

Do you think that maybe 2 Aquaclear 70s or 2 110s would suffice?

Hi, I'm new to the forum but have been keeping tanks for many years. I have always used Aquaclear filters for a couple reasons. The first is that the motors seem to last and keep their power for a long time. I've come by many used that were several years old and still kickin'. Second is that the filter sponge offers a good amount of surface area for biological contact it is and is very very easy to clean and can be reused indefinately. The Charcoal and ammonia packets are the only things that you amy need to purchase. although I have been making my own little charcoal pouches to save some $. For a 55 gal I wouldn't go any smaller than an AquaClear 300. Especially with predatory fish that pass a lot of protien and other nutrients. that's my two cents

Do you think that maybe 2 Aquaclear 70s or 2 110s would suffice?