bio wheels

[ja]

Are bio wheels really a source of excessive nitrates. I always thought the opposite. Ive got the emporer 280 and was wondering if it is not as good as I thought.

 

[big dave]

Yeah take them out while you don't have a nitrate prob. They create excess nitrate because they are too efficient. They break down ammonia and nitrite too quickly and therefore, give off an excess of the end product nitrate.

 

[ssnake]

I've been running bio wheels in my Emperor 400 filter for 5 yrs. Never had a nitrate, ammonia, or nitrite problem.

 

[burnnspy]

Simple biofiltration fact is that all aerobic filters have nitrates as an end product. The amount of nitrate generation is directly related to tank nutrient input(food) and nutrient output(denitrification into Nitrogen or water changes).
BurnNSpy

 

[ssnake]

If I am reading BurnNSpy right, what he is indicating is that whether you use a bio wheel or not, check levels and adjust to suit. I use many things that are against popular belief. I have crushed coral as a bed along with argonite, and yes i have to vaccuum and clean. I use power filters like the emperor that many consider a nitrate factory. But it works for me. I do not want to sit back and only watch my tank, I want to care for it. This tank is my stress reliever, and I like to spend time caring for it. I have never had a coral fatality and only 2 fish fatalities in 5 yrs. I do water changes once a week, and my tank is the talk of everyone that comes to visit. I think I am doing something right if I have the same fish and corals that I bought 5 yrs. ago.